Salvador Dalí and Man Ray Photographed by Carl Van Vechten in Paris, 1934

In 1934, Carl Van Vechten took a group of photos of Salvador Dalí and Man Ray in Paris against a backdrop of posters peddling toothpaste, cheese, fabrics and other sundries. They posed for the American photographer and writer in an ersatz publicity still.

Van Vechten, whom had just launched a belated photographic career in his fifties, was especially drawn to rising stars of the cultural avant-garde (he was Gertrude Stein’s most fervent advocate) and Dalì and Man Ray fit the bill. Both artists were inextricably associated with Surrealism, even though they were sidelong associates. Man Ray never officially joined the group and Dalì had just survived temporary excommunication for apparent fascist leanings. While Van Vechten captured the duo in an optimistic stance, with Dalì enthusiastically pointing to unseen vistas, both artists would flee France.

40 Amazing Photos of Tim Curry as Frank N Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)

Tim Curry, best known for his iconic role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, passed away peacefully at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, on August 25, 2026. He was 80. His longtime manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed the news. A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Curry had dealt with significant health challenges since a major stroke in 2012 that left him with mobility issues and required the use of a wheelchair in later years.

He remained a beloved figure for that unforgettable, larger-than-life performance as the flamboyant “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania,” as well as roles in films like Clue, Legend, the 1990 It miniseries (as Pennywise), and extensive stage and voice work.

Curry’s introduction in The Rocky Horror Picture Show is legendary. Dropping down in a glass elevator, he commands the screen before uttering a single lyric. He originally rehearsed the character with a German accent, but later shifted to a posh, aristocratic English accent modeled after his own mother and Queen Elizabeth II. This hyper-refined British delivery paired with his deep, booming baritone singing voice made the character both hilariously formal and deeply menacing.

His look redefined glam rock and queer representation on screen, pioneering a boundary-pushing fashion aesthetic. He confidently wore a sequined black corset, fishnets, a pearl necklace, fingerless gloves, and high-heeled pumps. His face featured heavily shadowed eyes, sharp dark eyebrows, and blood-red lipstick, framed by a wild, voluminous mass of curly black hair.

What makes Curry’s performance work so well is his absolute conviction. He does not play Frank-N-Furter as a caricature. Instead, he infuses the mad scientist with predatory charisma, playful wit, and a raw, rockstar stage presence. He balances being a terrifying, selfish villain with an incredibly seductive, sympathetic figure who just wants to fulfill his desires.

Released in 1975, Curry’s fearless subversion of traditional gender roles became a massive beacon for the LGBTQ+ community. His performance helped transform The Rocky Horror Picture Show into the ultimate midnight-movie cult classic, passing down his famous mantra to generations of fans: “Don’t dream it, be it.”

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35 Stunning Portraits of Sophia Loren From ‘Yesterday Today and Tomorrow’ (1963)

These stunning portraits capture Sophia Loren at the height of her beauty and charisma during the filming of the 1963 classic Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Shot on set and in promotional sessions, the photos showcase her natural elegance, expressive features, and magnetic screen presence across the film’s three distinct stories.

Whether in glamorous costumes or more everyday looks, Loren radiates the warmth, sophistication, and effortless allure that made her one of the greatest international stars of the era. These images offer a captivating glimpse into her work and style during one of the most memorable periods of her career.

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The Aftermath of Ian Ball’s Attempt to Kidnap Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth’s Only Daughter, in 1976

On March 20, 1974, an armed, lone gunman named Ian Ball attempted to kidnap Britain’s Princess Anne along The Mall near Buckingham Palace. The 23-year-old Princess Royal famously thwarted the abduction with her calm composure and the now-legendary response: “Not bloody likely!”

Princess Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, were returning from a charity film screening in a chauffeur-driven limousine. Ian Ball swerved his Ford Escort in front of their car, forcing it to stop. He immediately jumped out brandishing two pistols.

The windows of Anne’s Vanden Plas Princess were blown out during the gun fight between her bodyguard and her would-be kidnapper.

Ian Ball’s Ford Escort, and the royal car close behind, at the scene of the attempted kidnap.

Police search for evidence in flower beds by the Mall after the attempt to kidnap Princess Anne.

Police found handcuffs and tranquilisers in Ian Ball’s possession.

Ball intended to hold Princess Anne for a ransom of £2 million to £3 million. When he stormed the royal vehicle, several individuals courageously intervened, resulting in four people being shot and wounded: Inspector James Beaton, her personal police protection officer, who was shot three times trying to shield her; Alex Callender, the Princess’s chauffeur; Brian McConnell, a journalist who tried to intervene; Michael Hills, a police constable who approached the scene.

Ball tore open the limousine door and commanded Princess Anne to get out. Standing her ground, she absolutely refused to budge. While Ball tried to drag her out by her arm, she engaged him in a brief, calm argument to stall for time, eventually dodging backward out of the car when he pulled at her. A passerby and former heavyweight boxer, Ronald Russell, charged at Ball and struck him in the head. Russell then helped shield the Princess while police reinforcements arrived to tackle and arrest Ball.

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1938 Talbot-Lago T150C ‘Lago Spéciale’: French Elegance on Wheels

The 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C ‘Lago Spéciale’ is one of the most elegant French sports cars of the prewar era.

Built on Talbot-Lago’s sophisticated T150C chassis and powered by a refined 4.0-liter straight-six engine, the Lago Spéciale featured a longer wheelbase that allowed for more graceful and flowing coachwork. Many examples were bodied by the legendary firm Figoni et Falaschi, whose aerodynamic “teardrop” designs and sleek cabriolets made these cars true works of automotive art.

Combining advanced engineering with exquisite French styling, the T150C Lago Spéciale remains a symbol of 1930s automotive luxury and sophistication. These stunning photos capture the timeless grace and refined beauty of the rare 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C ‘Lago Spéciale’, a true masterpiece of French prewar design.

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20 Best Portraits of a Young and Beautiful Dolly Parton

Country music legend, philanthropist, and global icon Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026. Her publicist and family confirmed that she died peacefully at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones, following a brief battle with cancer.

Her team confirmed she passed away surrounded by loved ones. Leading up to her death, Parton had been dealing with a few publicized health issues, including kidney stones and an infection that forced her to scale back some live appearances and travel earlier in the year. While she had expressed to fans just days prior that she was dealing with “hard times” medically, her publicist ultimately revealed that she succumbed to a brief, brave fight with cancer. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025.

Tributes are pouring in globally from fans, world leaders, and music legends. Sir Paul McCartney stated, “It is hard to imagine living in a world without Dolly” and added that it was a supreme honor to have her record “Let Be” on her 2024 Rockstar album. Jane Fonda, her 9 to 5 co-star, called her “the voluptuous embodiment of empathy” and wrote that Dolly will always be woven into our hearts. President Donald Trump ordered the American flag to be lowered to half-staff across the country for one week to honor her memory.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Parton transformed from a starry-eyed East Tennessee songwriter into an undeniable crossover global icon. Her trajectory during these two decades laid the entire foundation for her legendary career. Aiming for mainstream pop exposure, Dolly released the smash album Here You Come Again in 1977. The title track hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, earned her a Grammy, and established her trademark aesthetic: towering platinum beehives, rhinestoned jump suits, self-deprecating humor, and elite songwriting.

Over a magnificent seven-decade career, Dolly Parton wrote over 3,000 songs, sold more than 100 million records, earned 11 Grammy Awards, and completely transformed global philanthropy through child literacy programs and medical funding. The world has lost one of its brightest, kindest, and most unifying lights.

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Jeanne Lafaurie: Elegant Parisian Couturière of the Mid-Century

Jeanne Lafaurie (1897–1983) was a French couturière known for her refined and expertly crafted designs. She founded her Paris fashion house in the mid-1920s and operated under her own name until the late 1950s, creating elegant, well-draped garments prized for their quality and understated sophistication.

Located on the prestigious Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Lafaurie’s maison attracted talented young designers, including André Courrèges, who worked there early in his career. Lafaurie also contributed costume designs to French cinema.

Though less widely celebrated than some of her contemporaries, Lafaurie remains remembered for embodying the quiet elegance of mid-century Parisian couture. These elegant designs showcase the refined craftsmanship and timeless Parisian style of Jeanne Lafaurie, a distinguished couturière of the mid-20th century.

Mrs. Stanley Mortimer in a new wrapped coat of cocoa wool with a black rolling shawl collar by Jeanne Lafaurie, sealskin hat by Maud Roser, photo by John Rawlings, Vogue, October 1, 1946

Della Oake wearing an Empire-style dress in several layers of blue tulle over white which gives it a cloud-like appearance by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Arik Nepo, Vogue, Paris, October 1948

Jeanne Klein in charming dress from Jeanne Lafaurie's "Campanule" (Bellflower) line, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1948

Model wearing a one-shoulder, green jersey dress embroidered with feathers and sequins by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Vogue Studio, Vogue, Paris, October 1948

Wenda Parkinson in beautiful chiffon evening gown by Jeanne Lafaurie, photo by Clifford Coffin, Vogue, Paris, October 1948

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