a la FORMIDABLE
BARCELONA, A CITY UNDER the GROUND
Texto en español >> If Ibiza and Formentera were destinations of the international counterculture from the first moment, and Seville gave birth to the first psychedelic music with that particular mix of flamenco and rock sounds coming from the American
BARCELONA, A CITY UNDER the GROUND
Texto en español >> If Ibiza and Formentera were destinations of the international counterculture from the first moment, and Seville gave birth to the first psychedelic music with that particular mix of flamenco and rock sounds coming from the American
FERNANDO HIGUERAS
Fernando Higueras, the architect, but also the visionary, the painter, the musician, and the photographer, has acquired cult status thanks to social media and his ascendancy among young architecture students. An architect with an overwhelming personality that gave rise to
FERNANDO HIGUERAS
Fernando Higueras, the architect, but also the visionary, the painter, the musician, and the photographer, has acquired cult status thanks to social media and his ascendancy among young architecture students. An architect with an overwhelming personality that gave rise to
INSTANT CITY IBIZA
The Instant City was an inflatable construction created in Ibiza, Spain, in 1971 to provide temporary accommodation for students attending the three-day 7th Congress of ICSID (International Council of Societies of Industrial Design).
INSTANT CITY IBIZA
The Instant City was an inflatable construction created in Ibiza, Spain, in 1971 to provide temporary accommodation for students attending the three-day 7th Congress of ICSID (International Council of Societies of Industrial Design).
ZAMROCK – ZAMBIA’S 70s MUSIC
Zamrock was a fuzzed-out, psychedelic rock combined with local music that emerged in Zambia during the 70s.
ZAMROCK – ZAMBIA’S 70s MUSIC
Zamrock was a fuzzed-out, psychedelic rock combined with local music that emerged in Zambia during the 70s.
BAUHAUS 100th ANNIVERSARY & LIONLION
To celebrate Bauhaus’ 100th anniversaty Formidable Mag joins indie pop/rock band Lionlion and their series of videos shot in some of the most iconic spaces designed under the school’s principles. Lionlion videos share the reduced and minimalistic design vocabulary of
BAUHAUS 100th ANNIVERSARY & LIONLION
To celebrate Bauhaus’ 100th anniversaty Formidable Mag joins indie pop/rock band Lionlion and their series of videos shot in some of the most iconic spaces designed under the school’s principles. Lionlion videos share the reduced and minimalistic design vocabulary of
THE BEATLES – EVEREST
Beatles fans and music lovers in general, often fantasize about what the group might have produced had they stayed together and continued making music into the ‘70s. Well, the truth is, They did. There is the last Beatles album published
THE BEATLES – EVEREST
Beatles fans and music lovers in general, often fantasize about what the group might have produced had they stayed together and continued making music into the ‘70s. Well, the truth is, They did. There is the last Beatles album published
LOTUS ÉLAN
Lotus Élan. Lotus was just a decade old when the Elan launched. The marque had not yet earned its first Formula 1 championship or Indy 500 win, and its first production street car, the fiberglass-monocoque Elite (1957–1963), was a costly
LOTUS ÉLAN
Lotus Élan. Lotus was just a decade old when the Elan launched. The marque had not yet earned its first Formula 1 championship or Indy 500 win, and its first production street car, the fiberglass-monocoque Elite (1957–1963), was a costly
THE HIPPIE TRAIL
The hippie trail was a 6,000 mile route through Europe and the Middle East into Central and Southern Asia. Inspired by the beat generation, Kerouac, Ginsberg… and The Beatles 1967 trip to Rishikesh in India to take part in a
THE HIPPIE TRAIL
The hippie trail was a 6,000 mile route through Europe and the Middle East into Central and Southern Asia. Inspired by the beat generation, Kerouac, Ginsberg… and The Beatles 1967 trip to Rishikesh in India to take part in a
SACRED GEOMETRY
Sacred Geometry. We asked Abstract Geometry master, Enrique Salamanca, to open his studio for our end of summer editorial. Photography by BARTE. Patchwork pants by Desigüal. Big flower and moon pattern blouses by Liu Jo. Denim jumpsuit and flare jeans
SACRED GEOMETRY
Sacred Geometry. We asked Abstract Geometry master, Enrique Salamanca, to open his studio for our end of summer editorial. Photography by BARTE. Patchwork pants by Desigüal. Big flower and moon pattern blouses by Liu Jo. Denim jumpsuit and flare jeans
TORRES BLANCAS, MADRID
Torres Blancas apartment building in Madrid is an extraordinary fusion of the Brutalist and Organic styles built in 1968 by the architect Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza in conjunction with the forward thinking construction firm of Juan Huarte. In the
TORRES BLANCAS, MADRID
Torres Blancas apartment building in Madrid is an extraordinary fusion of the Brutalist and Organic styles built in 1968 by the architect Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza in conjunction with the forward thinking construction firm of Juan Huarte. In the
FRANCOIS-XAVIER & CLAUDE LALANNE
The Lalanne signature, husband and wife artists François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne have charmed the art world with their whimsical, sensual sculptures. François-Xavier’s famous bronze-and-wool sheep and donkey or rhinoceros desks, and Claude’s botanical-inspired furniture and flatware, are elegantly oblivious of
FRANCOIS-XAVIER & CLAUDE LALANNE
The Lalanne signature, husband and wife artists François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne have charmed the art world with their whimsical, sensual sculptures. François-Xavier’s famous bronze-and-wool sheep and donkey or rhinoceros desks, and Claude’s botanical-inspired furniture and flatware, are elegantly oblivious of
CACHAITO
Orlando Cachaito Lopez, was born in Havana in 1933, Mr. López hailed from a family of at least 30 bass players, including his uncle, the well-known Israel Cachao López. Mr. López’s nickname translates to “Little Cachao.” His father, Orestes, played
CACHAITO
Orlando Cachaito Lopez, was born in Havana in 1933, Mr. López hailed from a family of at least 30 bass players, including his uncle, the well-known Israel Cachao López. Mr. López’s nickname translates to “Little Cachao.” His father, Orestes, played
PETER VETSCH
Peter Vetsch earth house are based on an environmentally conscious, ecological and progressive architecture. They stand out due to their closeness to nature and allow an experience beyond the usual four walls and their right angles. The earth house is
PETER VETSCH
Peter Vetsch earth house are based on an environmentally conscious, ecological and progressive architecture. They stand out due to their closeness to nature and allow an experience beyond the usual four walls and their right angles. The earth house is
JIMI HENDRIX-HAWAII
Jimi Hendix landed in the States in 1968 for his firs american tour. Photographer Ron Raffaelli was his official tour photographer. Raffaelli tell us in his own words. “An art director had told me that this British rock star was
JIMI HENDRIX-HAWAII
Jimi Hendix landed in the States in 1968 for his firs american tour. Photographer Ron Raffaelli was his official tour photographer. Raffaelli tell us in his own words. “An art director had told me that this British rock star was
CARLO SCARPA
Carlo Scarpa fundamental ideas in his work regarding light, colour and material that are the basis of architecture itself. Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978), Brion Family Tomb and Sanctuary, San Vito di Antivole, Italy, a zen garden, where water, concrete walls,
CARLO SCARPA
Carlo Scarpa fundamental ideas in his work regarding light, colour and material that are the basis of architecture itself. Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978), Brion Family Tomb and Sanctuary, San Vito di Antivole, Italy, a zen garden, where water, concrete walls,
STASH DE ROLA
Stash De Rola, actually, Prince Stanislaus Klossowski de Rola – friend of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Syd Barrett, played percussion in Vince Taylor’s band, exotic dandy and lover, actor, musician, aristocrat and son of the controversial artist Balthus
STASH DE ROLA
Stash De Rola, actually, Prince Stanislaus Klossowski de Rola – friend of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Syd Barrett, played percussion in Vince Taylor’s band, exotic dandy and lover, actor, musician, aristocrat and son of the controversial artist Balthus
SOLEDAD MIRANDA
Soledad Miranda, more than 35 years after her tragic death on a car accident, she’s still not forgotten, as her work in Jesus Franco’s films of the late ’60s/early ’70s achived cult status. Born on July 9, 1943, in Seville,
SOLEDAD MIRANDA
Soledad Miranda, more than 35 years after her tragic death on a car accident, she’s still not forgotten, as her work in Jesus Franco’s films of the late ’60s/early ’70s achived cult status. Born on July 9, 1943, in Seville,
TAYLOR CAMP
Taylor Camp. In 1969, Howard Taylor, brother of Hollywood star Elizabeth, bailed out a rag-tag band of 13 young Mainlanders jailed on Kauai for vagrancy and invited them to camp on his oceanfront land in Haena, Hawaii. The camp was
TAYLOR CAMP
Taylor Camp. In 1969, Howard Taylor, brother of Hollywood star Elizabeth, bailed out a rag-tag band of 13 young Mainlanders jailed on Kauai for vagrancy and invited them to camp on his oceanfront land in Haena, Hawaii. The camp was
ALVAR AALTO
Alvar Aalto designs are a superb example of the uncompromising spirit that has managed to overcome the barriers of style and taste, fashion and social class. Many of his creations are in greater demand now than ever before. Alvar, was
ALVAR AALTO
Alvar Aalto designs are a superb example of the uncompromising spirit that has managed to overcome the barriers of style and taste, fashion and social class. Many of his creations are in greater demand now than ever before. Alvar, was
PIERRE CARDIN
Pierre Cardin’s pioneering, futuristic clothes had a profound influence on 1960s fashion design. “My name is more important than myself.” -Pierre Cardin. Cardin brought high fashion to the street; he invented the bubble dress and launched the use of cartridge
PIERRE CARDIN
Pierre Cardin’s pioneering, futuristic clothes had a profound influence on 1960s fashion design. “My name is more important than myself.” -Pierre Cardin. Cardin brought high fashion to the street; he invented the bubble dress and launched the use of cartridge
BEATLES’ LAST PHOTO SHOOT
Beatles’ last shooting took place on Friday, August 22, 1969 at John and Yoko’s home in Tittenhurst Park two days after their last recording session together. The photographers were Ethan Russell and Monte Fresco, with additional pictures taken by The Beatles’
BEATLES’ LAST PHOTO SHOOT
Beatles’ last shooting took place on Friday, August 22, 1969 at John and Yoko’s home in Tittenhurst Park two days after their last recording session together. The photographers were Ethan Russell and Monte Fresco, with additional pictures taken by The Beatles’
DONYALE LUNA
Donyale Luna was discovered by photographer David McCabe in downtown Detroit, who marvelled at her tall, willowy body and Nefertiti-like face. She was the first black model who really began to change things; to enable more diverse beauty paradigms to break
DONYALE LUNA
Donyale Luna was discovered by photographer David McCabe in downtown Detroit, who marvelled at her tall, willowy body and Nefertiti-like face. She was the first black model who really began to change things; to enable more diverse beauty paradigms to break
USCHI OBERMAIER
Uschi Obermaier was a key figure of the sexual revolution, even influencing John Lennon and Yoko Ono with her credo of free love. She is known to have had affairs with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Jimi Hendrix. She epitomized
USCHI OBERMAIER
Uschi Obermaier was a key figure of the sexual revolution, even influencing John Lennon and Yoko Ono with her credo of free love. She is known to have had affairs with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Jimi Hendrix. She epitomized
BLOW-UP
Blow-Up, it was high time we review one of FORMIDABLE MAGAZINE all time favorite films. Blow-up became an instant cult film. The photographic seduction session with Verushka, the three-way romp with Jane Birkin on the purple photographer’s backdrop, the footage
BLOW-UP
Blow-Up, it was high time we review one of FORMIDABLE MAGAZINE all time favorite films. Blow-up became an instant cult film. The photographic seduction session with Verushka, the three-way romp with Jane Birkin on the purple photographer’s backdrop, the footage
OPERACION IMPALA
Operacion Impala (Operation Impala) was the dream of five Spaniards to cross Africa on a motorcycle. In 1961 they covered 20,000 kilometers (12,500 miles) in 100 days across Africa from south to north in three prototypes of Montesa Impala and a
OPERACION IMPALA
Operacion Impala (Operation Impala) was the dream of five Spaniards to cross Africa on a motorcycle. In 1961 they covered 20,000 kilometers (12,500 miles) in 100 days across Africa from south to north in three prototypes of Montesa Impala and a
MARIANNE FAITHFUL
Marianne Faithfull has always been a personification of her time. Pure ingénue at the beginning of the ’60s, the hippie chick by the end, then the heroin girl at the beginning of ’70s. Since the age of 11, when she
MARIANNE FAITHFUL
Marianne Faithfull has always been a personification of her time. Pure ingénue at the beginning of the ’60s, the hippie chick by the end, then the heroin girl at the beginning of ’70s. Since the age of 11, when she
BEAT GENERATION
The Beat generation started off as a literary phenomenon but soon progressed to a life-changing attitude. It embraced originality and individuality in the way people thought and acted, throwing out the rules of literature, music, sex and religion. It was
BEAT GENERATION
The Beat generation started off as a literary phenomenon but soon progressed to a life-changing attitude. It embraced originality and individuality in the way people thought and acted, throwing out the rules of literature, music, sex and religion. It was
CHARLES MINGUS
Charles Mingus a world-class jazz double bassist, composer and band leader, is one of the most important figures in jazz. He was not only the most powerfully original bassist in jazz history, but along with Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington and
CHARLES MINGUS
Charles Mingus a world-class jazz double bassist, composer and band leader, is one of the most important figures in jazz. He was not only the most powerfully original bassist in jazz history, but along with Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington and
LAND ROVER
Land Rover Defender or Series, there is nothing more iconic in the world of rugged expedition imagery. It is estimated that 70% of the Series Land Rovers ever built are still on the road today. Photographer Peter Berard posing next
LAND ROVER
Land Rover Defender or Series, there is nothing more iconic in the world of rugged expedition imagery. It is estimated that 70% of the Series Land Rovers ever built are still on the road today. Photographer Peter Berard posing next
MEGATÓN YE-YE
Megatón Ye-Ye marked a before and after in the Spanish pop films introducing a new sensibility until then silenced. Thousands of teenagers saw it several times and it had a great social impact. Directed in 1965 by Jesús Yagüe, script
MEGATÓN YE-YE
Megatón Ye-Ye marked a before and after in the Spanish pop films introducing a new sensibility until then silenced. Thousands of teenagers saw it several times and it had a great social impact. Directed in 1965 by Jesús Yagüe, script
VIDAL SASSOON
Vidal Sassoon with bold geometric cuts bearing equally graphic names, the Five Point, the Asymmetric, did more than upend the beauty industry: He was a pivotal figure in the 1960s style revolution. Actress Nancy Kwan had long thick hair down
VIDAL SASSOON
Vidal Sassoon with bold geometric cuts bearing equally graphic names, the Five Point, the Asymmetric, did more than upend the beauty industry: He was a pivotal figure in the 1960s style revolution. Actress Nancy Kwan had long thick hair down
JAVIER CARVAJAL
Javier Carvajal was a key figure of modern architecture in Spain in the 1950s and 60s. Altos Estudios Mercantiles Business School. Barcelona, 1956-57. Corporate offices, show room and flagship store for fashion brand Loewe. Barcelona, Spain. Loewe flagship store mural,
JAVIER CARVAJAL
Javier Carvajal was a key figure of modern architecture in Spain in the 1950s and 60s. Altos Estudios Mercantiles Business School. Barcelona, 1956-57. Corporate offices, show room and flagship store for fashion brand Loewe. Barcelona, Spain. Loewe flagship store mural,
THE GRADUATE
The Graduate, 1967. Dustin Hoffman earned his first Academy Award nomination as Benjamin Braddock, an overachiever seduced by Mrs. Robinson, Anne Bancroft, to the tunes of Simon & Garfunkel. The movie launched Hoffman to stardom and became an anthem for
THE GRADUATE
The Graduate, 1967. Dustin Hoffman earned his first Academy Award nomination as Benjamin Braddock, an overachiever seduced by Mrs. Robinson, Anne Bancroft, to the tunes of Simon & Garfunkel. The movie launched Hoffman to stardom and became an anthem for
OSSIE CLARK
Ossie Clark whimsical romantic designs of fairytale ballgowns and dresses dripping with sexuality helped set trendy London ablaze in the 1960s. His bold designs, as well as his free-spirited company, were craved and cherised by iconic 60′s figures Mick Jagger,
OSSIE CLARK
Ossie Clark whimsical romantic designs of fairytale ballgowns and dresses dripping with sexuality helped set trendy London ablaze in the 1960s. His bold designs, as well as his free-spirited company, were craved and cherised by iconic 60′s figures Mick Jagger,
PINK PANTHER CAR
The Pink Panther car was a model shown in the series of comedy films under the same name which began with the release of The Pink Panther (1963). Most of the films were directed by Blake Edwards, with theme music
PINK PANTHER CAR
The Pink Panther car was a model shown in the series of comedy films under the same name which began with the release of The Pink Panther (1963). Most of the films were directed by Blake Edwards, with theme music
MASKED BLACK & WHITE BALL
Masked Black & White Ball was the crowning event in the life of Truman Capote, an author at the peak of his talent and fame. Some may say it also was one of his greatest works ever. . Released in 1965,
MASKED BLACK & WHITE BALL
Masked Black & White Ball was the crowning event in the life of Truman Capote, an author at the peak of his talent and fame. Some may say it also was one of his greatest works ever. . Released in 1965,
CHET BAKER
Chet Baker emboided like no other jazz musician a romantic coolness whose mystique involved an alluring strain of danger. His Hollywood good looks and bad-boy reputation, made Baker the posterboy for West Coast cool jazz. Chet Baker rose to stardom in
CHET BAKER
Chet Baker emboided like no other jazz musician a romantic coolness whose mystique involved an alluring strain of danger. His Hollywood good looks and bad-boy reputation, made Baker the posterboy for West Coast cool jazz. Chet Baker rose to stardom in
FRANK MÜLLER
Frank Müller, architect and hipster extrordinaire, talked to Formidable about architecture and life in general. Formidable. What was your first creative drive? Frank Müller. When I was a small child I already was into building houses, with Lego and other
FRANK MÜLLER
Frank Müller, architect and hipster extrordinaire, talked to Formidable about architecture and life in general. Formidable. What was your first creative drive? Frank Müller. When I was a small child I already was into building houses, with Lego and other
THE YARDBIRDS
The Yardbirds introduced three of the most influential guitarists of that era: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. Their innovations — a revved-up instrumental attack, controlled use of feedback, distortion and fuzz; and live, improvisational jams they called “rave
THE YARDBIRDS
The Yardbirds introduced three of the most influential guitarists of that era: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. Their innovations — a revved-up instrumental attack, controlled use of feedback, distortion and fuzz; and live, improvisational jams they called “rave
MATHIAS GOERITZ
Mathias Goeritz painter, sculptor and teacher. In 1953, he presented hіs “Manifiesto de la Arquitectura Emocional” (Emotional Architecture Manifesto). On moving to Mexico City in 1954, he entered a richly productive period. Goeritz was instrumental in establishing abstraction and other modern trends
MATHIAS GOERITZ
Mathias Goeritz painter, sculptor and teacher. In 1953, he presented hіs “Manifiesto de la Arquitectura Emocional” (Emotional Architecture Manifesto). On moving to Mexico City in 1954, he entered a richly productive period. Goeritz was instrumental in establishing abstraction and other modern trends
TALITHA GETTY
Talitha Getty embodied the beautiful, carefree, and romantic spirit of the 60s, and she will forever be one of our all-time style icon. She may not have been well known by the general public, but her presence in the London
TALITHA GETTY
Talitha Getty embodied the beautiful, carefree, and romantic spirit of the 60s, and she will forever be one of our all-time style icon. She may not have been well known by the general public, but her presence in the London
GISELA G
Ibiza Fashion formidable Gisela G invited us to her atellier in the island of Ibiza where she creates her striking and beautiful handmade pieces. Each of her creations is one of a kind and a true art investment. All photography
GISELA G
Ibiza Fashion formidable Gisela G invited us to her atellier in the island of Ibiza where she creates her striking and beautiful handmade pieces. Each of her creations is one of a kind and a true art investment. All photography
LES LIASON DANGEREUSES 1960
Les Liason Dangereuses 1960 updated Choderlos de Laclos’ novel, written 177 years before that. Film director Roger Vadim, And God Created Woman, 1956 and Barbarella,1968, set the bedroom intrigue against a Parisian eve-of-the-’60s world of jazz and sexual permissiveness, cast
LES LIASON DANGEREUSES 1960
Les Liason Dangereuses 1960 updated Choderlos de Laclos’ novel, written 177 years before that. Film director Roger Vadim, And God Created Woman, 1956 and Barbarella,1968, set the bedroom intrigue against a Parisian eve-of-the-’60s world of jazz and sexual permissiveness, cast
VERNER PANTON
Verner Panton is considered one of the most influential 20th century furniture and interior designers. During his career, he created innovative and futuristic designs in a variety of materials, especially plastics, and in vibrant colors. By fusing the elements of
VERNER PANTON
Verner Panton is considered one of the most influential 20th century furniture and interior designers. During his career, he created innovative and futuristic designs in a variety of materials, especially plastics, and in vibrant colors. By fusing the elements of
NICOLAS BOUVIER
Nicolas Bouvier left his native bourgeois Switzerland in 1953 with no intention of returning. In a small, slow Fiat, he and his artist friend Thierry Vernet, and travelled across Europe and Asia over nineteen unforgettable months, pausing in Belgrade, Istanbul,
NICOLAS BOUVIER
Nicolas Bouvier left his native bourgeois Switzerland in 1953 with no intention of returning. In a small, slow Fiat, he and his artist friend Thierry Vernet, and travelled across Europe and Asia over nineteen unforgettable months, pausing in Belgrade, Istanbul,
MARY QUANT
Mary Quant creation, the miniskirt, became one of the defining fashions of the 1960s. It was developed separately by designer Andre Courrèges, and there is disagreement as to who came up with the idea first. Mary Quant named the miniskirt after
MARY QUANT
Mary Quant creation, the miniskirt, became one of the defining fashions of the 1960s. It was developed separately by designer Andre Courrèges, and there is disagreement as to who came up with the idea first. Mary Quant named the miniskirt after
KENNY BURRELL
Kenny Burrell, an all time favorite here at Formidable Magazine. His music is a wonderful blend of ultra cool elegance and conviction, musical inventiveness and thoughtful restraint. The owner of the original ultra cool bluesy jazz sound. Kenny Burrell initially
KENNY BURRELL
Kenny Burrell, an all time favorite here at Formidable Magazine. His music is a wonderful blend of ultra cool elegance and conviction, musical inventiveness and thoughtful restraint. The owner of the original ultra cool bluesy jazz sound. Kenny Burrell initially
DANGER DIABOLIK
Danger Diabolik, 1968, is Italian director Mario Bava’s stylish, psychedelic adaptation of comic book anti-hero, Diabolik. Created by sisters Angela and Luciana Giussani. The film is a lush, Technicolor feast, boasting jaw-dropping sets, real visual élan and just about the
DANGER DIABOLIK
Danger Diabolik, 1968, is Italian director Mario Bava’s stylish, psychedelic adaptation of comic book anti-hero, Diabolik. Created by sisters Angela and Luciana Giussani. The film is a lush, Technicolor feast, boasting jaw-dropping sets, real visual élan and just about the