Be Still My White Trash Heart
For years I have lusted after the glossy chrome and retro curves of Airstreams, Spartans, Teardrops and most recently Bolers! I am even considering buying one I can use for shoots and possibly rent out. So I am constantly looking and below is a collection of some especially kawaii finds plus a few related images from my archives. Starting with this one, we just happened onto this classic Airstream, a perfect backdrop for a summer Sandpiper shoot. I especially love how the silver chrome glowes under an overcast sky.
1957 Sprite Caravan ~Snail Trails UK
1940's Shasta~ Enjoy Cupcakes
That is me photographing Liv Tyler in the styling trailer before heading out into Times Square. This was the final shot and adding the mustache was a last minute bit of genius on the part of hair stylist Daniel Howell. I had completely forgotten I had taken these till I pulled out the file and went through the contacts.
I am particularly in love with this cute little Canadian fiberglass design, the Boler. Similar to the American made Scamp, there is just something about the curved egg shape that makes me giddy. Illustration of a yellow Boler by O'Reilly Ink and rare 70's circa ads found via Lune. Bottom middle photo via the lovely blog: {not the} Office Type.
A page from my old calendar book where I pasted polaroids and kept track of my gigs. This was one of many jobs I did for the wonderful magazine, Mademoiselle. They booked this vintage Airstream for both production and as a backdrop. It was a unique two-toned cream & brown, I am guessing 60's or 70's? How I wish I had been more diligent in getting my film back from these magazines. I have no ideal what became of the film from this or most of the other shoots I did for them.
From the book, My Cool Caravan which is what they call them across the pond.
A classic teardrop shape trailer.
Charming interiors created by Lovelane Caravans for their retro campers. Renting a bit of nostalgia for a holiday or event is a growing trend.
An Airstream Bambi, one of the smallest they make and still being produced. A new one will set you back about 30 to 40 grand.
Another favorite shoot where the trailer wormed it's way into the picture. I photographed actress, Penelope Ann Miller at the beach in Santa Monica for GQ. I used the interior for some moody glamour. Then an exterior door just as the sun was setting, it was not planned but when she stepped out of the trailer the light was just so beautiful.
Another trend setting up mobile retail shops, maybe inspired by the sucsess of food trucks. I love this updated Airstream interior via Adelante in Austin.
This sleek bachelor pad was hatched from a simple ideal and then a search on Craigslist. The full story is featured on Dwell with more cool photos by Mark Compton.
Both above & below are rental units via Lovelane Caravans located in Cornwall.
Really, what more does anyone need?
Sandpiper, Penelope, Mademoiselle and Liv photos © Lara Rossignol
Top Photos model Jaimie Center for Click~ H&M by Faith Brooks
Friday, April 15, 2011 at 5:00AM
Reader Comments (15)
OBSESSED!!!!!! Please buy one! :)
Phillip and I often talk about how dreamy it would be to travel around in one of these little lovelies!
Fantastic post! I especially love that pic of you and Liv Tyler, how fun! I love behind the scenes stuff and though I know you really do take all these amazing photos it is cool to see you in action.
I love the Bolers too, though I can't imagine how it actually functions!
Sublime post! I am heading over to craigslist NOW!
I love these photos. And it is another reminder for anyone passing through AZ to check out the Shady Dell, which is where I stayed in a retro Airstream, complete with a phonograph and coffee percolator: http://www.theshadydell.com/
LOVE this spread!!!! You are such a genius. I look forward to each of your postings, and this is one of my all-time favorites. I, too, fantasize about traveling around with one of these little gems. As you so aptly put it, what more do we really need? Have a fantastic weekend, as I know you will, and thanks for all the inspiration!
Love! Love! Love! I saw one a couple of years ago in Marie-Claire Idees that was turned into a small guest house in the backyard. They had painted it in cheery white and blue with cherry accents (if i'm not mistaken). I'd be thrilled to take one on a family vacation. So cute! Thanks for sharing the photos. Lovely.
OMG Lara...this has got to be my absolute favorite post! Jeff and I dream of retiring, purchasing an Airstream and traveling the country. We once went to a RV show a couple of hours away from here and spent the entire day walking this enormous area with rows and rows of all sorts of trailers...from the relatively inexpensive pop-ups to the houses on wheels. We had so much fun that day.
Have a great weekend!
There is nothing about this post that isn't kawaii! The interiors, the photos, the soft dreaminess of it all. My husband's aunt owned (or owns, not sure now) an Airstream. We slept in it once but I found it a bit claustrophobic. I think that was because the Airstream is long and narrow, but these Bolers look a bit wider and much more open.
I love the modern updates to some of the caravans. It's sweet and charming. Charming....that's a world I want to live in, a home, my office, everything to be charming.
Amazing post! One of my favorites... I love the mix of your stories and photos with those inspiring caravan ideas. Your taste is sublime.
Oh swoon!! Outside of Portland, OR is an Airstream dealership. On a trip there last summer, my husband and I had a great time looking around and daydreaming about someday....
Woooow, total awsome. I and my husband had visited expo by expo of caravan, in standard way. Your pics are collected from your great sense. Ideas to style them fabulous! Thank you:)
I took this photo of the interior of my friend's Avion in Virginia Highlands. I love the the curtain and carpet choices. Our little girls add a nice touch, too!
http://jramseygeorge.zenfolio.com/p192418703/he0e3dd7#he0e3dd7
Great post! I am loving the caravans right now and this post is totally up my alley. Have you ever seen the work of Leah Giberson? She is a painter with an amazing Caravan series. http://supermarkethq.com/designer/7457/products
What a great round-up! I love it. I had a friend who grew up in Birmingham, AL and his family had a little trailer and the brand was called the sweet bee, but in the Alabama summer, they use to call it the Sweat bee! I always thought that was so funny :)
This is a really late comment but Enjoy Cupcakes just put their amazing trailer up for sale on craigslist, and I thought of you.
http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/rvs/2739120317.html
Wish I had an extra 10 grand lying around!