Reel style
March 25, 2010 6:00 AM
When a costume designer for a movie is choosing what clothing will be incorporated into that movie, the characters being portrayed are the inspiration.
If the character is a down-and-out musician, he is put in a tattered jean jacket and dark sunglasses. If she is a princess on her day off, she is put in a blouse and full skirt that fit perfectly. These outfits are chosen to enhance the character, but they often serve a second purpose in inspiring the movie’s audience.
Fashion is an integral part of movies, and designers are often recruited to create entire collections for them. Just as frequently, pieces are thrown together to create looks that are completely unique. Listed below are movies that have not only inspired generations to adopt trends, but have changed what it means to be stylish.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) This classic movie is all about pretending to be something you’re not. The iconic scene where Audrey Hepburn, as Holly Golightly, stands in front of Tiffany’s is wonderfully glamorous, but Holly is not rich and she eats her breakfast outside the upscale jewellery store. Although Hubert de Givenchy created Hepburn’s entire wardrobe for the movie, including the enduring little black dress, the true inspiration lies in the ability to assume whatever persona you want through your clothing.
Bonnie and Clyde (1967) Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde is basically the best dressed hipster in your English class. A pencil skirt, tilted beret and scarf was her crime-committing uniform of choice, and she looked fabulous through it all. This look set off a trend for 1930s fashion, and it continues to transcend time at an American Apparel near you. For a more authentic version of this, thrift stores will do the trick, and you won’t run into yourself in 24 other colours.
Annie Hall (1977) When Ralph Lauren dressed Diane Keaton in preppy, menswear-inspired pieces, he made fashion history that continues to inspire women today. Her ties and waistcoats were masculine, and yet gave elegance to Keaton’s character. Annie Hall is also littered with fashion references, including potentially the first onscreen mention of visible panty lines. If you can soak up this movie and internalize its fashion genius, you’re pretty much set for life.
Flashdance (1983) Jennifer Beals’ character in Flashdance not only empowered women to explore more masculine careers involving blow torches, but it inspired them to hack up sweatshirts and don legwarmers. Although off-the-shoulder sweatshirts kind of defeat the purpose of warmth, women’s exercise attire was transformed. Today, Beals’ look in this movie is heavily reflected in the recent bodysuit and high-waisted trend. Otherwise, limit this look to ‘80s-themed parties.
Almost Famous (2000) This movie solidified Kate Hudson as a style icon, and Penny Lane’s hippie-chique outfits in Almost Famous undoubtedly helped her along. She is whimsical, quirky and glamorous all at once, and women everywhere pined for her fur trimmed coat and embroidered boots. As flowing blouses, round sunglasses and wide-legged pants come back on the fashion radar, Almost Famous should continue to inspire when you’re feeling free-spirited on a summer day. Just don’t eat all the steak.
Sex and the City: The Movie (2008) Much like couture fashion shows, some movies display beautiful things that most people couldn’t even dream of owning. This is the case with Sex and the City. Even if it had no plot – which it practically didn’t – this is beside the point. It is steeped in beautiful dresses, skirts, oversized accessories and of course, shoes. It’s a feast for the eyes and has inspired the modern fashionista to take risks, be fabulous, and keep on drinking Manhattans.
(500) Days of Summer (2009) Zoe Deschanel, the current indie queen, rules in this tribute to all things that “you’ve probably never heard of.” In this movie, she is a femme fatale in a perfectly innocent ‘50s-inspired dress. Deschanel is irresistible in this love story, which is largely due to her character’s quirky feminine style. Each outfit is a more interesting combination of sexy and cute than the previous. The beauty of this look is that it is extremely attainable right now, with high-waisted shorts and pretty blouses gracing every store from H&M to BCBG. Look to this movie to inspire your summer wardrobe.
September Issue (2009) This documentary holds a different kind of inspiration, and that is to stay faithful to your passion for style, and not let those who try to make fashion intimidating scare you away. It follows the production of the September issue of Vogue, and gives an inside look into the fast-paced and powerful fashion industry. It shows how much thought and talent goes into one collection of clothing, and that admiring and coveting parts of this collection do not make you foolish; it is a way to find yourself and your personal style.
Movies can be beautiful to look at because of breathtaking sets and breathtaking actors, but it is a lot more practical to adopt and be inspired by their fashion than to fly to Austria or stalk Johnny Depp.
A lot of time, effort and money go into deciding what will be worn in movies, so it is no surprise that the end product often comes out flawlessly. When you see something onscreen that strikes your fancy, translate this sartorial success into your wardrobe and make it your own.
