Fashion and Film are intrinsically linked industries that continuously influence one another, inspiring trends and in turn, creating stories. The selling power of cinema is priceless and undoubtedly influences the recycling of trends we see in fashion.
Take a look at our summary of fashion and film:
FILM: Pretty Woman
Julia Roberts’ role as Hollywood Boulevard hooker, Vivian Ward was a career defining role for her as an actress and has subsequently spawned costumes for generations. From the blonde wig and over the knee boots to the ladylike brown polka dot dress, the 1990 film features lots of iconic looks that we see in mainstream fashion regularly, costume party or not! The diamond necklace worn in the film by Roberts was genuinely worth $250,000 and a security guard from the jeweller was on set to guard it.
DOCUMENTARY: The Gospel According to André
This 2018 documentary explores the colourful life of barrier breaking fashion editor Andre Leon Talley. A pillar of fashion over the past 40 years, unfortunately the documentary doesn’t concentrate on the obstacles he overcame as an African American very much. Ultimately, it is a great watch for fashion lovers and covers a stellar career of ups and downs with a host of cameos from fashion’s biggest names.
OUTFIT: Balenciaga black dress – ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’
Perhaps an icon’s most iconic outfit, Audrey Hepburn’s simple and classic black Balenciaga dress in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ is as stylish now as it was back in 1961. The dress actually features in multiple scenes as Hepburn’s character, Holly Golightly, wears the same dresses throughout the movie and simply changes accessories.
CHARACTER: Miranda Priestly from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’
Could we possibly do this blog and not mention Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada? Absolutely not. Chilling stares and cutting lines, the character is reportedly based on US Vogue’s Editor in Chief, Anna Wintour. According to imdb.com, just before filming, Meryl Streep told Anne Hathaway, “I think you’re perfect for the role. I’m so happy we’re going to be working together.” Then paused and followed it with, “That’s the last nice thing I’ll say to you.” And sure enough, it was.
FASHION DESIGNER: Tom Ford
Designer extraordinaire turned director, Tom Ford kitted out the cast in his directorial debut ‘A Single Man’ which earned lead actor Colin Firth an Oscar nomination. As well as his own label, Ford has been at the helm of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent and has directed a second feature film, ‘Nocturnal Animals’. The American designer is a stellar example of the crossover between the creative visions of fashion and film.
COSTUME DESIGNER: Sandy Powell
British Costume Designer, Sandy Powell, has more award nominations and wins than you can shake a stick at (3 Academy Awards with 12 nominations and 2 BAFTA Awards with 13 nominations) and has worked on some of the biggest films of the past 30 years. Well accustomed to period costume, you can see her designs in upcoming films such as ‘The Favourite’ and ‘Mary Poppins Returns’. She has also executively produced 2017’s ‘Wonderstruck’.
FASHION BRAND: Prada
From Head Designer and CEO, Miuccia Prada collaborating on film costume design (2013’s ‘Great Gatsby’) to the brand bringing in heavy weight Directors such as Wes Anderson to direct their commercials, the Prada brand is very much in tune with that of popular culture. Prada is a good example of a fashion house incorporating the film industry in to the way it works as a brand and markets itself. With estimated annual net sales of €3 billion, it is clearly working.
QUOTE:
‘Whoever said orange was the new pink, was seriously disturbed’ – Elle Woods, ‘Legally Blonde’