Seven Lessons In Fashion From The Movies
By Christina Karras
One of my favourite things to observe about fashion is how trends come and go, moving in the revolving door of fashion. Often brought back by celebrities (or rather their stylists) they continue to pop up in runways, and pop-culture.
I am always amused when I manage to pick trends before they spread like wildfire thanks to online shopping and Instagram - I used this magical foresight to predict gold jewellery, coloured puffer jackets, millennial pink. I’m even more fascinated when clothes my mum wore back when she was my age, are made trends again.
Because while being new and unique is the bar artists often reach for, true originality is a rarity in today’s oversaturated society.
Appropriation is an age-old tradition within the arts, and fashion is no exception. But, that doesn’t have to carry a negative connotation. Plus, who doesn’t love when your mum’s old clothes comes back in?
So here is a snapshot of a some of the most iconic silver screen looks, and the trans-seasonal looks we can steal from them.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
To be transparent, this is just a really beautiful film. And I really love Timothee Chalamet. (Like a lot.) Watch it if you want to feel some intense and heartbreaking emotions about love. That said, the big holiday energy of the costumes are unparalleled, as is the overall aesthetic – and the ridiculous chemistry between Timothee and Armie Hammer. Relaxed linen shirts, Lacoste polos and pastel board shorts set the mood for the perfect vacation.
Talented Mr Ripley (1999)
Similarly, maybe this movie is on the list because I’m dreaming about a European summer. At the same time, it has some equally as fantastic looks. The thriller is set in the ‘50s, a dreamy couple – Gwyneth Paltro and Jude Law – grapple with an outsider - a sexy, nerdy and obsessive Matt Damon – while wearing classic resort wear. They take inspiration from the Italian seaside, wearing sandy tones, pale blue polo shirts and light cord jackets with boat shoes. Gwyneth is gorgeous and effortless, rocking a tan and crisp white shirts tied in at the waist with flowing midi skirts, and chiffon hair scarves.
Clueless (1995)
Appropriated and re-appropriated, Cher and Dionne’s matching plaid sets have become an iconic ‘90s moment from this classic rom-com. Now perhaps the look most worn for costume parties, the style has been picked up once again for everyday attire. Blazers have become a staple of many high street stores; modernly paired with distressed denim, and co-ord suits have also make a comeback. In addition, the coloured velvet, and hair accessories are a big mood. I’ve been rocking my old butterfly clips lately, so consider this a petition to bring it all back.
Bladerunner 2049 (2018)
The cinematic sequel to the 1982 sci-fi film sees Harrison Ford reprise his initial role alongside Ryan Gosling, seeking safety and fighting man-made replicants in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Its atmosphere sees characters brave the year 2049 in unconventional protective outerwear. K’s leather coat has a dramatic shearling collar, which has also been made modern with the numerous Sherpa style jackets on sale at the moment. Female androids rock a mix of fabrics, like fur with body-con undergarments, and the knee-high PVC boots offer Puma X Fenty motor cross vibes. Joi’s futuristic yellow plastic raincoat over an all black outfit is a look I can see in our not so distant future.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
The warring families of Baz Luhrmann's Shakespeare Romeo + Juliet sees an array of vintage designer looks that could be brought into your wardrobe. The Capulet’s make like an Italian mob; wearing D&G looks complete with sexy leather vests and cowboy like belt buckles. But perhaps the standout takeaway is their ornate chunky jewelry, vintage necklaces with traditional crosses and embellishments. Meanwhile Leo and his Montague clique rock a more contemporary look with sheer tops and hyper-coloured Hawaiian shirts, paired with grungy pants. The two contrasting looks of dark, sleek and sexy and the ‘90s skate rat both seem to be making a reprise.
The Matrix (1999)
See: @iamgia (and all their influences) Bella and Gigi Hadid have been running around fashion weeks worldwide rocking those tiny seductive sunglasses - and unlike the ‘train driver hats’ this is one I’m really on board with. Keanu Reeves' iconic full length trench stands to influence the extensive range of long-line puffer jackets, and the Trinity’s muscle tank also lives on in 2018. Pair a turtleneck with leather-look bottoms for an all black get-up appropriate for a high fashion funeral.
The Virgin Suicides (1999)
This Sophia Coppola classic is defined by its dreamy aesthetic, set to a suburban ‘70s golden hour. The Lisbon sisters meet their doomed fates as they are subject to the expectations of their religious parents. Often wearing delicate lace dresses and Victorian nightgowns with frills. For today, this ‘puritan’ look remains, but transformed into sultry baby doll dresses with corsets, like those of daisydaisy.tv, or billowing florals in Marc Jacobs campaigns. Meanwhile, the innocent school-girl has been doing the rounds since the American Apparel days, and lace bodysuits are standard night-out attire. I imagine the film’s catholic mother would be mortified…