Throughout cinematic history, some of the most renowned fashion statements have been made on the silver screen. From Audrey Hepburn’s classic look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Mia Wallace’s messy bob and leather jacket in Pulp Fiction, iconic movie costumes have made a lasting impact on style and fashion culture. This article takes a look at some of the most iconic movie costumes that have shaped fashion over the years.
1. A Look Back at Iconic Fashion Films
Hollywood and the fashion industry have come together for decades to produce iconic style-driven films. From Givenchy outfitting Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Prada dressing Meryl Streep for The Devil Wears Prada, some of the most memorable films that combine fashion and cinema have blended together to create unforgettable moments in movie history.
Take a look back at some of the most iconic fashion films:
- Moulin Rouge! (2001)
- Pretty in Pink (1986)
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
- Clueless (1995)
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Moulin Rouge! pairs extravagant costumes with incredible performances, making it an undeniable classic rife with theatrical implications. Similarly, Pretty in Pink’s main character was immediately recognizable in her signature cool pink “prom dress”, while Some Like It Hot equipped its female characters with jaw-dropping costumes that made them almost unrecognizable. Accompanied by Cher’s wildly famous white Calvin Klein suit, the gang of high schoolers in Clueless revolutionized fashion for teenage girls, and the Prada wardrobe that transformed Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada created a world of envy for its viewers.
From high-end couture to affordable ensembles collected off the mall racks, each of these films has become iconic in its fashion-forwardness. From the very beginning of cinema, fashion has played a pivotal role in storytelling – from costume design to wardrobe. Just a few pieces of fabric are sometimes all it takes to make a movie that much more enjoyable.
2. Examining the Impact of Movie Costumes on Style
Costumes are increasingly popular and influential in movies, and their impact on style can be profound. Whether it’s a well-tailored suit or an eye-catching dress, costumes can launch a trend that will resonate with movie-goers long after the movie’s debut.
Hollywood Costumes Inspire Real-World Trends
Costumes seen in movies can give people fashion inspiration that they can incorporate into their real-life wardrobe. Often, the costumes seen in Hollywood hit movies translate very well to real-world styles. For example, do you remember the stunning array of pantsuits that Michelle Pfeiffer wore in the movie ‘Scarface’? We now see women wearing a variation of this look in their everyday lives.
Themes carried through Costume Design
Costumes go beyond looking good; they carry the themes of the movie with them. Think about the costumes seen in the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz. They are as much characters as the actors themselves. Dorothy’s blue gingham dress is a symbol of her small town beginnings, while the evil witch wore black in order to represent her dark goals.
- Costumes often inspire real-world trends.
- Costumes can carry the themes of a movie.
- Hollywood costumes have a profound impact on style.
These days, movies are often designed to be stylish from the start, and the costumes play a large part in achieving that look. As a result, these costumes end up making a lasting impression on moviegoers, which in turn has a huge impact on the fashion industry.
3. Cult Classics: Fashion Films We Love
Cult classics are strange, remarkable art pieces that have far surpassed the test of time. Every once in a while we come across avant-garde fashion films that completely capture our attention and don’t let go until the very end.
Below are some of our favorite fashion films that have become iconic over the years. We guarantee you’ll be obsessed:
- Dior and I (2014) – this delightful documentary was shot behind the scenes at Dior. It traces the creative process of Raf Simons, the brand’s Creative Director, preparing for the buzz-worthy and much-anticipated couture show.
- Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008) – this documentary follows Valentino Garavani and his business partner Giancarlo Giammetti, as they bid farewell to the industry, making way for a new era in fashion.
- The Selby is in Your Place (2008) – this charming film invites us into the most creative minds in the fashion industry. Iconic our own Todd Selby takes us through the day-to-day routines of a diverse group of creatives.
- The Great Gatsby (2013) – although it isn’t strictly a fashion film, the adaptation of the classic novel is dripping with opulent style and flair. Captivating wardrobe and larger-than-life set designs make it a must-see.
These cult classics transport us to the thrilling world of fashion and creative vision. They’ve inspired a passionate fanbase and innovation for generations to come.
4. Rewriting the Rules: How Movie Costumes Redefined Pop Culture
From Wonder Woman’s American flag-inspired outfit to The Hunger Games’ Girl on Fire ensemble, movie costumes have emerged as powerful symbols of current trends in contemporary pop culture. They not just set the tone for the director’s vision but have time and again become the embodiment of what people wear, celebrate, and aspire to.
Fashioning Change
Movie costumes have been instrumental in transitioning fashion from the gender binary era to a more fluid and diverse landscape. Examples include Black Panther’s Okoye, who exuded a confident masculinity in her traditional African dress and accessories devoid of any sexist tropes or Harley Quinn’s comic-inspired costume that has grown to become a statement among young women. The success of modern-day franchies like Star Wars and the Marvel Universe have also led to the evolution of fashion as people continually look for ways to express their fandom and loyalty by donning pieces of related merchandise.
Making an Impact
From runways to red carpets, designers have been influenced by the trends set by movie costumes. A case in point is Elizabeth Swan’s corsets in the first Pirates of the Caribbean flick being worn by celebs at events like Cannes and Golden Globes. This impact transcends film characters and is felt even in luxury fashion houses. Gucci’s 2016 collection was largely based on the urban 1920s opulence of The Great Gatsby movie while Louis Vuitton creative director Nicolas Ghesquière’s 2016 Cruise collection incorporated elements from Star Wars.
Movie costumes have been an integral element in weaponising cinema’s ability to influence mass opinion. They have been successfully used to consolidate the cultural and social leaning of a movie and propel it into superstardom. It is safe to say that movie costumes still remain very much an assertive force in the way pop culture is shaped.
5. How to Incorporate Movie-Inspired Style in Everyday Outfits
Has your favorite celebrity ever stepped onto the red carpet wearing something so stunning that you could not tear away your gaze from them? Movie-inspired styles have the power to make us feel young and stylish no matter what the occasion may be. But if you think that movie styles are not suitable for daily wear, then think again! Here is how to incorporate them in your everyday outfits.
- Mix and Match
Cultivate a look that speaks to you and your lifestyle by taking elements from various pop-culture pieces. Choose a shirt inspired by one movie and combine it with statement jeans from another. Do not be afraid to experiment and bring your own twist to movie-inspired styles. - Start with Accessories
Accessories, like cufflinks, cravats, and scarves, can add a movie-inspired touch without taking away from the simplicity of your outfit. Instead of having something that is traditional, start with something that is more low-key and tasteful to make a statement. - Make It Your Own
The beauty of movie-inspired styles is that you can make it your own. Wear something you feel most comfortable in and create a look that is unique to you. Also, consider the occasion when going for a movie-inspired outfit. it is important to maintain a level of appropriateness for the event.
In the same way as movies make us dream of adventure and romance, allow movie-inspired fashion to bring some excitement and personality to your everyday wardrobe! With a few tweaks, you can make movie-inspired styles work for almost any day-to-day outfits.
The iconic looks of fashion in film have had a lasting influence on style, and this influence will no doubt be seen for many years to come. As movies release more stylish pictures, we can only imagine the many ways that fashion will be represented and admired on the silver screen. Who knows what new trends and classic looks will evolve as we watch fashion evolve through film!
