Fashion to Film

A lapse in my social life (the result of recently low funds), tragic as i may be, has indeed allowed me to refine my focus and interest in film and literature and as much as I'm sure everyone would love to read about Henry James' "Turn of the Screw", I thought a look into some famous fashion film moments may make a more light-hearted read...

I've decided to start with the film that I suppose people immediately think of when we talk of the iconic fashion moments in the industry. From the impeccable style of class of Audry Hepburn herself, only enhanced by the classic aesthetic of Givenchy is a match made somewhere beyond heaven. The opening scene as Hepburn stands in the window of Tiffany's, alone on the street at dawn, wearing a black dress and a set of pearls eating breakfast is basically perfection.

Something I have discovered through researching this post has to be that the most interesting and successful costume collections come from period films and I suppose that is only to be expected. They offer something different that excites the watcher and the creator. My favourite costumes come from Jean Paul Gaultier's incredible designs for Fifth Element. Based somewhere in the future, around the time that cars will hover and Chinese gets delivered to your window.. With the morning post is the angry, my mum would argue, sexy, Bruce Willis and the confused, yet gorgeous Milla Jovovich. The fact that the woman is clothed simply in a few white bands and yet remains covered has to be an achievement in itself. But the outrageous, ingenious costume designs for some of the characters, specifically, Chris Rock is pure brilliance.

When we heard that Tom Ford was taking his hand to directing, it was a given that his strict eye, clean lines and stylistic approach would transfer to screen as an interesting work of art. A grainy 80's approach to the filming almost acts opposite to the chic suits worn by the typically English Colin Firth. 

It seemed, however, that the real challenge was Catherine Letterier's; designer of costumes for the French film, Coco Before Chanel. Nominated for both a Bafta and an Oscar and winner of the French award, The Cesar, it would appear that Letterier definitely hit the mark. Talking to PaperMag.com, she explained how the difficult part was making what Chanel wore seem revolutionary to a contemporary audience without appearing boring. So, using stark contrast between Chanel and her contemporaries, creating parallels with her and the men around her, made the vision interesting and very obvious of how extraordinary Coco was.

Ah.. Perfection.