The Devil may wear Prada, but Ben Kingsley wants to wear it too. Prada's latest fashion film, "A Therapy," which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21st, is simply impeccable. Directed by Roman Polanksi (of the Pianist) and starring Ben Kingsley and Helena Bonham Carter, the film is a quiet tour-de-force that centers around a purple Prada coat. Were it not for their ad campaign or the single shot of a Prada label in Bonham Carter's shoe, you might not know what the video was for. Polanski calls it an "anti-ad," but I call it a gateway to more intellectual and substantive fashion films. The room for analysis is endless; the mise-en-scene, the dialogue, the concept, and the characters all lend themselves to thought-provocation. No wonder Prada is one of the most influential design houses of today. After all, "Prada suits everyone."
Showing posts with label Fashion on Film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion on Film. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Post #96: Fashion on Film - Some Like it Hot
Tonight I was a happily finished-with-her-homework-for-the-week college student, so I decided to treat myself to a good TV show. If you've seen the commercials for NBC's show "Smash" and are just dying for it to premiere, look no further than Hulu. The website has the first episode in its pre-premiere full-length glory (http://www.hulu.com/watch/321922/smash-special-full-length-preview-episode-1). The basic plot-line appears to be two girls (Katherine McPhee and Megan Hilty) competing for the starring role in a new musical about Marilyn Monroe.
Being the old movie buff that I am, I couldn't help but love the clips from and references to Billy Wilder's 1959 classic "Some Like It Hot." If you haven't seen it, do. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon play two young men escaping gangsters by dressing in drag and joining an all-girls band. In the band they meet the one and only Marilyn Monroe, whose character they both immediately fall in love with. With musical numbers, pitfalls, and cross-dressing this comedy is poised for laugh after laugh.
Every time that I've seen this movie, my attention has been caught by one particular dress that Marilyn wears while performing "I Wanna Be Loved By You" and then on her date with Tony Curtis's character. No matter how modern or scandalous the age we live in is, this dress still seems shocking to me. Cut to show off one (or should I say two) of Marilyn's greatest assets, the sequin placement over sheer fabric in the bodice of this dress leaves both everything and nothing to the imagination. As if that weren't enough, the back is fully exposed (much more like dresses you would see today). The sexuality of the dress may almost breach the line of sexy and promiscuous. I feel as if even the director may have been cognizant of this fact; if you look at the lighting in the video clip below, the spotlight makes a pointed effort to leave everything from her collar-bone down in shadow. In a not-so-peculiar trend of old films, Bert Henrikson was in charge of the wardrobe for the film, but Orry-Kelly was the designer of Miss Monroe's gowns.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Post #90: Fashion on Film - Singin' in the Rain
Let's face it, the number of people walking around Case Library in pajamas is reaching an all-time high this week. And that's ok. We all need a break especially with the stress of mid-terms upon us. So, instead of chastising the Colgate population for their sweatpants and lounge-wear, I thought I'd embrace it.
If you've never seen the 1952 movie "Singin' in the Rain," then you're missing out. One of the classic Hollywood musicals of all-time, it not only has great songs and actors, but it also has great fashion. The costumes in the movie were designed by Walter Plunkett, who designed the costumes for over 100 Hollywood films including Gone with the Wind. His masterful work is especially shown-off in the musical number "Beautiful Girl." Possibly even rivaling the costume sequences of The Devil Wears Prada, the number represents vintage fashion at its creative height.
What does this have to do with pajamas? The very first costume worn by the first "beautiful girl" is supposed to represent couture lounge-wear for the time. "For lounging in her boudoir this simple plain pajama..." So just take a moment to imagine if everyone in the library were wearing "plain" pajamas with fur, bright colors, and silk or satin instead of gray sweatpants and flannel PJ bottoms...and laugh. Happy studying Colgate.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Post #86: Fashion on Film - Alice & Olivia Fall 2011
Maybe it's just my addiction to all things with a vintage vibe, but Alice + Olivia's Fall 2011 Tag-You're-It video is my favorite fashion film in quite a while. The mise-en-scène of the film perfectly ties into Stacey Bendet's quirky designs and how fashion choices reflect our individuality. The collection was presented at New York City's Plaza Hotel, which, to me, makes the use of lace and vintage accessories (like the first hat we see, gloves, pearl ropes, and cat-eye sunglasses) feel even more reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Set to the sounds of "Jerry Weintraub" by Waldeck, this film may just be sheer perfection.
And if you just can't get enough Alice + Olivia, you can shop the collection on ShopBop. Playing with flapper style and manipulating silhouette, here are my three favorite looks from the collection:
Photos From: http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2011/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/aliceandolivia/#slide12&ss1
http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2011/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/aliceandolivia/#slide23&ss1
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Post #81: Fashion on Film - Runaround Sue
From the tenth second of G-Eazy's "Runaround Sue" music video, I was captivated. The vintage costume of the lead girl reminded me of all of the reasons why I not only love fashion, but its history as well. The vintage-inspired dresses worn by all of the characters not only look good within the context of the video, but have the ability to transcend time (I can definitely see them showing up at sororities at the very least). At a point in history where fashion is taking inspiration from shows like Mad Men, the fashion in this film is certainly something to take note of. The costumes were designed by Elsa Brodmann, a New Orleans native with a penchant for freelance costume design and distinctive style. Creater/Designer of the clothing line Ottilie Brodmann, she is definitely a designer to watch.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Post #79: Fashion on Film - Crazy, Stupid, Love
Normally when it comes to the clothing in feature-length films, the women get all of the credit. And while a woman (Dayna Pink) was the costume designer for this summer's Crazy, Stupid, Love, it's Ryan Gosling's character (Jacob) who continually caught my eye. No, it wasn't just because Ryan Gosling is an incredibly good-looking male...it was actually Jacob's 36 costume changes that captivated me and made his character complete.
In an article in Entertainment Weekly, producer Denise Di Novi (referring to Gosling's character) said "His clothes are his art. It's a way of giving his life some higher meaning" (http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20513701,00.html). I can certainly relate to this. Most times when I walk into my closet, I think to myself "what outfit will make me feel the most confident doing x activity?" or "what will make me look and feel studious?" A character is never complete without their costume (right down to their underwear).
Gosling's character is a perfect and nuanced example of this. Being cocky and (somewhat rightfully) overconfident in his ability to woo the ladies, Jacob doesn't fear looking dapper or a little more "choosily dressed" than the above-average male. Dayna Pink dressed him in custom-made suits by Albert Hammon Jr. (of The Strokes) and Ilaria Urbinati (professional stylist). As if the suits themselves weren't enough, Pink made sure to take the next step in having Martin Greenfield (Brooklyn-based tailor and icon) produce the items, making sure that they perfectly fit Jacob's physique.
Finished off with shirts from Alexander McQueen, Simon Spurr, and YSL, along with rings by David Yurman and shoes by Givenchy, Jacob's style is nothing short of the epitome of (albeit flaunted) sophistication. And his character is all the more believable because of it.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Post #76: Fashion on Film - Florence's Favorite Hat?
Being an avid and almost obsessive lover of Florence + The Machine, I recently checked out their latest video (to the song "What The Water Gave Me"). While I was slightly disappointed with the video, because Florence is normally a little more creative than that, I did perk up upon seeing one of her wardrobe choices. At multiple points in the video she wears a hat. As I sat there watching, I thought to myself "haven't I seen this hat before?" And indeed I had. The hat she wears in the video is the exact hat that she wore during her Good Morning America soundcheck this summer. Perhaps it's one of her favorite personal wardrobe pieces? I think it might be. Take a look.
The Hat in the Video
Florence During Soundcheck
Monday, August 1, 2011
Post #74: Spotted/Fashion on Film - The LRD
The classic "little black dress" that is go-to cocktail party (and numerous other events) attire dates back to the 1920s and Coco Chanel. It will be forever in vogue and women will never forget its simple sexy and slimming effects. However, as has come up in magazines over the years, the LBD has its own distant cousin with a fair amount of allure...the LRD.
Songs have been written about it (i.e. Lady in Red by Chris DeBurgh), movie scenes have been dedicated to it, so if you're tired of a color palate reduced to that darkest of dark shades, the little red dress may be just the option for you. Made in a color that has signified sex and passion throughout history, the little red dress is not for the meek. However, I suggest that you all take a walk on the wild side sometime and try it out.
In the finale of Oxygen's The World According to Paris, Paris Hilton is shown donning one for her 30th birthday party. Determined to stand out in a crowd in a flirty (but more mature than pink and girly) way, Paris commissioned her Moulin Rouge-inspired dress to be made...and personally I just love it.
Picture From: http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/2011/02/paris-hilton-30th-birthday-red-party-dress-photo.jpg
Now, because she's Paris and because it's a themed party, Hilton completely got away with this look. However, for the average wearer, I would advise against matching red shoes and black fishnets. After all, you don't want to look like a hooker.
Personally, I found my own LRD on sale at Express the other day. It's made of cotton jersey and is extremely comfortable...but the best thing about it is how versatile it is. For one, there's the "basic" look: dress, strappy heels, and thin purse with a long strap. While carpet is sucking up my own heels in the photo below, I do advise maybe trying a pair of black pumps (or if you have the budget for it, a pair of Christian Louboutin black pumps with the signature red soles would be amazing) for a simple yet classy look.
The "Basic"
If you want to add a little more glitz and glamour to your overall ensemble, try a pair of killer earrings. The ones I'm wearing were bought at Bebe. However, you could try a longer all black pair as well. However, I would stay away from adding a necklace due to the shape and draping of the front of the dress.
The "Glitz"
If you're feeling more of a club vibe, add a thin black scarf or a thicker belt and booties. Black booties will instantly give a cocktail dress more edge as they're tougher than your average heel. A black belt will help break up the block of red if your figure is getting lost beneath the fabric. However, in the case of a dress like this, I would advise belting it just below the bust with a thicker belt so as not to make the draping look awkward. As you can see by the second and third pictures below, it's much more flattering that way (as in the second photo over the third).
The "Club"
"Edge" Look One
"Edge" Look Two
Finally, if you want to dress down your little red dress while still feeling fierce, you can add a leather jacket to the mix. Always tough, it'll rough up your look and add some great texture to it.
"A Touch of Leather"
Dare to mix things up a little. It's not like I'm suggesting you wear animal print or some crazy pattern. I'm also telling you now that smoky eye shadow (but not red lipstick) will make this dress scream "sex kitten." So go on and take one for a spin. You may just stop some men dead in their tracks.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Post #72: Fashion on Film/Something to Note: Thigh-Highs
For the past week I've been catching up on episodes of the ABC Family show Pretty Little Liars. One of the things that I forgot that I loved about this show was the clothing. I don't think I've ever seen four best friends who are all so well-dressed in their own unique styles. While next week, I will definitely write more about these girls, tonight's post refers to Hannah's stockings in the episode "The Bad Seed" in the first season.
At the very end of the episode, when the girls get up from their table to follow the police officer, Hanna is wearing lacy thigh-high stockings with her outfit. Reminiscent of the G by Guess and Legs Avenue stockings below, these (to me) feel like they belong more in the bedroom than the classroom. However, at the same time, they also feel kind of chic.
Put in your two-cents on the subject by answering the poll on the upper-right section of the screen.
Put in your two-cents on the subject by answering the poll on the upper-right section of the screen.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Post #69: Fashion on Film - The Potter Awards
Most stories have their archetypal characters. There's the villain, the hero, the damsel in distress...etcetera, etcetera. However, when you narrow things down to various trends and styles, you end up with labels like "prep," "goth," "hipster," and more. So, after looking at all of the Harry Potter films, I thought I would give out a few "archetypal" awards to our cast of characters.
Most Fashionable
Rita Skeeter and Gilderoy Lockhart
With Ms. Skeeter's gossipy agenda, tailored silhouettes, and sexy librarian glasses, there is no denying that she trumps almost all other Potter characters when it comes to caring about her looks. Silks (such as the one seen on the left) and elaborate leather details (see right panel) add just the right touch of chic to her witchy apparel.
At the same time, Ms. Skeeter may have met her opposite sex match in the form of Gilderoy Lockhart. Rocking even lavender robes and waistcoats, he always looks quite dashing. And rightly so, seeing as how most of the female wizarding world is in love with him. Just imagine the size of his wardrobe!
The Girly Girl
Lavender Brown
With her affinity for pink headbands and pet-names for her "sweetheart" (Ron Weasley), Miss Brown is definitely the archetypal girly girl of Harry Potter.
The Fairy Princess
Fleur Delacour
From her perfect Parisian-esque blue Beauxbatons uniform to her outfit at the beginning of Deathly Hallows: Part 2 to her wedding dress, Fleur floats through the fashion world like the perfect fairy princess. Many have compared the gown to a dress from Alexander McQueen's Fall 2008 collection. The major differences between the two are the length and top of the bodice. McQueen's dress involved two peacocks facing each other while Fleur's involved two phoenix heads that rose above the top of the bodice. Nevertheless, this is the perfect wedding dress for the wizard world.
Picture From: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rvUb9E-lnL4/TOaYIyCfopI/AAAAAAAACyg/ityc5LMAmrk/s640/fleur.jpg
The Goths
The Death Eaters
The "goth" look is best wornby Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, Snape, and Bellatrix Lestrange. Lucius and Snape in their long black robes (combined with their pale skin and long hair) show a very muted side of the goth look. Here Lucius' cane and silver buttons add just the right creepy touch. Narcissa does the same, but in the form of long gowns with fitted bodices. Meanwhile, Bellatrix Lestrange puts her own BDSM spin on things with corsets, leather, and cut-outs.
Picture From: http://images1.fanpop.com/images/photos/1300000/another-bellaphoto-bellatrix-lestrange-1355233-399-299.jpg
The Hippie
Xenophilius Lovegood
The vests, the patterns, the fit of the clothing, and the color palette all fit into the category of flower power. And while we're at it, let's add Professor Trelawney with her headscarves and necklaces to this category.
Have more thoughts? More categories? More characters that fit certain style labels?
Comments are welcome.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Post #67: Fashion on Film - Harry Potter (Part 2)
While Alfonso Cuarón probably changed the style and fashion of the Harry Potter world for good with Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire did reinstate some of the magical flare in the clothing at Hogwarts. With a new director (Mike Newell), it seemed as if a refresh button of sorts had been hit.
As can be seen in the movie poster (below), the advertising still contained Muggle clothing, but careful attention was paid to the garb worn by the characters participating in the Tri-Wizard tournament. Just look at the lacing on Harry's cloak.
When Muggle clothing did take center-stage in the film, it made its mark in scenes where it was more believable that the characters would be in casual garb. For instance, in the picture below (showing Ron, Harry, and Hermione in their common room), the dynamic trio is in their pajamas. Ron's robe is even eclectic enough to be seen as more wizard-like than "normal."
Picture From: http://www.ukhotmovies.com/reviews/harry-potter-4/
In itself, the fourth book lent itself to more elaborate costumes just because of its content. Not only do you have the normal Hogwarts day-to-day schedule, but you have the introduction of two new wizard schools (Beauxbatons and Durmstrang both hail from different parts of the world, allowing for a more varied approach to clothing) and the Yule Ball.
Regarding what Hogwarts students wear to class, not much has changed since Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The striping on their ties is the same along with the more muted colors on their robes and a darker gray for their sweaters. I suppose one thing to note is the fact that you now see more of a mix; many students do not wear their robe over the sweater/skirt or sweater/pant combo. Also, the pleating on the girls' skirts has changed. They now have more of a flat-pannel front instead of all-around pleating (as seen in the second movie).
Picture From: http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/2600000/Cedric-harry-potter-and-the-goblet-of-fire-2695226-2560-1703.jpg
The Yule Ball brought each character's background into play, determining which dress robes appeared more wizard-like or fashionable. Ron Weasley, in his hand-me-down robes, looked every bit the crazy wizard with ruffles galore. Harry's robes have more of a mixed vibe. A lot of the elements that one might see in a tuxedo are apparent, yet they retain the same kind of front (however much more subdued) as Ron's robes. They still look like something out of a Harry Potter film over something out of a James Bond movie. Hermione's dress is elegant, but also looks like a credible senior prom dress at many U.S. high schools. Meanwhile, Viktor Krum's apparel screams Russian or Bulgarian, but definitely retains a wizard edge (through its fur trims and silhouette).
Picture From: http://www.ukhotmovies.com/reviews/harry-potter-4/
Finally, because its introduction of new people and new schools, the costume designer of Goblet of Fire got to bring more variation into what wizards might wear. This is particularly apparent in the uniforms of the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students, as well as the style of the one and only Rita Skeeter. The hat details on both Fleur and Viktor's costumes add the perfect amount of specificity to their looks, while the structure and colors of Ms. Skeeter's suit/dress combos works its own kind of seductive and extravagant magic. You can tell by the variations in texture of her outfits that she not only cares a lot about her appearance, but spends a lot on it.
Picture From: http://www.ukhotmovies.com/reviews/harry-potter-4/
Then there was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The fifth movie did not change much in the way of costuming. In fact, some of the same costume ploys and differences were adopted yet again. This is evident in the introduction of new characters and new rules. Uniform-wise, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix brought in the option of the button-up sweater or the pull-over sweater. In many respects, it also kept the students more visibly in their uniforms. As can be seen through Dumbledore's Army meetings, the students were seen wearing their uniforms even during down-time.
Picture From: http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/harry-potter-and-the-order-of-the-phoenix-image.jpg
This increase in uniform-wearing is partially the cause of Dolores Umbridge being made Headmistress in Dumbledore's absence. One of my favorite moments in the fifth movie shows up in the trailer for it. While the students still wear their uniforms in a "teenage" fashion à la Prisoner of Azkaban, Dolores Umbridge's focus on propriety straightens them up.
Speaking of new characters and new focus, the prevalence of Dolores Umbridge and Luna Lovegood in this film add new fashions (in the same way that Lupin and Rita Skeeter may have in previous films). Umbridge's affinity for fuzzy and pink and Luna's radish earrings add perfect pops of color in a darkly tinted film.
Picture From: http://www.harry-potter-movie-buzz.com/wp-content/uploads/harrypotter/large_Umbridge%20and%20Minions%20Find%20Secret%20Room-jpglqdmx.jpg
But have no fear, darkness isn't too far away as Death Eater's take over and Bellatrix Lestrange's laced, corseted, leathered self takes center stage at the end of the film.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Post #66: Fashion on Film - Harry Potter (Part 1)
In 1997 J.K. Rowling created a magical world filled with cloaks and pointy hats and measuring tapes that took people's measurements by themselves at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. In chapter 5 of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's Hogwarts acceptance letter deems that there is a uniform at Hogwarts.
"First-year students will require:
- Three sets of plain work robes (black)
- One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
- One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
- One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)" (pg. 66)
All of that being said, it seemed that the most "normal" clothing in the wizarding world got involved the sweaters that Mrs. Weasley knit every Christmas. Then the Harry Potter movies came out.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (or Philosopher's Stone depending on the country you bought the book or saw the movie in) was nominated for multiple Academy Awards in 2001, including one for Best Costume Design. While it lost to Moulin Rouge! in a competitive pool that also included the first Lord of the Rings movie, it certainly did justice to J.K. Rowling's words. Directed by Chris Colombus, the first two movies in the series were probably the most true to the books.
Picture From: http://media.dvdtown.com/images/displayimage.php?id=8060
In the first movie, you got brighter colors. The scarf included large stripes of vibrant maroon and gold and the Gryffindor crest on the robes was larger.
While Hermione, Ron, and Harry did pursue the Sorcerer's Stone in their "muggle-like" clothing...
You, more often than not, saw them in their uniforms. Notice one of the few appearances of the pointed hat in the entire series.
Picture From: http://blogs.suntimes.com/scanners/dumb1.jpg
And the professor's robes were as decadent and wizardish as your wildest dreams.
Then came Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
In the second movie, the uniforms were the same. The skirts were pleated, the socks were high, the ties were neatly tied, and the colors stayed light.
They introduced the one and only male wizard fashion maven: Gilderoy Lockhart.
The Quidditch uniforms remained intricate. Just look at the detailing on their boots and gloves and the intricacy of the robe clasps.
The darker side of wizard fashion (a.k.a. a plethora of variations on the color black) was introduced with the increasing prevalence of Lucius Malfoy.
And the adults in the wizarding world stuck to tradition in their detailed robes and crooked hats.
Then came Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
In my opinion, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was the beginning of a small downfall in the fashion involved in the Harry Potter Series. The director, Alfonso Cuarón, focused more on the characters' transition into being teenagers and it reflected in their clothing. The proper Hogwarts of the first two movies was loosened up and muggle clothing took more prevalence. When the students weren't in class, they definitely wouldn't be wearing their robes.
In some respects, I understand this. Each of the students at Hogwarts is apt to have "normal-people" clothing. They wear it on transit to Platform 9 3/4 at least. But the increased prevalence of jeans and sweatshirts kind of killed a magical quality in the movies.
Unfortunately, the movie poster adopted muggle clothing as its main fashion focus...
And you saw the dynamic trio in these outfits for a large portion of the film. It was also the introduction of Hermione's pink hoodie.
When they did wear uniforms, it was only to class. The tie changed from the solid equally spaced stripes to this more intricate pattern and the color spectrum became darker and more muted. Also notice how the not even Hermione has her uniform on perfectly straight. Seriously, who ties a tie like that (and yes I'm speaking to you Ron and Harry)?
And Professor Lupin introduced the suit and tie (shabbily perfected for his character) instead of the cloak into the Hogwarts-Professor-Wardrobe.
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