Inspired by this post in the LatestBeauty forums, I started thinking about what I consider my favorite films, fashion-wise. What did I come up with? Well, apparently biopics of notable women tend to be pretty fabulous, as do musicals. Plus, I absolutely adore period pieces (or at least movies that were filmed decades ago, thus making them period pieces by default) - none of the films on my list are set more recently than the ’70s. I guess I was just born in the right decade…or, perhaps, the wrong century. Anyhow, check out a few of my picks below, and feel free to respond with your favorites!
CHICAGO (2002) - I love this movie. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger are both unspeakably sassy and elegant in their Roaring ’20s getups. I know everyone thinks of the spangly flapper dresses they wear in the musical numbers, which is why I chose this courtroom shot of Velma Kelly to illustrate my point that everything they wear in the film is divine. Love the hat, love the bob, love the red lips!
MOULIN ROUGE! (2001) - Nicole Kidman has never looked more gorgeous. This film won Academy Awards for Costume Design and Art Direction, if I remember correctly, and I certainly can’t think of a more worthy contender for the prize. Another movie where absolutely every costume is breathtaking.
NIAGARA (1953) - I chose this over more obvious Marilyn Monroe vehicles like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes because I like how (comparatively) understated her look is here. It’s all about the well-cut ’50s suits, her structured box purse and that iconic face. A movie that is very much of its time in terms of fashion.
ROSEMARY’S BABY (1968) - Even if you don’t normally like scary movies, you should check this one out for the fashion alone. Mia Farrow is the absolute epitome of the vulnerable gamine with her quintessentially ’60s wardrobe of swingy, A-line collared dresses, Mary Jane flats and that iconic Vidal Sassoon haircut. She makes pregnancy look positively chic. (Oh, and terrifying…but, for our purposes, that’s beside the point!)
MRS. PARKER AND THE VICIOUS CIRCLE (1994) - Jennifer Jason Leigh plays the notoriously witty Dorothy Parker in this underrated biopic. Honestly, my favorite part of the movie is the fashion: Her many hats, that fantastic bob. I actually had this haircut for a while in high school, and this movie was the main reason why!
FRIDA (2002) - Another great biopic, this time with Salma Hayek portraying Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. I love how colorful this movie is, and Kahlo was really the ultimate in bold individualism when it came to both art and personal fashion; she was never afraid to be who she was. Frida took traditionally Mexican elements like long dresses, shawls and flowers in the hair and made it her own. This movie almost makes me want a unibrow! You know you’re dealing with a true icon whene even severely unkempt eyebrows seem appealing.
L.A. CONFIDENTIAL (1997) - Nothing is better than a film noir femme fatale, right? Well, this movie is the best film noir since the noir heyday of the 1940s. Kim Basinger, as the Veronica Lake-esque Lynn Bracken, exudes sexiness and vulnerability. Her look is all about porcelain skin, red lips (with matching nails!) and long, wavy blonde hair. Her entire wardrobe is stunning, but I particularly I love the long black velvet cloak and the satin dress with sheer, billowy sleeves and a cinched waist (pictured).
ALMOST FAMOUS (2000) - Cameron Crowe’s loosely autobiographical portrait of what it was like to be a teenage journalist for Rolling Stone is a treasure trove of ’70s fashion. I know this is a bit of a departure from the other films on my list, but I just love the casual, easy vibe of this film, particularly when it comes to the central character of Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), all jeans and wild curly hair and that coat with its fuzzy cuffs and collar. I’ve wanted that coat for 10 years! Any tips on where to find one?
MARIE ANTOINETTE (2006) - Sofia Coppola’s intentionally anachronistic interpretation of French history had some critics up in arms, but I loved it, and not only becauce it’s the cinematic equivalent of a sugar high. How beautiful is Kirsten Dunst in this film? How lovingly framed is every shot, how meticulously crafted is every elaborate costume? If you love fashion, you must see this film, even if the sight of the Queen in hot pink Converse sneakers rubs you the wrong way.
So those are my choices for 9 films that are absolutely lovely to look at! What are yours?
