Marlene Dietrich - Morocco / Fashion In Film Friday

Fashions of every era have always been motivated by movie costumes since way before there was even color or sound in films.  For example the German stage and silent film actress Marlene Dietrich was a fashion icon of the 20's and was considered a scandalous rebel in her time due to her love of masculine attire.  She wore a top hat and tuxedo in the 1928 vintage film Morocco which raised eyebrows and more than likely began the dawn of sexual ambiguity in clothing styles.   

 In regards to her style she was quoted as saying...
"I dress for the image, not for myself, not for the public and definitely not for men"...

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Fashion In Film Friday - Pleasantville

In 1998, Reese Witherspoon and Tobey McGuire starred in what could be considered a period piece film titled 'Pleasantville'.  The movie was set in the modern day and follows the two main characters as they are sucked into their television into a 'Leave It To Beaver' type black & white sitcom.  The costume designs for Pleasantville were immaculate in replicating the styles that both men and women incorporated into their daily wardrobes in the more 'simpler' time that embodied the era of the 1950's.  

The name of the film is connected to the idealism that everything was pleasant in the 50's and representative of a more puritanical time.  In all reality, less the obvious changes in censorship and morals, individuals in that time frame faced the same challenges that we do in this day and age in regards to making our way in the world and dealing with relationships.  The movie was instrumental in giving insight to the fact that we all have the same wants and desires in life and that as a whole, our ideas really haven't changed that much throughout the decades. 

The fashions of the 50's were absolutely recreated to give this flick a realistic quality.  Tight sweaters, circle skirts and cardigans.  If you love all things 50's check out Pleasantville now on DVD...

Currently 'in shop' we have tons of 50's vintage apparel, jewelry and accessories so if that's what you dig, make sure to stop on by!...


pics: katreeena.wordpress.com, sethvan.blogspot.com, listal.com, whowhatwear.com, tumblr.com 

Fashion In Film Friday - FOOTLOOSE

Who doesn't remember the movie that inspired a generation to get up and 'dance'?!  The 1984 film Footloose, starring then acting newbie Kevin Bacon and unknown starlet Sarah Jessica Parker, was about a hip Chicago teen, Ren McCormack (portrayed by Bacon), who moves to a small rural town and soon thereafter discovers that no dancing is allowed as well as any rock music due to the banning of it after the local minister's son was killed in a car accident.

Don't know about you, but I still have the soundtrack of vintage 80's tunes that were the backdrop to this amazing classic.  Aside from the music, the fashions in the film were depicting of the small town values and the rebellious teens who more than desired to break free from them.  Relaxed and loose was the style choices for this flick.  Cutoffs, jeans, cowboy boots, flannel shirts & white tees were worn by both male and female cast members to give the laid back feel needed to make the storyline believable.  At the end of the film, we get to see them all gussied up as they pull off a prom in a barn after the pastor lifts the 'no party' rule... 

Like Flashdance, and every other 80's dance inspired movie, Footloose fashion trends fell into place with a quickness mostly because it was an easy and affordable style to acquire...

 *RANDOM FACT: A remake of Footloose is in the works to be released this year starring Kenny Wormald & Julianna Hough       


pics: posters555.com, matttrailer.com, bing.com, polyvore.com

Fashion In Film Friday - Wild At Heart

In 1990, director David Lynch released a film called 'Wild At Heart' about two lovers on the run, played by Laura Dern (Lula) & Nicolas Cage (Sailor).  If you've ever seen a Lynch film before than you know just what to expect.  Although he never fails to be more than entertaining, his story lines usually go off in a million directions leaving the viewer wondering..."What the heck was that all about?"  For some, it was considered to be a cult classic but that subject still remains up for discussion because during the original screening people were walking out in droves.  In spite of that, 'Wild At Heart' won the prestigious Palme d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival that year...

Between the music & the costume designs, the movie had a serious vintage vibe to it and even though it was produced in 1990, you really didn't have any idea what era it was set in.  It is a mixture of 40's, 50's, 60's & new wave retro that was the 80's.  The soundtrack includes everything from Glen Miller's 'In The Mood', Gene Vincent's 'Be-Bop-A-Lu-La' to Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game'.

From The snakeskin jacket worn by Sailor to the aerobics leotard & leggings paired with cowboy boots worn by Lula, there was a whole lot of diversity going on in this movie in regards to fashion styles.  Unlike Cage who basically wore the same outfit throughout the entirety of the film (jeans, t-shirt, jacket), Dern's wardrobe was eclectic and I'm assuming because of the title of the movie, the costume designer, Amy Stofsky knew exactly what she was doing by making the crazy personalities of the characters believable with the ability to create a free spirited feel to the roles being played. 

Usually, I give my readers a little 'how to' in regards to creating a style in accordance with the film it was inspired by, but not this week.  I don't think there's no room in any ones wardrobe for the return of the aerobic leotard!

*Wishing everyone a safe & fun filled Labor Day Weekend!

pics: geraldine-lisboa.com, posters555.com, realmovienews.com, joeyzine.com, moviemail-online.co.uk, allmoviephoto.com, davidlynch.de,                    

Fashion In Film Friday - Racing With The Moon

The 1984 film 'Racing With The Moon' starring Nicolas Cage & Sean Penn was a romantic drama set in California in 1942 & centered around the lives of two young men trying to get in their 'last flings' before heading off to war.  The characters played by Cage & Penn, 'Henry & Nicky', work together at their local bowling alley setting up pins.  After work one night, Henry heads off to see a movie and meets Caddie played by actress Elizabeth McGovern.  After following her home and seeing that she lives in a mansion, he immediately assumes that she is a "Gatsby girl" (meaning 'rich').  In reality, Caddie is living there with her mother who is a maid.

The term 'Gatsby girl' originated in the roaring twenties and defined the era that saw women becoming more rebellious (i.e. drinking & smoking) and it trailed into the mid forties gearing more towards defining women who were the 'haves' in comparison to the 'have nots'.  To be a Gatsby girl in the vintage 40's meant they you afford panty hose and perfume in spite of the fact that you were in the midst of the 'great depression' & in the throws of World War II. 

The 1940's Gatsby girls were modest yet still had the ability to produce a valid amount of sex appeal. Skirts/dresses were knee length or longer and necklines were modest & button down sweaters were 'in'. Maybe it came more from their attitude than from their clothing style? Either way, they made it work!  Maybe it was the allure of 'innocence' that was at an all time high from that point thru to the 50's?... 

pics: freecodesource.com, au-cinema.com, forgottenflux.com, mooninthegutter.blogspot.com, thisislondon.co.uk.com, cultureandthrills.com

Fashion In Film Friday - The Black Dahlia

The 2006 film, 'The Black Dahlia' set in the 1940's was based on speculations on the true events that led to the gruesome death of Elizabeth Short whose body was found sliced in half in Leimert Park on January 15th 1947, in Los Angeles, California.  To this day, the identity of her killer has not been found and it probably never will...  Short was given the nickname 'The Black Dahlia' by the newspapers, because it was common in that era to do so in an attempt to sensationalize the headlines.

Starring Scarlett Johansson, Josh Hartnett, Hilary Swank & featuring Rose McGowan, it was directed by Brian DePalma and based on the novel by the same name.  The vintage fashions in this film were detailed and accurate of the 40's when modesty was at the forefront of every day styles.  The 'big band' era, was coming to an end but the fashions of the age of swing were staying put.  Wedged cork shoes, swing dresses, lace & taffeta evening wear, simple fabric day dresses and padded shoulder, fitted jacket skirt suits were in.  Elaborate netted hats and fox tail stoles as well as delicate angora sweaters.  Hemlines & necklines were definitely reserved.

Leaving something to the imagination was the allure of femininity and the timid seductive attraction that embodied the styles of the 1940's.






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Fashion In Film Friday - Clueless

The 1995 movie 'Clueless' starring Alicia Silverstone & the late Brittany Murphy was surprisingly an instant box office hit given the mediocrity of the storyline.  The plot surrounds a group of Beverly Hills teenage girls who are gorgeous, popular & wealthy high school fashionistas on the hunt for the opposite sex.  This popular 90's film had the same impact on slang trends as the movie 'Valley Girls' did in the 80's.  The girls of Clueless were definitely the modern day version of 'Vals'.    

Aside from the jargon catching on, the clothing styles in 'Clueless' made it the fashion film of the year and the title was totally earned by costume designer Mona May who came up with the sixty different wardrobe changes for Silverstone's character.

May stated in an interview with Nylon Magazine that her designs for the movie Clueless were greatly influenced by runway shows.  She said the tricky part was bringing haute couture to the classroom setting & having it fit in.  Her designs for the film were fresh, outrageous & soon after the movie was released the trends were catching on.  Berets were back with a passion. Baby doll dresses with puffy sleeves, otherwise known as 'cute baby wear', micro minis with tights, slip dresses worn over t-shirts, plaid two piece mini skirt suits and thigh high stockings worn with platform Mary Jane's were big fashion fare the year this film came out... 

Although the fashion styles of the movie 'Clueless' were so sixteen years ago, elements of them pop up here and there, every now and then and sooner or later it's going to be back around again! 


pics: impawards.com, stylesectionla.com, twolittlebirdsboutique.blogspot.com, bagsol.info.com, 3.bp.blogspot.com
             

Fashion In Film Friday - Star 80

The 1983 film titled 'Star 80', was based on the true story of the rise to fame of Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten, portrayed by Mariel Hemingway opposite Eric Roberts as her estranged husband, Paul Snider who took her life in a jealous rampage.  The movie achieved much acclaim and was even on film critic Gene Siskel's top ten list of the best films of 1983.

Dorothy Stratten was a small town girl from Canada, going to high school and  working at a local Dairy Queen when she met a customer, the twenty six year old Paul Snider who was a Vancouver club promoter and pimp.  Snider immediately set his sites on Stratten & coerced her into letting him take nudes pictures of her to submit to Playboy for consideration. 

She was underage at the time so he forged her mothers signature to sign the model release.  After being taking on by Playboy, Hefner suggested to Dorothy that she sever ties with Snider as he could see he was a complete 'hustler'.

Unfortunately Dorothy attempted to and it cost her, her life.  On August 14th, 1980, Paul Snider convinced Stratten to meet with him to 'talk' things out, in the house they once shared together.  Shortly after her arrival, he shot her and then raped her and her death was considered to be one of the most pre-meditated thought out and bizarrely orchestrated murders in history.

The movie 'Star 80', totally embodied the fashion flair for that time frame of the early 80's and the costumes in the film were impeccable.

Dorothy Stratten was the feminine version of the popular trends of that time bringing a vibe of romanticism with her style choices.  Off the shoulder flowing dresses, strapless gowns & lingerie. Stratten was the ultimate 'girly girl' of the 80's who unfortunately was stifled in the prime of her life & career.

Dorothy Stratten born Dorothy Ruth Hoogstraten in a Salvation Army hospital in the 1960's left behind her a 'rags to riches' story that will never be forgotten.  


 bulldogvintage.blogspot.com , 123nonstop.com , palzoo.net , toutlecine.com , whosdatedwho.com , impawards.com , lifestyle.yahoo.com , lotsofsugarandspice.blogspot.com , 

Fashion In Film Friday - 'The Seven Year Itch'

Who doesn't remember the classic 1955 film...'The Seven Year Itch' starring Marilyn Monroe & Tom Ewell about a married man who was becoming disinterested with his marriage and entertains the idea of straying outside of it?  'The Seven Year Itch' is a term that has been used by psychologists for decades to define the decline of monogamous relationships after seven years.  The movie was nearly prohibited from being released due to the sensitive nature of the story line that proposed the idea of adultery. Weren't those the good old days when 'less was more'?

This is the flick that made the white halter dress and Marilyn a sensation.  The infamous photograph of her standing on the air vent while her dress was being blown to reveal her undergarments is still one of the most recognizable even fifty years later.  The dress just like Marilyn, is a timeless icon.  The man behind the dress making was a much sought after designer of that time, William Travilla.  It was said that his best work was the white halter dress he put together for Monroe.  The flattering a-line skirt, the deep v-neckline bodice and the lightweight fabric he selected for the ease of movement was simply beautiful.  He chose the color white because it's associated with innocence.  After the filming was over Marilyn was quoted as stating ... "Billy Dear, please dress me forever.  I love you, Marilyn."

This vintage dress was popular fifty years ago and I'm sure it will be just as popular fifty years from now as to this day, women are still in search of the perfect 'Marilyn Monroe style dress' just like the one she wore in 'The Seven Year Itch'... 

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Fashion In Film Friday

The 1985 film 'Desperately Seeking Susan', starring then newbie super star Madonna centered around an unfulfilled housewife who meets free spirited Susan (Madonna) by accident when she began answering her personal ads in a New York tabloid.  She then becomes fascinated with her, gets amnesia & begins thinking that she actually is her.  Weak story line & weird, I know!  Although the plot left much to be desired, the soundtrack featuring Madonna's hits like 'Get Into The Groove' & 'Like A Virgin' as well as the fashions in this film that inspired a generation!

This movie is all about the popular clothing styles that surfaced in the 80's and Madonna was the first pop icon to make under wear as outer wear in public acceptable with the rise of the boustierre as well as bras paired with see through mesh tops as a bold fashion forward statement!

     

Hard to believe that was twenty six years ago and that to this day, this style is still in circulation, perhaps in a more modestly muted way, but still out there nonetheless!

Pop Icon Lady Gaga's style has definitely been instrumental in reinspiring this vintage style, but on a whole other level, as her no holds barred over the top fashion taste, or lack there of rather, has one upped Madonna in regards to shock value!

I personally prefer the less brash 80's version (i.e. Madonna's style) of under wear as outer wear because even she attempted to leave a bit to the imagination!  Truth is, everyone has the right to 'bare arms' so to speak but the question remains...is less always best?  


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