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!

It's that time of the week again here at Retro Threadz where we discuss a film that inspired the world of fashion and this weeks movie is..."Valley Girl" circa 1983 starring Deborah Foreman and Nicolas Cage who at the time the movie was made had not yet made his mark in Hollywood as a reputable actor. 

The term Valley Girl was a stereotype given to a group of ditzy, materialistic, self-centered and often promiscuous California girls in the 80's.  They even were characterized as having created their own language called 'valspeak' which coined phrases such as "Ohhh my gawd"..."totally awesome"..."that's so gnarly" and the unforgettable.."whatever!!!"  More than the language became a trendy fad, the fashions choices of the Vals which originated in California spread out to the United States. This style included colorful headbands, leg warmers worn with heels, ra-ra skirts which have been seen making there way back to the racks, mini skirts worn with leggings, sweatshirts with cut collars worn off one shoulder, dresses with thick shoulder pads & polo shirts with the collar poppin'!

Of course the style has made it's way back to current day, as does pretty much every vintage fashion trend once passed as we are seeing more bold, colorful statement pieces both in jewelry and clothing.

The 80's ROCKED and not just because it was the decade I grew up in of course!  The music, the fashion, the vibe..."Yeah..It was all pretty 'bitchin'!" 

 movieposter.com , thisnext.com , 1.bp.blogspot.com , polyvore.com