Who doesn't love a good period movie or t.v. show?! I sure do! Any movie or show set in another time grabs my attention. The costumes can totally transport you to another time and place, igniting your imagination, allowing you escape reality for just a few hours. Here a just a few of my most films that influence my personal style, my designs aesthetic and my imagination, it was hard to make it so small! I also took this as an opportunity to try out a new way of sketching, Adobe Sketch, it’s so cool and I highly recommend it!
1) Marie Antoinette, 2007, Costume Design by Directed by Sofia Coppola
I can hardly begin to explain how and why I love this movie so much! Marie Antoinette is one of my style icons and favorite historical figures. The stunning period costumes, which so beautifully feature 18th Century Rococo style, the sweeping landscapes of French gardens and the unreal setting of Versailles, the film creates a unforgettable image of what Marie Antoinette's life might have looked like. Marie Antoinette was the Last Queen of France, holding the highest position in society for a woman, but fashion was still one of the only ways for her to express herself. While criticized for her extravagance, the film captures her story starting off with opulent court attire, to a more simple and countryside inspired wardrobe, allowing her to escape reality. Throughout the movie, the colors create a display of sherbet, there are luscious textures and there is just the right amount of creative license that puts a modern spin on everything. Keep your eyes out for the converse! To make things even better, it’s now on NETFLIX! Ah!
2) Gone With the Wind, Costume Design by Walter Plunkett
There is so much to love about Gone With the Wind! And the costumes start off strong as soon as the movie begins. Scarlett's white, tired and ruffled dress complete with extra large crinoline is just enchanting in the breeze and perfectly explains Scarlett's character at the time: a young, innocent yet scheming southern belle. What I really love about the costumes of film is that they really help to tell the story of characters as well as the plot. Anyone who has ever seen the movie can not forget the red velvet and feathered gown Scarlett wears to a certain birthday party, causing everyone's head to turn. The gown is literally stunning, setting her apart from crowd, showing her transformation from a young girl to a woman is able to survive despite all odds. Of course, I can't mention Gone With the Wind without also mentioning how dapper Clarke Gable looks as Rhett Butler!
3) Pride and Prejudice, 2005, Costume Design by Jacqueline Durran
Pride and Prejudice is such a classic Jane Austen novel and is such a romantic story. There have been countless adaptations, but my personal favorite is from 2005, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew McFayden. What I really love about this version is that the grand romance of the story is contrasted with raw elements that bring the story down to earth and capture how the characters really might have looked in that time. The Bennets' costumes are beautiful in their simplicity, yet show how each has been worn in, while expressing the personality of each character. Compared to Caroline Bingley, who's dresses are much more stately and elegant, done in rich silks, Lizzie's dresses that have hems six inches deep in mud completely reflect the social commentary Austen always includes in her writing. Of course, Lizzie's white dress she wears to the ball is devine, but my favorite just might the billowing overcoat Mr. Darcy wears at the end of the movie. Talk about romantic!
4) Breakfast at Tiffany's, Costumes by Hubert de Givenchy
I sure am a lover of all of the classics and as I was Holly Golightly two separate times for Halloween, I just had to include this movie on my list. More modern than my other top picks, Breakfast at Tiffany's displays 1960s fashion with all of Audrey Hepburn's grace. Designed by Hubert de Givenchy, Hepburn was one of his muses and he created several iconic looks for her in this movie. The black column dress with cutout back details, accessorized with elbow length gloves and sunglasses, Holly is perfectly illustrated in the opening scenes of the movie. To me, this is such a classic look and has remained so since the film was released. The costumes also show how quirky Holly is as a character as well. Think of her fur bucket hat, her pink bejeweled cocktail dress, or even the blanket she elegantly drapes around herself to host a party. Holly is unlike anyone else, maybe a little misguided, but her crazy life is reflected in the bold choices of her outfits. Still, the classics shine through, from her trench coat to Fred Baby's timeless suits, making this movie a timeless watch.
5) Midnight in Paris, Costumes by Sonia Grande
One of the many reasons I love this movie, is that I really wish this would happen to me! I would love to find myself transported back in time to the 1920s in Paris, what a dream! This really creates such a great opportunity for costumes, since there is already such a contrast between the time periods. Modern times are slick and sharp, with pieces the viewers are probably even wearing while watching the film, while the twenties is like a dream. More romantic and soft, the costumes pick of the trends of decade with plenty of beading and sharp suits. Other time periods are highlighted too, looking as if they stepped right out of a painting. In the end, worlds collide establishing the perfect blend between the old and the new.
BONUS FAVORITE!
Beauty and the Beast, 2017, Costume Design by Jacquline Durran
There was no way I could write this post and not mention my most favorite Disney movie. And if you haven't figured this out yet, I love period movies and Jacqueline Durran is one of my favorite costume designers. Beauty and the Beast has always held a special place in my heart and I had high hopes for the live action film, and it more than met my expectations. I loved how the costumes blended the perfect amount of history and fantasy, bringing provincial french life into a fairytale. The nods to Belle's iconic blue dress were wonderful with all the different prints and each character was adapted so well. Most of all, Belle's even more iconic yellow ball gown was beyond gorgeous, it was a fairytale in its self. The fabric floated through the air while waltzing, creating such graceful movement, I couldn't take my eyes off of it.
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