Fashionistas in Film: Annie Hall

In the 1977 romantic comedy, directed by Woody Allen, comedian, Alvy Singer’s relationship with the neurotic Annie Hall is retold from the first encounter to the unfortunate and final breakup. Annie Hall, played by Diane Keaton, not only became known for her inspiring performance, but her influential wardrobe. Although she became an on-screen muse for Woody Allen, she became a fashion inspiration for the rest of us.

Throughout the film, we see her in clothes worn traditionally by men – slacks, vests, fedoras, loose-fitting jackets and even neckties. She achieves the look that most women desire: effortlessly chic.

Here, we see Annie in one of her typical outfits: khaki slacks, a vest, a button-up shirt and a necktie. Although Diane Keaton herself can be accredited for these fashion choices, Ralph Lauren also played a large role. The necktie in this picture happens to be a Ralph Lauren original. 

 

Annie Hall’s chic display of wearable men’s fashion has inspired many designers to create such looks. Her inspiration lives on today, as men’s fashion remains a staple for many designers and celebrities.

 -Avery

Fashionistas in Film: Mia Wallace

In the 1994 hit crime film, Pulp Fiction, directed by Quinten Tarantino, Uma Thurman plays the sexy and mysterious, Mia Wallace. With her simple and elegant fashion, one would never guess she’s the wife of LA’s most infamous gangster. The classic Mia Wallace outfit consists of a loose-fitting yet shapely white button down, a lacey black bra peaking out underneath and some fitted black Capri pants. But, don’t forget the crimson red lips and black eyeliner OR the jet-black bob with straight bangs. She represents the classic women’s fashion in the nineties with a touch of flare only her character could pull off.

             

Sharp tailoring, classic shapes and clean lines define Mia’s style. Rendered in stark black and white, the effect is dramatic and memorable, just like her character.

Mia doesn’t need to wear bright color to express her personality, as it’s already colorful enough. She adds interest to her outfits through small details. She is far too much her own person to be trendy; she prefers classic styles and silhouettes. She is fully aware that in many cases, less is more.

-Avery

Scandal

Scandal, one of television's hottest shows, centers around the turmoil of the political world as well as the on-again, off-again relationship between power woman Olivia Pope and the President of the United States. Olivia, as a professional "fixer" is constantly shown in snappy business outfits that are at once figure flattering, appropriate, and on trend. Olivia's wardrobe is perfect because of its sharp tailoring, which is noticeable particularly in her outerwear as well as her formal dresses.

Here she sports a beautiful skirted coat. 

And then a longer coat with gorgeous white accents. 

The folds of this coat are truly polished.

Olivia's dresses are also always figure-flattering as well as appropriate for the many events at the White House that she attends. 

The black and white here is interesting in that it frames her physique perfectly. 

Recap: some of the best. Always effortless!

Olivia really communicates power and confidence through her simple and yet polished style. Her wardrobe is inspiring when giving thought to an outfit for work, a job interview, or any cocktail event to impress!

Sex & the City: Forever Iconic

Sex and the City is remains one of the most iconic television shows of the 20th century in terms of its influence on fashion. After all, what woman hasn't watched an episode of Sex and the City and wanted to snag an item from Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte or Miranda's wardrobes? One of the most interesting aspects of this show is the evolution of each individual character's style over time. At the beginning of the first season, Carrie and Samantha sported much more bland and business-like styles.

Carrie was also seen wearing a sweatsuit or two.....

However, as the show progressed and each character developed their confidence and individual sense of style, things got a lot more exciting. 

Here Carrie exemplifies the cool, confident woman viewers knew she would become. 

A white Halston Heritage dress is the perfect neutral for her bright jewels to pop.

As Samantha comes to terms with her age and the thought of refining her attitudes toward sex in lieu of a serious relationship, her style takes a graceful turn.

But, true to form, she still has fun!

Vogue + Film (2006)

American Vogue, Marie Antoinette, and Kirsten Dunst all have something in common--they played a major role in strengthening the relationship between fashion and film.

The choice to feature Kirsten Dunst on the 2006 September issue was a major statement from Vogue indicating that they were not only happy to help promote the upcoming American release of Sofia Coppola's film, Marie Antoinette, but they were completely mesmerized by the mix of contemporary and 18th century fashion that was about to be unveiled to audiences world wide.

In order to take part in such a major fashion moment in film, Vogue obviously had to have Kirsten pose as Marie Antoinette for the cover and multi-page fashion spread just a little over a month before the American film release. This was such an iconic shoot because it was the first time in 25 years that the Chateau de Versailles authorized a photo shoot inside palace walls.

(All photos above by Annie Leibovitz, Vogue 2006) 

 Did I mention the Couture?

Kirsten really got the royal treatment when she had the opportunity to wear a number of couture designs made specifically for the shoot. Below she can be seen wearing gowns by designers like John Galliano, Nicolas Ghesquiere, Oscar de la Renta, and many more. No wonder she wasn't the most well-liked queen... 

1. Chanel Haute Couture 

Lace dress with tulle rosettes

2. Oscar de la Renta

Chine-Taffeta gown

3. Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière

 Pale-blue jacquard quilted, hand-painted, and embroidered dress

4. Dior Couture by John Galliano 

Black aluminum foil dress covered in organza, ruched into bubbles

(All photos above by Annie Leibovitz, Vogue 2006) 

Clearly the relationship between Vogue and a film like Marie Antoinette is pretty major--just look at how massive that hand-made train is! Not only did the magazine spark readers' interest in the film but it also increased awareness of 18th century French fashion and the inspiration it continues to provide premier designers today. 

Skyfall (2012)

Mr.Bond here is associated with many things: action, intellect, an incredible physique...

but nothing ties the character of James Bond together more so than his dashing looks and

enviable wardrobe.

Yes, many a men look to James Bond for dandy, polished inspiration 

but does anyone truly see the beauty of a man's suit?

I have chosen to place Skyfall as the second in our list of unconventionally fashion-filled films

precisely because the film is not necessarily mass-appreciated for it's fashion. Why?

Well, it's a heaven for MENS' FASHION 

and I believe that mens' fashion does indeed fall into the category of fashion-underappreciation, for lack of a better word.

Too often does this generation of fashionistas turn to the innovative characteristics of women's costumes.

Yes, the dress above has a corset-like structure with sheer, lace detailing of the sleeves.

Many a woman can easily observe this.

But it is the subtle qualities of a truly, beautifully created tuxedo or suit that often goes unrecognized and it is this that places Skyfall out of the realm of "fashion" films and into the more renowned generalization, "ACTION" film. 

Bond's slim fitting suits are not analyzed nearly enough in all their glory!

The narrow lapels, the short cut of his jacket lengths, the low-rise skinny trousers that complete the look. 

It's difficult to see how even the most seemingly simple aspects of a suit, 

such as the bowtie, the width and length of the cravate, whether the suit is black, navy, light grey, dark grey, tweed, etc.,

are very carefully chosen, even handpicked by Tom Ford himself! 

Although all of these Tom Ford chosen details have not entered the lime light next to the wardrobes of films like "The Great Gatsby," they are nonetheless essential pieces to the suave, chic, contemporary character that is James Bond

and if you find that this is irrelevant...

try watching James Bond walk into a bar with a pair of sweatpants and tell me if you experience the film in the same way.

-Monica

Star Trek (2009)

Reaching out to a rather unconventional film truly goes to show that

we find fashion tips and inspirations in unpredictable spaces.

Today's post focuses on none other than what many a fashionista has termed, "Geek Chic."

The origin of these futuristic, sleek uniform-like ensembles is unmistakable: sci-fi films,

or in this case,

STAR TREK!!!

Just a year ago, with the release of the second Star Trek: Into The Darkness,

many fashion week attendees all wondered the same thing:

Did Star Trek indeed inspire RUNWAY STYLES?

Given the representations and underlying meanings of the characters' ensembles,

it was no surprise to me!

For instance, Spock here is represented as an extremely coarse, rational individual with little or no emotion. 

In contrast, Kirk is portrayed in a more rugged, sexual manner.

Both character personalities are conventionally, positive traits 

attributed to the menswear presented by them.

There is no doubt that the infamous trench coats of Khan, from the 2013 sequel, hit runways hard.

His slick suit, and personality, made it the ultimate masculine piece to any macho man's wardrobe.

Is there any being on the planet that cannot vouch for the prestige of Burberry Prorsum? I think not.

In a similar manner, the female characters of Uhura and Carol Marcus are symbolic of strong, independent, highly intelligent women.

The fact that they are also dressed in attire that oozes sleek sexiness also helps these futuristic, spandex suits hit the runway.

In my opinion, it's also important to take note of the change in wardrobe of the characters from the 2009 "Star Trek," to the 2013 sequel "Into The Darkness."

Seeing the response from the fashion attires of the 2009 film led to the opening of a much bolder costume design for the 2013 film

with the creation of looks that undoubtedly aimed to make a bigger statement: brighter colors, tighter suits, more intricate pattern palettes.

The mass media has already recognized and tapped into the success and vibrant allure of outer space attire, as seen in this photoshoot with galactic-like looks by Pierre Cardin.

It doesn't end there. Star Trek has plenty to say through the outfits of its cast members, such as Zoe Saldana portrayed above.

Although she is shown here attending a normal, public press outing, she still carries with her the sleek figure of her galactic uniform on-screen!

...

and for those of you who are in the least bit interested:

Purchase Star Trek clothing HERE.

-Monica