The realm of fashion has been expanded far beyond the clothing racks of top designers and the bright lights of the runway. Movies have become an influencer on today’s hottest fashion trends, with viewers being inspired by iconic characters and their unique style. From classic films to the latest movie releases, here’s a look at some of the most trend-setting fashion films.
1. Setting the Scene: What You Need to Know About Trending Fashion Films
It’s no secret that fashion films are one of the most popular and trending genres of the year, with huge names like Burberry and Louis Vuitton leading the trend. From imaginative storylines to eye-catching cinematography, fashion films are often memorable, captivating experiences that make us feel like we’re part of the story.
These days, fashion films blend the traditional worlds of fashion and film, combining hand-picked talent, inspired scriptwriting, and expert styling. As the genre continues to develop and evolve, fashion films have moved towards addressing broader and more meaningful themes.
The production value of fashion films continues to rise with award-winning cinematography and evocative soundtracks. The power of fashion in film is something all fashion brands should capitalise on. Here’s a look at some of the key trends in fashion films today:
- Theme-based storytelling: One of the most popular trends in fashion films revolves around stories with a deep, meaningful concept. From reflections on beauty to the power of personal style, these stories often move and inspire viewers.
- Celebrity casting and cameos: Many fashion films today feature popular celebrity cameos, along with hand-picked talent and recognizable faces who have an existing fan base. This helps enhance the reach and engagement of the film.
- High production value: Production value is a key element of fashion films today, with award-winning cinematography, music and styling. This helps increase the overall impact of the storytelling.
By bringing together deep meaning, beautiful visuals, and captivating storytelling, fashion films have become a powerful tool for fashion brands to engage with viewers. We can expect to see more fashion films embracing this trend and setting the bar for creative storytelling in the fashion world.
2. Exploring Iconic Movies That Defined Style Through the Decades
Throughout the decades, the fashion trends featured in movies have left a lasting impact on popular culture, often staying relevant long after the film premiered. To help you take a peek into the past for a blast of vintage style inspiration, let’s take a peek at some iconic fashion moments that will forever hold resonance.
- Gone With the Wind (1939): Vivien Leigh’s portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara was nothing short of courageous and the glamourous gowns designed by Walter Plunkett for the film oozed classic charm. From corsets and hoop skirts to lavish gloves, hats and handmade gold jewelry, the fashion was anything but subtle, yet always tasteful.
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961): Audrey Hepburn as the breathtaking Holly Golightly shocked audiences when she appeared wearing a black sleeveless dress and elbow-length gloves while eating breakfast outside of Tiffany’s. The look has since gone down in history and it’s one that has been frequently replicated.
- Mary Poppins (1964): Nothing embodies vintage style more than the costumes from Mary Poppins. From the prim and proper Edwardian dresses to her hats with black-and-white nets, Julie Andrews was always dressed to the nines. Her poise and fashion sense served as the perfect example of timeless fashion.
The ’70s brought a whole new wave of fashion for the movies. Notable style moments include Farrah Fawcett’s iconic red one-piece in Charlie’s Angels and Princess Leia’s white robes in Star Wars. The ’80s saw the introduction of more daredevil fashion moments, with neon colors and shoulder pads taking center stage in films like Flashdance. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey surprised us all with the ‘dirty dancing’ slo-mo… and we can never forget the lingerie-like leotard she donned.
As we fast forward to modern day movies, we still witness fashion moments that leave us with a lasting impression. Quirky and out-of-the-box fashion of stars like Helena Bonham Carter in Alice in Wonderland are just a few of the moments that define today’s fashion trends. Whether we’re looking at vintage icons like Audrey Hepburn or modern stars like Emma Stone, there is always a timeless sense of style that defines the decades.
3. Redefining Style Icons: From Silver Screen to the Red Carpet
When it comes to fashion, there’s no denying that icons from the silver screen continue to shape the scene today. From the sultry screen sirens of the 20s and 30s to the 60s sisters of swing, the quest for a timeless look has come from generations of leading ladies. No wonder then, that time and again we see vestiges of their style on the red carpet and the runway.
But what does it take for someone to be redefined as a style icon today? Innovation is the name of the game, as trendsetters go to extraordinary lengths to redefine themselves and the industry. Think beyond plastic surgery and dietary crazes – creativity is at the centre of it all. As society evolves so too must fashion – it has to move and accommodate new ideas, trends and cultures in order for it to stay grounded and competitive in the ever-evolving marketplace.
In the modern day, celebrity-inspired styles are no longer confined to the movies – simply look at the streets of any major city or the fancy boards of the fashion world. What began as a way for movie stars to stand out from the crowd and look their best on the silver screen is now a mainstream form of expression, as street style, runway, and red carpet fashion all run the gamut.
From the cutting edge of couture to the ever-changing design trends of the catwalk, there’s no denying that an iconic individual is rarely defined by traditional criteria. Street style veterans, fashionable bloggers, and even the occasional 13-year-old Instagram celebrity can all inspire the look of an entire decade.
- Risky cuts
- Statement pieces
- Outlandish colours
- Crisp lines
What sets modern style icons apart is not only their ability to inspire, but also their willingness to be daring with elements such as risky cuts, statement pieces, outlandish colours, and crisp lines. Icons today are no longer just a figment of the silver screen, but brave souls who have created their own looks and taken fashion to another level. It’s the ability to break all the rules while still having a “look” that stands out in a crowd – and, more importantly, inspires a following.
4. Showcasing the Designers and Brands Behind the Scenes
Behind every successful look is often a team of talented designers, models, and photographers all creating together to make art-worthy ensembles. Here, we want to take a moment to recognize those invested in the creation of such looks and put them in the spotlight they truly deserve.
Designers
- Designers are the brains behind the operation, coming up with details and inspiration for the finished product. From those that specialize in the couture realm, to streetwear, to costume design, each designer focuses on creating unique and timeless pieces that expresses their client’s message.
- As a designer, they are responsible for studying trends and understanding all areas of plating, draping, and sewing for production. Designers must also keep their finger on the pulse of the fashion industry by understanding what might be fashionable one month, and out of style the next.
Fashion Brands
- Behind nearly every designer is a strong fashion brand providing much-needed resources and support. From providing fabric to paying production and personnel fees, fashion brands are the foundations connecting the dreamers with the materials to make their dreams come true.
- For fashion brands, their support sometimes doesn’t just stop with providing resources, they also provide marketing outlets for the designer to get their looks seen by potential customers. A true partnership is formed between designer and brand to create a win-win situation.
- Fashion brands also serve as direct customers to the designer, buying their pieces in bulk to later be sold in stores or online. This makes the designers’ lives much easier, as they can focus on the creative side of fashion — and let the marketing and sales be handled by someone else.
With all the resources that fashion brands provide to the designer, they are often the lifeblood of the fashion industry and need to be acknowledged for their part in helping create a successful look. Together, designers and fashion brands join forces to present some of the most remarkable looks of fashion!
5. Captivating Audiences with Fashion on the Big Screen
Fashion has been a big part of the art of storytelling for centuries, and the big screen is no exception. Many of the world’s most popular films feature stunning fashion that resonates with their audiences, allowing us to vicariously experience the lives of their characters. Here’s a look at five films that have captivated their audiences with fashion:
The Great Gatsby: The Great Gatsby gave us an unforgettable look into 1920s New York on the big screen. From the iconic single pearl necklace worn by Daisy Buchanan to the shimmer of Jay Gatsby’s showy suits and tuxedos, the 1920s feel of the movie flooded onto the screen and into the hearts of viewers.
Marie Antoinette: The award-winning adaptation of Antonia Fraser’s book features one of the most stylish leads of all time. Kirsten Dunst’s portrayal of the young Marie Antoinette is as captivating as her wardrobe: elaborately constructed corset stays, heavily adorned duchesse satins, and gauzy pastels made this film a feast for the eyes.
The Devil Wears Prada: This classic take on the fashion world stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt as they battle for the top spot in the magazine world. Through the high-street fashion of Blunt’s character, the opulent, high-end designs of Streep’s, and the transitional style of Hathaway, the film offers us an insight into the ever-evolving trends of the fashion industry.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: This ’60s classic has become one of the most beloved films of all time, and part of that is attributed to the fashion we see on screen. From Holly Golightly’s trademark black dress to her jaw-dropping evening gown, Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe was truly iconic.
Black Swan: The clothes worn by Natalie Portman in this psychological thriller become a powerful and unsettling element of the story. From her stunning black swan costume to her intricate one-shouldered party dress, the clothing is as crucial to the film as the acting itself.
Whether it’s the lively style of ’20s New York or the gothic glamour of a psychological thriller, fashion has an undeniable power to capture our attention and transport us to a different world. Films often use fashion as a way to express a character’s personality and development, allowing the audience to define, connect and empathize with those characters.
From the red carpet to casual clothing, fashion films have a lasting impact on the trends and styles of the world. From Prêt-A-Porter to Let’s Make Love, these iconic movies continue to spark the imaginations and influence the wardrobes of generations. As each new fashion film debuts, its influence can be seen everywhere—on advertising boards and magazine covers, and in street style and everyday fashion. Through these films, fashion continues to inspire, influence, and make a statement to the world.
