Great Films, Amazing Fashion
Today, I want to talk about some of the movies I keep returning to, not only because of the amazing stories they tell and the worlds they create but also because of the aesthetics. There is nothing more exciting for me when I watch a good movie where everything is in perfect harmony and coordination - the plot, the actors, the production and (my favourite part) the costumes. I often find myself returning to movies because they are visually and aesthetically pleasing and can tell the story or even the multiple stories of the individual characters that lead up to the narrated part being shown on screen through the choice of clothing/costume.
And there is something so very magical when a film captures the essence of the story, the narrated world and its characters so visually perfectly. The film becomes something more than just a movie, it becomes something autonomous in itself.
Without further ado, here are the movies that have a special place in my heart, because of their visual beauty and stunning costumes and visuals.
Emma (2020)
Just thinking about this film makes me want to watch it again. Might do so, after I’m finished writing.
Costume Designer: Alexandra Byrne
Emma (2020)
Definitely in my top 5 favourite films of all time, Emma (the 2020 version) is such a stunning cinematic masterpiece (if I do say so myself). As a bit of a Jane Austin fan, I’ve watched nearly all film (and TV show) adaptations there are of her novels and Emma is my absolute favourite of them all. The essence of the story is perfectly captured in this film and the colours and production aesthetic of the film reflect that as well. The over-the-top frills and near overdose of pastels make this world look almost theatrical but in the very best way possible. Although the historical accuracy of the costumes and accessories is not always exact in the movie, it only adds more to its charm and uniqueness (I swear I saw a Tea&Tequila necklace as part of her costume). I rarely say this, as I also very much like it when movies have extremely historically accurate costumes, but I think the fact that the costumes (accessories especially) in this film aren’t is exactly what makes it work so well (Please note that me saying, or writing this is an exception - I hate historical inaccuracy in general). The film won an Oscar not only for Best Costume Design but also for Best Styling in Hair and Makeup (but honestly, no surprise there). Anyways, aesthetics and awards set aside, the film is so enjoyable with no unnecessary dialogue, great music and a bit of witty, dry humour. If you haven’t watched it yet - what are you doing? Please do so and then come back and continue.
The Fifth Element (1997)
A crazy Sci-Fi with some crazy costumes. Honestly, this film is just crazy.
Costume Designer: (the one and only) Jean Paul Gautier
The Fifth Element (1997)
As problematic and questionable as some of the moments in this film are, there is no denying it - the costumes are amazing. Not really all that surprising though, when they were designed by Jean Paul Gautier himself. And it is no easy feat designing costumes for a Sci-Fi movie (as I have previously discussed in the post analysing the costumes from the Dune movies), and somehow he didn’t fall into the trap of making the costumes extremely serious and dark, on the contrary - I think this is the funkiest and most colourful costume world I have seen in Sci-Fi (This just proves that there is room for colour and fashion fun in the genre, unlike most people believe). The JPG charm and signature silhouettes have also manifested themselves through the costumes of the characters. With bold, fun and eye-catching designs, colours and cuts, the costumes of this movie are definitely something to look at. You can even see elements of designs he is famous for in the film, like the corset outfits of the flight attendants (very Gautier), which are also one of my favourites in the movie, or the gender fluidity that much of his everyday work presents through the outfits of the character of Ruby Rod (see the images below). If you are in the mood for a slightly unusual Sci-Fi with epic clothes this is for sure a must watch.
Crimson Peak (2015)
Please know what you’re getting into here before you watch it. Spooky, beautiful and hauntingly brilliant.
Costume Designer: Kate Hawley
Crimson Peak (2015)
When I first started this movie, I had no clue what it was about at all, and I am someone who stays away from the horror genre in general, and I would have left after the first jumpscare - but the costumes in this film. Omg. The costumes. And the production. And the cinematography. This film is so stunning I really couldn’t take my eyes off it. The costumes are so dreamy and in such contrast honestly to the brutal story going on (I don’t want to spoil anything here if you haven’t watched it so I will not elaborate). But Mia Wasikowska and Tom Hiddleston do not disappoint and neither do their costumes. ( I seriously could go on about these). The combination of something femininely whimsical and this dreamy yet slightly creepy gothic going on with all the visuals just makes you feel like you’re in a fever dream - which also pairs well with the plot honestly (If you know, you know). If you don’t mind a bit of gore and jumpscares and like some of the costumes you see below, then I’d recommend watching this movie (just maybe not all by yourself).
Clueless (1995)
Where would fashion be without this movie, I Wonder?
Costume Designer: Mona May
Clueless (1995)
An iconic movie with iconic costumes. This cult classic (which I recently realized is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma I think?!) is one of my favourite comfort films, which I always return to when I need a pick me up or inspiration for an outfit (especially if I am feeling something 90s inspired). So many iconic looks in this movie, but nothing beats the plaid yellow skirt set that Cher wears to class, or Dionne’s hats in this movie. Honestly, the fact that this movie has some of the most amazing costumes is practically common knowledge at this point and really goes without saying. But this is the movie that made me want to be a teen in the 90s, especially if it came with Cher’s wardrobe and the computer program that helped her choose outfits. If you’re craving a bit of nostalgia or maybe want to find you’re next 90s outfit, Clueless is a must-watch for sure.
Romeo and Juliet (1996)
Romeo, Romeo, where art thou Romeo?
Costume Designer: Kym Barret
Romeo and Juliet (1996)
Probably my favourite retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, not only does this film do the actual story justice - it also does so in a very clever modern retelling and through beautiful, classic costumes. As much as I do love over-the-top or fantasy/Sci-Fi costumes, there is something so beautiful in simple, modern (daily-wear) costumes when they are executed faultlessly, something I find this film does so well. Both Danes and Dicaprio are fabulous in their roles and their costumes are no different. Love, love, love the masquerade party costumes (but then again - who doesn’t) and adore the 90s gang costumes with the printed Hawaiian shirts and slouchy suits and various cross necklaces and bedazzled and embroidered gun holsters. I also really enjoy these kinds of adaptations, where the original dialogue/text is kept but the setting is brought to the present/modernized. This is why the costumes also play such an important role - they function as a bridge between these two very separate and distinct aspects, to tie it all in together.
Velvet Goldmine (1998)
The glitzy, campy story of the 70s glam rock music scene.
Costume Designer: Sandy Powell
Velvet goldmine (1998)
I was funnily enough introduced to this film recently at University at a Lecture which talked about different aspects of art, performance and Music in the 70s and 80s. So after watching a couple of clips during the lecture from this movie I decided to go watch it myself and was pleasantly surprised by the visuals this film presented. Although the movie itself is loosely based on the career of David Bowie (love his style btw, might write about it in the future) and more specifically inspired by his Ziggy Stardust Persona, it wasn’t really supported by him. Nonetheless, I really recommend watching it (however bizarre it may be). This campy, glamourous, glittery movie showcases some spectacular costumes and I think it is severely underrated and not talked about enough. Watching the costumes in this movie is like experiencing the crazy, playful and colourful world of the 70s and more specifically the glam-rock scene through this retro lens. The film talks about events that took place in the ‘70s, through the perspective of the ‘80s and the film was made in the ‘90s, so it has this slightly distorted, kaleidoscopic feel to it - kind of like you’re looking at something very shiny and glittery through multiple lenses far away (if that even makes sense). Truly and wonderfully vibrant, the costumes here are just awesome. The film also features actors such as Ewan McGregor, Christian Bale and Toni Collette, all who are wonderful in their roles and their costumes. Fun Fact: The costume designer of this film, Sandy Powell also worked on movies such as Cinderella (2015) and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).
A Few Honourable Mentions…
My Lady Jane (2024)
Technically a TV Show, I know. But still the costumes here are to die for.
What a Way to Go (1964)
I want all of Louisa’s outfits, as soon as possible please.
Marie Antoinette (2006)
Do I even need to say why?
Devil Wears Prada (2006)
One of the best fashion comfort movies with amazing costumes.
Barbie (2023)
Pink, pink and more pink? What could be better?
Mirror Mirror (2012)
Beautifully, fantastically and exquisitely over the top.
Thank you so much for reading!
*Disclaimer* All Photos not mine are given credit to the creator/owner/source. Photos which are mine will be described as such in the caption below the photo.
