Movies That Inspired Fashion
Movies have always been a major source of inspiration in fashion. When watching a movie, we like to identify with the characters. A good film also communicates a strong mood that helps our creative instincts to flourish.
When I say a movie can be the muse for fashion isnpiration I don’t mean copying the costumes of the actors but capturing a particular mood or concept of the film and interpreting it into our own fashion statement.
I picked a few movies that have a strong influence on me.
Blade Runner and Gattaca are my favourite sources for futuristic fashion. They show us two sides of futuristic influence in fashion. Gattaca represents the classic futuristic style with clean, minimalistic lines and cool, sharp silhouettes, while Blade Runner gives futuristic fashion a decadent, ”noir” side. There is a yearning for the past in Blade Runner as opposed to Gattaca’s strong focus on progression and future.
Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke in Gattaca
Rachel in Blade Runner
Dr. Zsivago tranforms us into romantic Russia, the world of furry coats and hats, bows, tucks, flares and pleats. The film communicates a feeling of regret and nostalgia and creates a sophisticated and fragile yet strong and feminine female characters. The film makes me want to wear something very feminine and dramatic yet elegant and understated.
I found this fabulous set inspired by Dr. Zhivago on Polyvore.
Created by Monypussy on Polyvore
Sailor: This is a snakeskin jacket! And for me it’s a symbol of my individuality, and my belief… in personal freedom.
Guy at Nightclub: Asshole.
Sailor: C’mere.
Sailor and Lula in Wild at Heart
Great sources, I also got much from Clueless in my teens, Cruel Intentions, Dangerous Liasions, Sex & The Citys (obvs), Centre Stage and on and on….
Incredible post! I’m always finding style inspiration in movies. And I love that you highlighted something other than the obvious like Almost Famous, which a myriad of bloggers have sited as a source of inspiration. Blade Runner is not only a well costumed movie, but a classic in so many other ways. I had to read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? for a lit class last semester and watched Blade Runner for the first time, such brilliant musings on technology and where it’s taking humanity. Definitely things that I think bloggers are a part of as well, our own dependence on technology kind of cause me to think about the results of Blade Runner. I love that you point out the fashion in a movie that does that.
Yes, I’ve read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? as well, it is one of my favourite novels. Technology does play a big role in our lives, I find it difficult sometimes to find the balance.
I like the way the capture the thin line between humanity and technology in Blade Runner.
Sometimes a film doesn’t have to be explicitly fashion oriented to inspire us…
I enjoy reading posts like this one. Look-inspiration and character design are fascinating topics. Thanks for the good read!
Thank you Claire, character design must be a very challenging task, especially from the fashion perspective.