Movie night: Fashion in film

From nostalgic classic films to more recent blockbusters: fashion has always been a topic in film. And as fall is here already, let‘s look into the different options and take a look into fashion‘s influence from film. Cuddle up for a special movie night and enjoy some fashion as seen on the big screen.

November 1, 2023

Besides movies with outstanding costume design, like The Great Gastby, fashion has always found its way into film. From the early 60s to the current program in the movie theaters, fashion has always been inspiring movie makers, storylines, and pop culture. Along many more, the topics cover muses that inspired artists and became a symbol of a certain area, stories tied around the admiration for fashion, or coming of age movies. And one of the most audience pleasing cuts is a great fashion montage, of course.

Lately, fashion has been more present in film then ever. In 2009, Tom Ford debuted as film director for his movie ‚a single man’. In 2021, Lady Gaga performed in ‚House of Gucci‘ and this year, the major blockbuster was ‚Barbie‘. The movie addressed feminism in a more commercial way and played with fashion and pop culture from the 90s and before. Judging from this development, fashion influence is growing and movies or series will be a part of it. Personally, I am excited. This means more fashion in film and ultimately more movies to watch.

As of now, there is already quite the wide selection to choose from for your perfect movie night. And as the days get shorter, to stay home gets so much more appealing. It‘s the perfect time to cuddle up and put on cozy home wear. So make some snacks and sit back for a great movie night.

Movie night: Classics

Classic movies around fashion fashion are nostalgic. They take us to iconic places with iconic actresses or actors and usually feature memorable lines, soundtracks, and more. Till this day, most of these classic movies inspire party themes, songs, fashion, and ultimately pop culture. You can never go wrong by choosing a classic movie for your movie night.

Breakfast at Tiffany‘s

From the iconic New York jewelers to Audrey Hepburn, this movie is pure nostalgia. Never forget the most memorable soundtrack ‚Moonriver‘, that Audrey Hepburn who inspired many more fashion movies, plays in the most saddening way.

Sex and the City

Sex and the city is a literal love letter to NYC and to fashion. In the beginning they put iconic pieces, like the Fendi baguette, or Manolo Blahniks ,in focus and the style went and evolved from there to its current high fashion features. I prefer the series, but of course the whole collection includes the series, two movies, and the series sequence ‚And just like that‘ which recently got renewed for season 3.

Mermaids

With Cher, Winona Rider, and Christina Ricci, Mermaids tells a unique story of a single mum as well as mother-daughter trouble. Besides the great cast, the movie has an outstanding soundtrack and of course some memorable fashion scenes – including a montage.

Movie night: Coming of age

The topics of fashion and coming of age are a perfect mix. Most of us start playing with fashion and searching for some personal style in our teenage years. We pass and overcome many Fauxpas, not only with our style. So it’s just suiting that the category Coming of age holds some of the most popular movies and series within the fashion genre.

The devil wears Prada

We all remember our first job and struggles we had – or are still having – making our way in our field. Besides the very relatable topic, Maryl Streep will forever be the most amazing actress, but least (fictional) amazing boss imaginable. Fun fact, Praticia Field, the costume designer of Sex and the city, plays a role in this movie, once again.

Gossip girl

Again NYC and again a true admiration of fashion. Besides the teenage characters who struggle with their own drama of aging and of their fictional bubble, the fashion is an exceptionally documentary of the early 2000s. Designers like Marc Jacob or Burberry are dominating the screen.

Clueless

A true 90s diamond. The more or less usual story of teenagers facing their own struggles in Highschool, this movie is filled with iconic dialogues and bold fashion. ‚As if..!‘ might be one of the most famous two word lines till this day.

Movie night: muses

Muses inspire artists. They can be more traditional like Salvadore Dali’s wife who meant everything to the artist, or they are more rebellious. Sometimes, muses become an icon of their time, a fashion icon, or a symbol of a certain lifestyle. That mysterious way of influencing pop culture and creative minds, makes them interesting to us years later – and of course, interesting to film makers. They come with great stories.

Factory girl

Edie Sedgwick was Andy Warhole‘s muse in his earlier years. The artist later went on working with bands like Velvet Underground or influenced the lifestyle of the famous Studio 54 nightclub. However, Edie Sedgwicks story is touching and sag, and ultimately a memorable one. Besides her personal story, she heavily influenced 60s fashion.

Das wilde Leben (oh) / eight miles high

Uschi Obermaier is the ultimate bohemian free spirit girl from the 60s-70s. Her affairs with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Jimmy Hendrix and other artist of that time might have made her famous, but imagine the influence she had on them. This biopic is the story of an epic life in which Uschi Obermaier – quote – ‚never missed out‘,

Blonde

Marilyn Monroe might just be the most famous woman of all times. Besides plenty of gossip, she is most famous for her looks. The blond short hair, the beauty mark, the bold lips, we all recognize her immediately. No wonder she‘s been a topic for movies for some time now, besides her own movies, like ‚The seventh itch‘ or ‚Some like it hot‘.

Personal recommendations

Additional to the categories, there‘re some movies I personally find to be very interesting. They have a great cut and an outstanding costume and set design. The stories are shocking, thrilling, or simply very engaging and the movies are great, unique pieces overall.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story

This series is simply thrilling. Not only does it cover the devastating murder of Gianni Versace, it also invites the viewer into the opulent world of the house Versace. The dramatic story is shown in the breathtaking and unique style of Versace and the 90s in Miami.

The women

The woman is a masterpiece. The cut does not show a single man on screen and the story is tied around the different problems of the main characters and their sisterhood. The cast includes legends like Meg Ryan, Even Mendes and Carrie Fischer and the story takes place in the early 2000s in New York State.

The Super Model

Apple+ new series The Super Model is a documentary about the iconic 90s Supermodels, their evolution, their influence on women in business, their struggles, and their individual stories. It shows plenty of insides from the fashion industry, gives a good understanding of the business at the time and empowers female leaders.

What to wear for movie nights

Of course this is a joke. You can obviously watch movies in any clothes and it really doesn‘t change the movie. However, this is the perfect opportunity to include some home wear pieces and give a few ideas on what you could wear at home, when you want to feel stylish and cozy at the same time.