As they say, everything old is new again. As fashion trends come and go, many of them have roots in past decades. From Elvis Presley’s iconic leather jackets to Audrey Hepburn’s classic black dress, Hollywood’s influence on fashion is undeniable. Through this article, we’ll explore the role of the silver screen in shaping fashion trends and how style from the movie stars of the past lives on today.
1. Historic Influence: How Hollywood Has Shaped Fashion
Hollywood has long been the epitome of glamor and trendsetter of style, and its influence on fashion has held a prominent place in our culture for many years. From the captivating noir films of the 1930s to the contemporary musicals that are all the rage today, every era of Hollywood history has seen a wave of iconic looks.
Period films from the past decades, like the Roaring 20s given life in The Great Gatsby and the 1970s depicted in period classic Saturday Night Fever, highlight the versatility of style that was brought to us by movie stars. From feathered headpieces and long beaded necklaces to snug fitting leotards and platform shoes – these looks are still relevant today.
The influence of style seen in films has been felt both on the red carpet and on the streets, with staples like Hollywood glam evening gowns inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s timeless silhouettes in Breakfast at Tiffany’s re-worked for contemporary audiences. Meanwhile, embracing the flashy satin trenches and checked blazers of Richard Gere in Pretty Woman has been a longstanding favorite both off and on the screen.
Whether it’s the sumptuous hall dresses of Pride and Prejudice or the characteristically edgy leather jackets of Rebel Without a Cause, creative minds in Hollywood have left a footprint on fashion that continues to impact us today:
- Tailored suits with wide-legged trousers and crisp collars, as seen in 1940’s classics Noël Coward In Which We Serve and The Philadelphia Story.
- Sparkly white minidresses, like the dripping sequined gown worn by Mia Farrow in 1968’s Rosemary’s Baby.
- The multicolored jumpsuits and romper suits of the 1970s, modeled by the incomparable Jane Fonda in Barbarella.
- The high waisted, ankle-baring trousers and tailored blouses style seen in the Nancy Myers romcoms.
Hollywood’s influence on fashion is far reaching – the iconic styles of our all-time favorite films may come and go, but the influence of movies on fashion remains.
2. From the Red Carpet to the Street: The Impact of Cinematic Style
Cinematic style has had a major impact on the fashion world. Hollywood looks have been influential on both red carpets and everyday street styles. On the runway, fashion designers pay homage to classic films and iconic characters, blending the old and the new with stunning results.
The connection between fashion and cinema is strong, and it has been an evolving relationship. It can be seen in the bold silhouettes and edgy sensibility of punk-inspired fashion, which was heavily influenced by cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Another example is the popularization of high-waisted jeans and crop tops which stemmed from the 1982 movie Grease.
The fashion-film connection has also been seen in the way icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn are immortalized through couture and ready-to-wear collections. Even films like Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz have had a hand in shaping trends. It’s no wonder that fashion is so heavily influenced by film; they both share the same ultimate goal of telling a story.
Cinematic style is here to stay, with celebrities and fashionistas alike taking inspiration from films and incorporating it into their everyday wardrobe choices. From art-house chic to rockabilly cool, this intersection of fashion and film has become an integral part of our culture, and is celebrated every year at fashion weeks around the world.
3. All the World’s a Stage: Closing the Gap between Film and Reality
The line between reality and fiction is becoming increasingly blurred in the world of cinema. The power of cinema to portray and evoke storylines that feel tangible and so close to home is a unique experience for viewers, leading us to believe and engage in its characters, settings, and storylines almost as if they were our own.
With the growing trend of blurring the line between fiction and reality, it is becoming increasingly difficult to tell the difference between stories that live solely on the big screen and stories that are rooted in our own lives. We have become accustomed to seeing our world mirrored on the screen, to the point where there is an interchangeability between moments from our own lives and those from the movies. Additionally, highly stylized and fantasy-like films are beginning to gain more traction as viewers have become increasingly accustomed to realities that are based partly in truth and partly in fiction.
The merging of fiction and reality has been beneficial to those who make movies because technology has allowed filmmakers to create stories that are more detailed and realistic than ever before. With this merging, audiences have become accustomed to stories full of strong and vibrant characters, settings, and resolutions that they can relate to or learn from. This has always been the objective of filmmakers, as movies allow us to live out stories and explore worlds that may not exist in reality.
Using the art of storytelling, filmmakers have been able to create works that blur the distinction between reality and fantasy. From the highly stylized fiction of science fiction and fantasy to the stories that take place in our everyday lives, films have become a way for viewers to find emotional solace, explore new lands and ideas, and have a real connection with the characters and stories. In summary, we have reached a point where film has become an integral part of our culture and our lives, both as a tool to explore and understand reality and as a way to escape it.
4. A Tapestry of Change: How Movie Fashions Have Developed Over Time
Since the pioneering days of silent film, movie costumes have changed dramatically over the years. Hollywood costume designers have worked hard to bring the movies to life by creating distinct styles and fashions that mirror the eras they represent. By examining how costumes have evolved through different eras, we can gain insight into the changing styles of the times.
TheRoaring 20’s were all about jazz age fashion, with hemlines getting shorter and sparkle and glamour coming into prominence. This era marked the rise of cinematic icons like Louise Brooks and Clara Bow, who embodied the 1920’s style with their bob haircuts and flapper dresses. From bobbed hair and berets to t-strap Mary Janes and flapper fashion, this era is remembered for its spirited fashion.
The 40s and 50s was a time of post-war austerity, when clothing became functional. Iconic characters such as Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and James Dean epitomized this era of style with timeless silhouettes like trench coats, blazers, saddle shoes, and pencil skirts. The goal was to look sharp and sophisticated while still remaining practical.
By the 1960s, fashion was about living life to the fullest and having fun with fashion. The youth culture of the era favored bright and colorful clothing with bold patterns and psychedelic prints. Movies from this time often featured female characters wearing mini skirts, bell bottoms, and go-go boots.
The 1970s marked a new era of glitter and glam. Of course, the most famous example of this would be disco, which was all about glitzy and flashy clothing. Films like Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and American Hustle featured fashion from the disco era, with characters wearing leisure suits, platform shoes, and feathered hair.
In recent years, movie costumes have shifted towards a more casual style. With a focus on comfort and simplicity, movie costumes today incorporate elements of street style, often borrowing from different eras in order to bring a unique twist to the wardrobe. From vintage t-shirts and ripped jeans to edgy leather jackets and bold statement pieces, movie costumes these days are all about blending style and comfort.
5. Defying Trends: An Exploration of Iconic Film Looks
The art of film has always been an exploration of style, with trends making and breaking throughout decades. But certain films, and the looks they present, stand out amongst their peers. Among these inspiring examples of film fashion are the following:
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Audrey Hepburn’s iconic little black dress melted hearts in this 1961 classic. Reshaping the way women dress for decades to come, it will for ever an essential for any woman’s wardrobe.
- Grease – Set in the 1950s, the looks captured in this musical range from the fun, flirty polka dots of Rizzo’s pink outfits to the more daring style choices of the T-Birds.
- The Great Gatsby – The costumes of this 2013 film adaptation embodied the glamour and power of the roaring 20s era. Choosing a look that was suitable for the time period while also providing a modern take, ensured that it would remain iconic.
The looks that these films present reach far beyond boundary or trend. Be it the creation of a fashion staple, or a unique style, these films each stand as an example of the truly fabulous. Heralding a new aesthetic, and helping renew, refresh and remake it for years to come.
From flair of Roaring 20s to grace of the 50s, icons of film have recently been explored. Through these timeless looks they help to build the visual story of any film, entering the cultural lexicon and inspiring generations of fashion followers.
Through the years, Hollywood has had a tremendous influence on popular fashion and style trends, from the glamorous silhouettes of the 1940s to the gender-bending styles of the 1970s. Film stars have set the trends, inspiring generations of viewers. As movie stars continue to dress the part, it’s clear that Hollywood continues to be at the forefront of popular fashion and style.
