Fashion in Films: Weekend Movie Flashback

Posted by Alexandra | Friday February 4, 2011

We're feeling a little retro this weekend, and as the world gears up for another round of Fashion Weeks (although we can't bear to talk Fall/Winter when Spring is still taking it's sweet time to arrive), we take a look at 5 films that captured iconic fashion trends over the decades.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
The 1960s: Age of Rock & Roll and Audrey Hepburn. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is the first film to come to mind, and its impact on mainstream fashion is undeniable. Hepburn signature ensemble of the Little Black Dress, pearls, black pumps and primped updos (french twist, chignon) made her a style icon to many.

(right) Diane Keaton at "Mad Money" Los Angeles premiere (image via TopNews)

Annie Hall (1977)
The 1970s: Flowers and Tie-Dye were huge of course, but thanks to Annie Hall menswear-inspired fashion for women came to the forefront. Ties, vests, dress shirts and slacks in neutral palettes (such a departure for that decade) continue to exert their influence 40 years later - Diane Keaton (who played the title character) is still a strong ambassador for the trend.

Flashdance (1983)
The 1980s: Big hair, spandex, leg-warmers, and slouchy off-the-shoulder sweaters were the go-to look. Flashdance embodied it all.

Clueless (1995)
The 1990s: here too was a time of mixed trends, from its grungy early days to the preppy looks that dominated later on. Clueless with its argyle, tweed, plaid skirts, and knee-high socks captured the style statement perfectly.

(right) Charlize Theron wearing Roberto Cavalli (image via MillionLook)

Gladiator (2000)
The 2000s: this decade saw the reemergence of many older trends taken to the next level. One surprising comeback was the grecian-inspired fashion of gladiator sandals, draping, one-shouldered tops and dresses (turns out those toga frat parties were onto something), and structured curly hairstyles. Gladiator may not strike you as an iconic film on its own merits, but the trend inspiration is undeniable.

Giorgio Armani Pre-Fall 2011 (c), Gucci Spring 2011 (r)

Black Swan (2010)
What’s up for the 2010s? In beauty, we are seeing pale faces and bold lips, while Film Noir-inspired textiles such as leathers, furs and feathers are huge fashion trends right now. Black Swan tops our list as the film that represents.

Which era would you most like to see make a fashion reappearance? (Or not?)

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11 Comments

	on February 07, 2011 crystal awards 153 said: I agree with Black Swan being this moment's trendsetter. I have to admit, it's sexy, sleek and I hope it lasts a while.
	on February 07, 2011 MissLissa 3,972 said: I agree with Black Swan being this moment's trendsetter. I have to admit, it's sexy, sleek and I hope it lasts a while.
	on February 04, 2011 cathy3087 98 said: I love Diane Keaton - she always rocks the menswear look!
	on February 04, 2011 LaurenBlair 128 said: Are the pearls that Audrey Heperburn is wearing part of the dress or a necklace? I've never really examined the photo before...
	on February 04, 2011 LaurenBlair 128 said: Diane Keaton's suit is wild in that picture, it's awesome!
	on February 04, 2011 mamaluv STAFF said: Wow, thinking about these trends is giving me the heebie jeebies - not because I dislike them, but because of how my friends and I styled them at the time. shudder But then, if I wasn't ashamed of my yearbook pics something would be very wrong, hmm?
	on February 04, 2011 spotty 4,021 said: Avril Levigne brought back the Annie Hall look in the early 2000s.
	on February 04, 2011 dolce_bellissima 4,214 said: I agree. These trends are all kicking around in some way. I, also have items in my closet from each of these eras. My favorite would probably be Audrey in Breakfast at Tiffany's- that look will probably never go out of style.
	on February 04, 2011 LaurenBlair 128 said: I normally wouldn't think of a movie like Clueless inspiring fashion, but you're so right; those plaid skirts were everywhere after this movie came out.
	on February 04, 2011 mamaluv STAFF said: I think that's what makes these trends "iconic", is that in some version or another they are still in style.