2013 was yet another successful year for Hollywood crews that managed to generate significant income from megahits such as Frozen, Iron Man 3, and Despicable Me 2, which were the top-grossing films according to Box Office Mojo. 2014 continued in a similar direction, sending hundreds of interesting (or somewhat less interesting) sci-fi, historical and romance movies to the worldwide cinemas.
However, apart from the blockbusters, some movies also managed to teach us a lesson or two about both contemporary and retro fashion. The most notable of these are presented below.
1. Yves Saint Laurent (2014): Behind the 20th century fashion scene
Recreating the life and work of one of the biggest fashion figures of the 20th century is certainly an undertaking bound to succeed among fashion fanatics. In terms of costume design, however, this project was a tad more challenging. Yet, Madeline Fontaine who was chosen for it seems to have done a great job reviving some major designs that marked the previous century. The result is more than satisfying:
2. The Great Gatsby (2013): Return of the flappers
Last year’s Academy Award for Best Costume Design went straight to Baz Luhrmann who revived Fitzgerald’s iconic characters in the highly popular 2013 movie adaptation of the iconic Jazz Age novel. Among other female characters, Carey Mulligan helped in promoting the style of flappers, which shook the West of the 1920s. With the typical bob, excessive makeup fashionable dresses, Daisy and other characters brought the spirit of Jazz right to the 21st century cinema. Suffice to say, the custom jewelry from Tiffany & Co did much to strengthen the impression.
3. American Hustle (2013): Irresistible con artist
Another successful 2013 movie brings us back to the age of political uncertainties of the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States, partly through the brilliant work of Michael Wilkinson, a Los Angeles-based Australian costume designer. The most striking fashion figure in the movie is certainly a British con artist Sidney (Amy Adams) who wears some interesting pieces of cloths throughout the movie. The emerald-green wrap dress she tries on in one scene and a deep-V metallic dress she wears for a night out are some of the most impressive pieces.
4. Blue Jasmine (2013): The downfall of a New York socialite
Apart from Cate Blanchett’s proven talents, building a struggling and desperate character of Jasmine French also needed a genuine costume designer. These two together made both her character and the movie itself a popular part of 2013 cinema repertoire. In terms of fashion, the classic white Channel jacket, the Channel costume pearls and the Hermes Birkin bag made quite an impression on the audience.
5. Anna Karenina (2012): A journey to 19th century Russia
The most recent recreation of Tolstoy’s classic novel by Jacqueline Durran relies quite a lot on the excellent costume design that also won a 2013 Costume Designers Guild Award. For the contemporary audience, the costume design has been not only a pleasure for the eyes, but also a realistic trip to the 19th century Russia, where social status and personal style was everything. Even those who are not fans of Keira Knightley had to admit that she looked great.
Photo credits: imdb.com
