From Audrey Hepburn to Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly to Kiera Knightly there are hundreds of iconic 'leading lady looks' from countless classic films, not only influencing fashion at the time of release, but for years even decades after. In this post I want to discuss how I think leading ladies of iconic films were the influencers of their time.
Starting with La Dolce Vita and Anita Ekberg and the classic elegance of her flowing black gown in the Trevi fountain. An early 'little black dress'? This look of class and sophistication never grows old, and I'm sure will be adopted for years to come.
Love Story's Ali Macgraw had quite a wardrobe. From tailored trench coat to wool knit jumpers, perhaps Ali's most famous look is one of youthfulness loyalty. Being 'true to your school' wearing a striped school scarf, hat and warm coat; Calvin Klein states
"She [Ali] exemplifies this great American Style."
Annie Hall is a classic filled with what's been described as 'excentric menswear- inspired' outfits. Vintage men's clothing worn by a leading lady with baggy trousers and fedora hats. In 2001 this could have been a take on the inequality within the workplace, and could be said to have developed into the power pant suit today. It's known that lots of the costumes from this film came directly from Diane Keaton's wardrobe.
Breakfast at Tiffany's. An absolute classic and perhaps what Audrey Hepburn is most famous for, but Roman Holiday displays some of her most chic fifties classic looks. Hepburn's styles were and will always be seen as elegant sophistication, many of which you can see as being the influence in today's clothing.
Blade Runner is without a doubt known for Rachael's fur coat. A fashion piece since the cave men using real fur for warmth. The fur coat has developed from the most basic item, to that of royalty and wealth. Fur cloaks displaying power and worn by ruling classes. Throughout time they have gradually become more affordable, with the creation of faux fur and garments being designed in a huge variety of colours, texture and even pattern. Nowadays there is a highly questioned conversation about the ethics of fur and even faux fur with clothing brands lying about whether their garments are real or fake. Are animal cruelty petitions and Veganism killing off this classic, timeless piece?
Barbarella, in particular Jane Fonda's futuristic costumes display a sixties style kitsch, playful almost sex-kitten nature. Designed and envisioned by Paco Rabanne the pieces were actually made by Jacques Fonteray and heavily inspired by Jean-Claude Forest.
This list could go on and on with the likes of Marilyn Monroe's iconic white halter dress in The Seven Year Itch to Sandy's good girl, bad girl transformation in Grease and the Heathers girls in their individual tailored school girl looks but I guess what I'm trying to say is each and every one of these famous leading ladies, characters and costumes are not only influenced by fashion at the time but have innovated and influenced fashion for years after their release.
St.
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