Top 11 Fashion Moments in Film.
Movies have always been a welcomed escape for me, I enjoy everything from the plot, to the characters, set design, and of course the fashion. Here’s a list of some of my favorite fashions from a few popular and cult classic movies. Top 11 Fashions Moments in Film:
Sharon Stone as Ginger Rothstein introduced us to a seductively polarizing, and stylish woman. Costume Designers Rita Ryeck and John Dunn curated and constructed beautiful vintage pieces for the movie-leading actress. Even at Ginger's lowest point in the movie, Sharon still managed to look chic in a mullet and tan leather matching pantsuit.
Diana Ross gives us a fashion orgasm in Mahogany. The lashes, the hats, the dramatic sleeves, the dresses! I could go on and on. As the protagonist of the film, Diana Ross’ character Tracey Chambers wants to become a famous fashion designer who reluctantly takes on a career as a model instead. If you haven’t seen this film it is truly a must-see. Diana Ross is also the costume designer for the film.
To Wong Foo introduced me to Drag Queens. While I was aware of Rupaul and his tv shows and movie cameos in the early and mid ’90s; To Wong Foo is a comedy/drama about drag queens on a road trip in rural America. Snipes, Stewart, and Leguizamo.
The costumes worn by the main cast were not all that fashionable, however, it was new and different at the time to see three of Hollywoods Macho Men walk and act in dresses and heels and have such effeminate mannerisms.
Poetic Justice gave us a different side of Janet Jackson. We saw her with box braids, which have recently made a comeback as popular hairstyle loving dubbed “poetic justice braids”. Janet only wore three outfits throughout the entire movie but each one holds so much weight and assists in telling the character's story. Simple, but still on trend for the time and it definitely felt authentic.
Michelle Pheifer’s character in Scarface was dressed as you would expect a Caucasian Cocaine drug princess. Rich, sexy, and chic. While we all love the blue silk dress, my favorite ensemble is the white suit with a matching brim hat. Flawless. Costume designer: Patricia Norris
Don’t tell Mom the Babysitters dead- A few reasons why I love this movie: It showed the business side of the fashion business, A bunch of siblings are left home alone, and one of the only black people, Laurie Morrison has a role as Christina Applegate friend named Katrina. Applegate character, SuElle brought a fresh and young vision to a failing, stale, and drab uniform manufacturing company.
While I didn’t particularly like any of the fashions, the movie's message that designers are needed in places other than the runway and in retail stores was eye-opening and exciting. Costume Designer: Carol Ramsey.
The Fifth Element showed Jean Paul Gautier futuristic white cut out leotard worn by Milla Jovovich. The skin baring body suit fit the model turned actress body impeccably. Chris Tucker also showed some shoulder and décolletage in the costumes created for him by the legendary designer.
Jada Pinkett Smiths character as Peaches is a cult favorite. She has so many tag lines from the movie. But, one of the most memorable moments of the film is when her character is given money by Keenen Ivory Waynes’ Shame to collect evidence and research a certain fragrance. When he goes to pick her up, she greets him in a red leather suit with matching hat, and with the made up designers name embellished in gold all over. At the time, this outfit was comical. Fast forward 20 years later and I want one so bad!
How to Marry a Millionaire — This movies stars screen legends Monroe, Bacall, and Grable as 3 women living together whose devise plans to catch and marry millionaires. Although this movie is decades old, the plot is still relevant and if you are a true cineofile you will enjoy the story as much as the fashions worn by the ladies.
Cicely Tyson stars as Queen St. Clair in the movies Hoodlum. Please do a quick search on Stephanie St. Clair- some good Harlem history there. The dresses worn by Ms Tyson in the film are breathtaking. The movie is set in 1930s Harlem, Queenie’s character is never without a male escort for her protection. She moves gracefully in her silk and chiffon frocks with classic finger waves in her hair. Vanessa Williams, and Laurence Fishburne presence is felt on screen as well with his dapper swag, and Williams serving face per usual.
Big Business- Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin star as twins who are switched at birth in the 80s comedy. I loved Lily Tomlin easy, flow pastel skirts and Midlers bold prints. One of the most iconic scenes and most memorable scenes from the movie is the bathroom scene where Midler is in the black and white polka dot skirt suit.
