5 Extraordinary Films Which Feature Fashion Icons

2nd December 2014

By Emma Hayward.

A great film has the ability to turn the leading actress into a star. Not only within their film career but as a fashion icon too. Some of Hollywood’s most successful stars owe a lot to their on screen wardrobe. However behind these inspiring wardrobes and blockbuster films, there is always a story or some trivia that you perhaps didn’t know.

Here are 5 great films which feature the finest fashion and style.

Casino (1995)

This gangster film was set in the early seventies and is a crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, staring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Sharon Stone. It follows two mobster best friends (Niro and Pesci) trophy wife (Stone) and their lives within a gambling empire. It’s a story about greed, power, money, deception, murder and features a fantastic wardrobe!

Sharon Stone won various prestigious awards for her role as Ginger, a devious wife of a high rolling gambler. However it was her flashy, sequinned Las Vegas wardrobe that stole the show.

Film fact – The costume budget for the film was $1 million. De Niro had 70 costume changes and Sharon had 40, they were both allowed to keep the costumes afterwards. The white and gold dress pictured weighed a whopping 45 pounds! It caused Stone to be in agony during filming as an old back injury decided to flare up!

The role of Ginger earned Stone a golden Globe award for best actress and an Oscar Award nomination for best actress.

Image: Google images

A Single Man (2009)

Set in 1960’s Los Angeles, an English Professor (Colin Firth) is struggling to cope with the sudden death of his boyfriend. Suicidal he spends time with one of his students and his neighbour (Julianne Moore) who see’s there is something wrong.

The wardrobe for this was always going to be ‘wow’ with Tom Ford as the director! Contrary to popular belief he didn’t design the costumes himself but asked legendary Hollywood stylist Arianne Phillips make the costumes. Moore’s character has an empty marriage and the lack of love is replaced with vanity and material things. Julianne Moore’s monochrome house dress was the stand out piece of the film.

Film fact – Did you know that Tom Ford actually financed the film himself? Arianne Philips has also designed movie costume’s for Madonna and Cameron Diaz. She lost out on best costume design at the BAFTA’s but Firth won Best Leading Actor for his role as the Professor.

Image: Google

Atonement (2007)

This English drama based on the book by Ian McEwan, follows the lives of young lovers Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) and Cecilia Tallis (Kiera Knightley). The couple are torn apart by a lie from Tallis’ younger sister and Turner becomes imprisoned. However their paths cross again during World War 2.

The emerald green dress worn by Kiera Knightly from the infamous Library scene, sparked high street copy’s all over the world! This contributed to the designer Jacqueline Durran being nominated for an Academy Award.

Image : Google

Film fact – Jacqueline Durran lost out on the award but the dress was voted the ” best costume of all time” by InStyle magazine. The seam down the front of the dress had been left open deliberately for “easy access” in the library scene!

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

This was names as one of the most controversial films combining comedy, terror, love and violence. Clyde was played by 28 year old Warren Beatty and Bonnie was played by newcomer Faye Dunaway. This was to be her breakthrough film as she became a major screen actress as a result of her role as Bonnie. The film depicts the rise and fall of real life lovers Bonnie and Clyde.

Set in the 1930’s, Bonnie’s wardrobe had a distinct 70’s feel to it- with beret’s tweed and fine knits. Stealing money had never looked this stylish!

Film fact -Kate Moss and the Mulleavy sisters of designer label Rodarte have named Bonnie and Clyde as their favourite film. After Dunaway wore her famous beret, thousands of berets were sold worldwide. She also won a BAFTA for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles.

Image : Cine-real

Cleopatra (1963)

This is a lengthy love story between the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. This is one of the most famous love triangles to be captured in film.

Elizabeth Taylor’s wardrobe for this film not only inspired clothing but accessories and even make-up trends! This heavily influenced Alexander McQueens autumn/winter 2007 collection.

Image : atmeblog

Film fact -Taylors wardrobe costs were a massive contributor to the film’s record breaking budget. Her costs amounted to $194,800, the highest ever for a single actor. She had 65 costume changes which included a dress made from 24 carat gold cloth.

Image : Beauty & The Dirt

A group of female extras who played Cleopatra’s servants and slave girls, had to have special guards to protect them from the amorous male Italian extras! The film was nominated for 9 Academy Awards with Cleopatra winning 4, one of which was Best Costume Design.

These five films star some of the most luxurious costumes of all time. From 24 carat gold cloth to dresses weighing 45 pounds. These actresses are stars in their own right, both on set and off the camera. Many secured sponsorship opportunities becoming the face of major fashion houses such as Chanel. For the rest of us fashionistas we can dream of wearing such luxuries,, on the sofa with a bowl of popcorn.

About the author

Emma writes about fashion and lifestyle. Contributor to I Love Cashmere. She enjoys socializing with friends especially with a good movie night.

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