top of page
Amelia Choudhury

Fashion in Film: Iconic Costumes That Define Characters

Movies, everybody loves watching movies. The best thing about movies is that there is a wide range of genres to choose from. Regardless of the endless genres of the film, another thing that can catch a viewer's eye is the actor or actress. It could be regarding the actor or actress’ character or specifically what they are wearing.


You might be thinking, ‘How can a character’s outfit be important?’ The answer is simple. The costumes the actors or actresses wear for the character can be an easy telltale sign of what their character is like. It could be regarding their wealth, interests, and even personality.


Let me show you four iconic costumes worn by actors or actresses that helped define their character.



  1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 1961

It would be impossible if we didn’t mention this iconic movie of Audrey Hepburn’s in the category of “Fashion in Film”. In the movie, she plays Holly Golightly, an ageless character in who is showcased as an icon to feminists. The most eye-catching outfit Audrey Hepburn wears in the film is the sleek black dress custom-made by Hubert de Givenchy. Her neck is embellished with a luminous pearl necklace, black velvet elbow gloves, and oversized glasses; pairing the outfit with a sleek bun. This outfit not only made Audrey Hepburn look gorgeous, it screamed dominance.

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 1961



2. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, 2003

Advertising executive, Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) makes a bet with his colleagues that he can easily make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days with his charming self. Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson)but also, an advice columnist, wants to write an article about “How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days”. With the help of her editor they find Ben to be a part of their experiment for the article. Heartbreak, love, and comedy are showcased throughout the film. Knowing the movie or not,

one thing that is most talked about is the iconic scene with Kate Hudson wearing the jaw-dropping yellow dress. The dress was designed by Karen Patch and was created with the help of Catalina Herrera's team. Karen was inspired by the Isadora diamond necklace that was worn with the dress. Harry Winston created it. Karen loved the hue of the diamond and wanted to influence the color onto the dress. This dress is still raved about till this day, with its simplicity and structure. And elegant it made Kate Hudson look.

Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy

in 10 days, 2003








3. Clueless, 1995

A coming-of-age movie (my personal favorite). Clueless stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz, an attractive, wealthy, popular, and fashion-obsessed girl. Towards the beginning of the movie, Alicia’s character is seen wearing a striking yellow plaid skirt and matching jacket, designed by Dolce & Gabbana, paired with Mary Jane shoes, knee-high white socks, and a white T-shirt with a yellow cardigan.

The director of the movie, Amy Heckerling thought the outfit was appropriate for the scene. The outfit was an elevated and chic version of a schoolgirl uniform. It was also different from the fashion in the ‘90s as the fashion then was heavily influenced by Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. This plaid and yellow scheme continued into the fashion industry and is considered an immortal style.

Alicia Silverstone in Clueless, 1995









4. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1953

A comedy-based film based on a stage musical from 1949. Marilyn Monroe in this film plays Lorelei Lee, who tends to look at men for their financial wealth so they can help pursue her passion for diamonds. When she sings the song “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”, she wears a shockingly bright pink gown with matching elbow-length gloves, designed by William Travilla. The necklace adorned her neck and the bracelets around her wrists were made of Swarovski Crystals. Lorelei Lee is indistinguishable from the

Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, 1963


actress herself, as Marilyn in the public’s perception is quite alluring and coquettish; which Lorelei Lee is as well. The gown on Marilyn screams allurement and power. With the addition of Marilyn’s feature, it adds cheekiness and innocence, making the ultimate duo.


My point here is that though the characters’ outfits may not look important, it can lead to understanding the character’s persona or can lead to understanding the plot of the movie!







Written By Amelia Choudhury

Edited by Leola-Christine Titus-Morris



Комментарии

Оценка: 0 из 5 звезд.
Еще нет оценок

Добавить рейтинг
bottom of page