Biba did things differently. It was a shopping revolution. If a Biba sales assistant approached a potential customer browsing and asked “Can I help you?” they would have been fired on the spot. Biba was unique. Topshop is not Biba. Beyond Biba: A Portrait of Barbara Hulanicki (directed by Louis Price, 2009) is exactly that; a relatively short (56 minutes) but detailed look at a woman defined by the brand she created. This is a patient story, surprising in parts but mostly just enlightening. There is much to learn from this film, although it never feels as though you are being lectured. The innovative fashion and lifestyle brand Biba was…

Some costume links to delight and amuse. Game of Thrones A preview of Daenerys’ ‘cruel dress’ revealed in this week’s episode. Judging from the pic it looks to be a sexual tease of some sort. Poor Jorah. Grace of Monaco Gigi Lepage talks about her work on the film that is delighting audiences at Cannes. Ahem. Seriously though do check out the costumes because they look beautifully designed and made, and in some cases recreated. Penny Dreadful Sky Atlantic’s brilliant new horror series starts next week in the UK. Here’s a spoiler free interview with the show’s costume designer Gabriella Pescucci. The Talented Mr Ripley Sophia Shillito’s well observed look…

On the surface the Babadook is just another bogeyman: prickly, sinewy, all arched limbs and spiky digits. And this is the point: he is just another bogeyman; it is what he represents that really matters. Without spoiling too much, The Babadook is larger than life because he is the exaggerated physical manifestation of our demons. In this respect he could look like anyone – wherever our fears lead. Nonetheless for the purposes of dressing up as the Babadook for this Halloween, and having anyone actually guess who you are, the following is required: top hat, cape and some pointy things to stick on your fingers. To achieve maximum scare, however,…

Teenage, 50’s diner-style wear at its stereotypical best. Save for it’s funky 70’s Barry Gibb disco theme tune, you might be forgiven for thinking it was 1959 at Rydell High. Grease (1978) bursts with pep, which the company to this day pertain to be genuine fun. They spent all day in character on set; obvious to the viewer as the chemistry between everyone at Rydell is so apparent. When the 50’s costumes, by Albert Wolsky, arrived on set, the cast were apparently overjoyed. This article focuses on Betty ‘Rizzo’, captivatingly played by Stockard Channing; not only the most complex character (many say she stole the film) but in costume terms…

Toy Story 3 is going to be wicked. Clothes on Film will happily commit to that declaration on nothing more than a hunch. So let’s get even more hyped by checking out some pics of the characters, principally the one most obsessed by himself and fashion (including Barbie), moulded ‘ladies man’ Ken. Apparently a proper ‘swinging bachelor’ since 2004, Ken of Toy Story 3 (as voiced by Michael Keaton) is accurately based on ‘Animal Loving Ken’ of the Mattel toy line, circa late 1980s. He wears a light blue, short sleeve leopard print shirt with light green spot flecks; matching cargo shorts with leatherette gold belt, and matching moccasin loafers…

Based loosely on the real life theft of £12,000 of gold bullion from a moving railway train in 1855 (though in the movie the amount had swelled to £25,000), The First Great Train Robbery (1979) features a hefty slew of period costumes for its modest $6,000,000 budget. It is also Michael Crichton’s best film as a director, adapted from his own novel published in 1975. 1855, London: most definitely a time of gentlemanly excellence. Before the lounge suit took hold in the late nineteenth century, the frock coat (or variations thereof) and trousers, whether single or double breasted for formality, was considered the only way for man to dress in…

The first trailer for Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows starring Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Noomi Rapace and Jared Harris has hit the net. It seems on track with the first film; lots of action and banter, only this time grimy London has been replaced by snowy Europe. Jenny Beavan returns for costume design; the look is late Victorian with a twist. A few interesting sartorial notes pop up, mainly attributable to ever dapper Dr. John Watson (Law), though we are given a glimpse of Sherlock Holmes’ (Downey Jr.) nemesis, Professor Moriarty (Harris). New love interest Sim (Rapace) only really gets to showcase a wide brim hat, fringed bodice…

Whip It (2009) is Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, and by all accounts it’s very good too. Set in the literally hard-hitting world of roller derby, Whip It tells the tale of Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page) and her struggle to find acceptance in this merciless contact game along with some meaning in her life. We have already covered the costumes in a short piece looking at the ‘vogue’ of roller derby (HERE) with its totally original mix of sporting attire and fashion customisation. If Whip It had been a bigger hit in the States, possibly via more accurate marketing from its distributor, then this look would be all over the fashion…

Here are some images and the latest trailer from Water for Elephants starring Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz and Robert Pattinson. Early 1930s costumes by Jacqueline West, and they look to be dazzling. Based on the book by Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants is a romantic drama told primarily in flashback to the great Depression. Young veterinary student Jacob (Pattinson) by fate finds himself travelling on a train carrying the Benzini Brothers circus. Joining said circus to care for the animal menagerie, Jacob falls for equestrian star Marlena (Witherspoon), despite her marriage to charming but dangerous August (Waltz). It is a sweeping, against-all-odds tale of lifelong love. To watch this video,…

Starring: Warner Baxter, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell Directed by: Lloyd Bacon This is a deliciously funny musical. It’s racy and light years ahead of its time; a power play of sexual politics set in the heightened blood, sweat and tears world of professional theatre. Shot during America’s Great Depression, 42nd Street (1933) follows the culmination of tired Broadway director Julian Marsh’s (Warner Baxter) production of ‘Pretty Lady’. The machinations of the chorus girls and randy male dancers form a background to Peggy Sawyer’s (Ruby Keeler) story; her ascent from newbie performer to replacing Pretty Lady’s injured lead Dorothy Brock (Bebe Daniels) on opening night. It’s revealing nothing to say Sawyer…