Clothes on film

No, Thor is not a musical. Jacques D’Azur is missing, so take his place. Here are some tips from the flicks on how to succeed that sultan of sophistication. Because the sun is out making us all feel like we’re in Cannes, let’s have a look at some of the coolest movie sunglasses money can buy. Costume designer Janty Yates has taken time out filming Robin Hood to chat about her contribution to an earlier Scott picture – Hannibal.

It should go without saying that costume design for short film is an entirely different beast to features. Apart from the practical implications – generally fewer costumes, less money – any ensemble will surely register more emphatically with an audience. When there is less to look at and less opportunity to do so, we take more in. Everything collects meaning, from style to colour to fabric; carelessness in a 5-10 minute film can detract from, and worse still alter the message of a story. Ashes is a thought provoking and sometimes uncomfortable short written and directed by Sophie Black. Set entirely in one room dressed and re-dressed accordingly with just…

After the tragic loss of Jacques d’Azur, his heir steps unto the breach and thanks to Stella Artois 4% enjoys a one-off lifetime to Cannes. He starts with a shave, ends in the VIP room of a classy nightclub, and does a lot of drinking in-between. We all wondered anxiously who might replace über sophisticated filmmaker Jacques d’Azur. That devilish charm, witty repartee, an immaculate dress sense that made Cary Grant look lazy by comparison. Yet because of their stupendously generous competition, we had nothing to worry about. Stella Artois 4% found him. Watch the video and taste your salty tears as this bemused but clearly ready for it heir…

Academy Award winning costume designer Lindy Hemming has worked on five James Bond films with Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig in the lead role. Who better then to curate an exhibition of 007 style? The most anticipated event of its kind for fans of the Bond aesthetic, gadgets, sets, cars and some unforgettable costumes, this ambitious project has been in the making for nearly a decade. Speaking exclusively to Clothes on Film, Lindy Hemming talks through her involvement with the exhibition and hints at what to expect when it opens next month in London: ‘Having worked for the producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson on five Bond films over eleven…

Costume designer Ann Roth’s template for Working Girl (1988, directed by Mike Nichols) is especially astute with regards to the social and geographical make up of its characters. Protagonist Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) is a homely girl raised and living in Staten Island, New York. Currently working as a secretary in Manhattan (not ‘executive assistant’, reflecting vernacular of the time), as is her best friend Cynthia (Joan Cusack). Tess, however, has gained a degree through night school and harbours ambitions to use it for more constructive tasks than answering the telephone and fetching toilet paper for bawdy stockbrokers. After being set up for a ‘date’ that turned out to be……

The first trailer for mid-1970s set Rush is on-line and Olivia Wilde looks sensational. Lord Christopher Laverty Comments Off on Rush Trailer: Olivia Wilde Looks Sensational in 70’s Costume 23 Nov ’10 10 Oct ’11 3 Apr ’13

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis Directed by: Todd Phillips The Hangover (2009) is hilarious. The Vegas bachelor party gone wrong premise is nothing new, but the story itself progresses so fast and with so many witty one-liners that the crowd of boozy lads this film is clearly aiming at should have a cracking time. Costume (by Louise Mingenbach) plays a big part in The Hangover. The gang: groom Doug (Justin Bartha), best mates Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Stu (Ed Helms), and the groom’s impending brother-in-law Alan (Zach Galifianakis), assemble themselves – suited and booted – for a spectacular night out. The way all guys do. Phil drops his…

A look at late Margaret Thatcher’s colour specific wardrobe as represented in the film The Iron Lady. Costume in The Cabin in the Woods is not grand, but it is very clever. All the teenage characters subtly evolve from one horror stereotype to another. The Phantom of the opera demonstrates that the colour, size and shape of a character’s costumes can communicate on a subliminal level. Costume designer Margot Wilson talks exclusively to Clothes on Film about her impeccable work on Lawless. Doris Day’s last hurrah for 1950s fashion wearing some of the most exquisite costumes ever seen on screen. For a guy who prefers the synthetic appeal of satin…

Gwyneth Paltrow is an external rather than internal actress, meaning she has a sponge like ability to soak up characterisation through dress, make up and hair. She is, first and foremost, how she looks. In playing literary prodigy Margot Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), Gwyneth adopted a sultry bohemian vibe (apparently based on sixties fashion model Nico) that she was not then remotely known for in real life. Whatever emotional connection she brought to the part, her performance was defined by her clothes. “As soon as I knew I was wearing the little Lacoste dresses and loafers and a fur coat, I said to myself, okay, I get it.…

How Richard Burton’s character in Villain (1971) dresses to impress and intimidate. Public Enemies demonstrates how costume can actually drive a story narrative.