Cinematic Couture

While great movies have been generated in all genres and touched all ranges of our emotions- one thing remains constant: great fashion. I have selected the following eleven (because I couldn't just pick 10) movies not only for their spectacular storylines, but also because we can not help but covet their costumes. Most of these movies were so memorable that Hollywood chose to remind us of their magnificence with modern adaptations and re-makes. But, as with most things, the original is always the best.

The List

1. Sabrina (1954)
After a fabulous trip to Italy in Roman Holiday, Audrey Hepburn returns to us as the transformed Sabrina Fairchild. As America's love affair with Audrey continues to develop, she has an offscreen romance with on screen co- star William Holden. Although, their affair is brief, this is also the point where Hepburn begins her long time friendship with the superb Hubert de Givency.
Why we love it: Despite the star studded cast, this classic remains not only one of Hepburn's best films but one of America's. The costumes compliment rather than distract from Hepburn's transformation from shy and sister-like to sultry and sophisticated. As the famed song proclaims-"La vie en rose", life is surely pink and blissful with these fabulous fashions.
Character spotlight: Audrey Hepburn as Sabrina Fairchild


2. GiGi (1958)
While many of you may not have seen this, it is a quintessential classic in that in can be enjoyed in 1958 or 2008. In terms of fashion, any movie that
Random trivia: The day after the movie won its nine Oscars, M-G-M telephone operators were instructed to answer all phone calls with, "Hello, M-Gigi-M."
Character spotlight: Leslie Carson as Gigi



3. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
What more can one say about this absolutely adorable romantic comedy, that feels more like a love affair with blue boxes and pearls than any many. Perched as one of Audrey's most famous films, we can't help but love the quirky Holly and admire her gentlemanly suitor that still sticks around past her feminine flakes. Plus any movie with a dress and a starlet that is still inspiring designers from Givency to the Gap is absolutely worth mentioning.
Why we love it: Our favorite black dress
Character spotlight: Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly




4. From Russia with Love, 007 (1963)

"Bond. James Bond."
Selecting just one Bond film to highlight was definitely a challenging task. Each of the Bonds have effectively and eloquently transitioned from their predecessor. But Sean Connery's second stint as 007 has got to be 001 in terms of ranking. Bond's role as a seductive spy is solidified as he braves the cold Russian climate and is almost burned by the oh so hot Tatiana. We love this not only because it embodies the ultimate gentleman without even touching the line of bore, but because it brands the Bond women as unapologetically sexy.
Character spotlight: Sean Connery as 007


5. Shaft (1971) and Foxy Brown (1974)
These two movies are featured together because they are the perfect fusion of male and female fashion of the 1970s. Shaft is the smooth, take nothing from no one detective and Foxy is just that; the fresh, independent brick house that made us keep save some respect for the 70s.
Can you dig it?
Special Extra: Shaft is one movie where the remake almost touches the original thanks to the extraordinary fortitude of Samuel Jackson.
Character spotlight: Richard Roundtree as Shaft and Pam Grier as Foxy Brown.





6. Harlem Nights (1989)
This genre- crossing comedy/ drama/ mobster movie has all the ingredients of a great story. Funny character names like Sugar Ray, all star comedic cast, 1930s fashion set in speakeasy joints in Harlem, New York. Add in some plot twists, extravagant zoot suits and cars
Character spotlight: Eddie Murphy as Quick


7. Pretty Woman (1990)
Pretty woman, walking down the street. Pretty woman the kind I'd like to meet. Not only is this one of my favorite movies of all time, Julia Roberts and Richard Gere redefine the romantic comedy with this atypical Cinderella love story. Of course every girl wants to grow up and be whisked away by her prince charming, but not every girls meets him on a Hollywood street corner. Audiences love our vixen in her thigh high patent leather boots, like they love her in her floor length rouge ball gown. And of course, we can not forget when she gets the ultimate revenge by denying a boutique sales woman a promising commission after previously being jilted by her and her colleagues.
Why we love it: Modern fairtytale, complete with a private jet in exchange for a pumpkin carriage and "the necklace" instead of "the glass slipper".
Random trivia: When Edward snaps the necklace case down on Vivian's fingers, was improvised by Gere, and Roberts' reaction (laughter) was totally natural. The filmmakers liked it so much, they decided to leave it in.
Character spotlight: Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, Edward's Lotus Esprit as himself.


8. Clueless (1995)
The fact that this movies is not as sophisticated as Sabrina or as mature as GiGi, this still remains in every fashionista's high school hall of fame! Yes Cher was quite insufferable at times, but parallel parking can be an absolute headache and wearing white after labor in the 90s was about as bad as it got. For my male readers, this is the movie when, at the time 30 something Stacy Dash plays a teenaged diva. Full of "LoL" moments and advice (mine being always take pictures because you can't trust the mirror), we are clueless why you wouldn't love this film that propels fashion to the top of every girl's agenda. As if!
Character spotlight: Alicia Silverstone as Cher, Stacy Dash as Dionne


9. Mean Girls (2004)
Mean Girls is 'so fetch' as it literally traces the high school lives of four very mean girls. Not only could everyone completely relate to this hilariously delightful teen comedy, but it really taught us a lesson in girl power without the faked sincerity. Anyone who saw this movie not only picked a favorite "mean girl" but picked a favorite teen obsession. Style isn't just in the clothing, its in the attitudes that you bring with it.
Character spotlight: The plastics; Gretchen was my favorite!


10. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Hell in high heels, comes to us when this best seller targets the box office. It explains not only the dizzying excitement of couture and Fashion Week in Paris, but also the practical applications of trends that make their way in Ready-to-wear and sales racks across the country
Finally, because "that's all" in the Miranda Prisely voice has become a staple among friendship circles.
Why we love it: Two words- the closet.
Character spotlight: Meryl Streep as Miranda Prisely, Ann Hathaway as Andrea #2 (when she has the cute clothes)



11. Sex and the City (2008)

"It's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes -- that's why you need really special shoes"

Our new classic. This movie is so fabulous that it transcends all cliches and absolutely rises to the occasion to meet all expectations. One of the best things about this movie, is that it shows how ALL women, no matter what you personality there is something that suits you and makes you look absolutely wonderful. Whether you are looking for labels or love, you will absolutely adore this fun, friend- focused flick!
Why we love it: No further explanation needed.
Character spotlight: The CLOTHES!!

"A good movie is like a good bag- timeless, versatile and enjoyed over and over"
- Me

Love.Living.Life
Lex.