I love a good movie. I am not looking for “life lessons”, or a cultural statement, or reflection on the geopolitical boundaries of blah blah blah. I want to be entertained! I want to laugh, sing & lose myself in the story for an hour or so. I am a sucker for a good period piece, especially if the wardrobe is as great as the story. I am a self-proclaimed “costume fanatic”; and, because many of my hats are “vintage inspired”, I can get tons of ideas from costuming in movies.
So, today I thought I would share with you some of my favorite movies with drool-worthy costuming, and at least a halfway decent story to boot.
1.) Chicago (2002)- The Roaring Twenties was when fashion became fun, and this movie has some of the most beautiful examples of the style of the time. Tons of hat inspiration, as well. And, as a bonus… it is a musical! I do love a good musical!
2.) Marie Antoinette (2006)- Fashion in the time preceding the French Revolution was about as opulent as it gets. Love it!.
3.) Moulin Rouge (2001)- Another modern musical with probably some of the best costuming in recent history.
4.) Blade Runner (1982)- I love the mix of modern with 40’s influence in this one. Plus Harrison Ford. Dreamy!
5.) Cold Comfort Farm (1995)- A wonderful British comedy set in the early 30’s. “There have always been Starkadders at Cold Comfort Farm”.
6.) The Age of Innocence (1993)- A little melodramatic, but worth it for the Victorian era costumes
7.) Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day-(2008)- Set in the late 30’s, this little gem of a movie has an amazing range of costumes for a plot that takes place over only 24 hours. The hats in the cocktail party scene stole my heart.
8.) Dangerous Liaisons (1988)- Back to the opulence of 18th century France, with the bonus of John Malkovich at his sardonic best.
9.) My Fair Lady (1964)- Three words… Ascot, Race, Scene.
10.) Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)- Alright, Keanu Reeves almost kept this movie off my list, but Gary Oldman and the costuming more than make up for his casting.
11.) Cousin Bette (1998)- A dark comedy about a spinster seamstress & a courtesan… You just know it has to be good eye candy!
12.) Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)- An icon of movie style (with great hats to boot)
13.) Elizabeth/Elizabeth: The Golden Age- Elizabethan fashion is another favorite of mine, especially the amazing headdresses. Plus I love Cate Blanchet in anything she does.
14.) A Good Woman- (2004) A pretty good adaptation of an Oscar Wilde piece, set in the 30’s.
15.) Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)- No comment needed
Hope you enjoy these as much as I do. Worst case scenario… at least you will get to see some pretty amazing costumes!
Thanks!
Kitty Mae
