Top fashion films of all time

8^th April 2015

The editorial unit

The editorial unit

8 April 2015

For as long as film has been around, the need for brilliant actors and actresses has become as important as the necessity of fabulous designers. The dress of a character on the big screen can tell its own story. The following films are examples of stand-out fashion.

The Seven Year Itch

In 1955, Billy Wilder brought to Hollywood the work of American fashion designer William Travilla. Travilla was the amazing costume designer for this film, bringing an element of sexy to the 50s Manhattan-based cast, including the iconic Marilyn Monroe and her symbolic white dress.

Jupiter Ascending

This year’s Jupiter Ascending saw the participation of Michael Cinco. Going with a futuristic yet elegant nature, Cinco’s work reflected the visual richness of the film. The gorgeous white and red couture gown worn by Mila Kunis is the first Hollywood dress Cinco has done.

American Gigolo

The 1980s saw the skyrocketing fame of Giorgio Armani, whose fame rose even further when his iconic power suits were worn by actor Richard Gere in American Gigolo. The suits were a perfect representation of the fashionable power and success of the era.

Funny Face

Back in 1957 Funny Face had not only Audrey Hepburn, a fashion icon in herself, but Hubert de Givenchy as the costume designer. The signature red dress worn by Hepburn is a hallmark of the film’s era, and of the glitz and glam of the 1950s. The film was nominated for Best Costume Design at the 1958 Oscars.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

It’s no surprise that Milena Canonero won Best Achievement in Costume Design at the Oscars in 2015 for her work in The Grand Budapest Hotel. Set in the 1930s, Ralph Fiennes is one of the standout cast members wearing the exceptional award-winning designs.

The Fifth Element

Oscar-nominated for Best Costume in 1998, Jean Paul Gaultier was praised for his talents whilst working on The Fifth Element. Mixing his style with the film’s story, Gaultier created futuristic designs mixed with elements of retro styles, worn by Milla Jovovich and the rest of the cast.

Marie Antoinette

Back in 2006, Manolo Blahnik was nominated for Best Costume Design and won Best Achievement in Costume Design at the 2007 Oscars for his work in Marie Antoinette. Recapturing pre-revolutionary French fashion, Blahnik’s intricate designs worn by Kirsten Dunst exemplified the costumes of the movie.

Alexandra Burnell