The silver screen has had an immense impact on fashion trends for decades. From the glamorous gowns of Hollywood’s golden age to the bold fashion statements of modern day, film is an industry that has gone hand-in-hand with style for the duration of its existence. In this article, we will explore how the glitz and glamour of Hollywood has influenced our sense of fashion throughout the years – and continues to do so today.
1. The Glory of Hollywood Fashion through the Decades
The 1920s
- The 1920s saw a major shift towards fashion influenced by the silver screen, such as cloche hats, flapper dresses and long strings of pearls.
- The style had a certain fluidity and was light and often daring. Bobbed hair was in, along with low-cut necklines and high-rise hemlines.
The 1930s
- The 1930s was primarily influenced by the art deco style, giving Hollywood a whimsical quality.
- The iconic wrap dress, characterized by a low neckline, slits up the sides, and padding around the shoulders, was popular.
- Hollywood stars in the 1930s dazzled with sparkle and glitz – sequins, fur, feathers, and belly chains.
The 1940s
- Women’s fashion in the 1940s was heavily influenced by the war, including utilitarian jumpsuits, pinafores, sweaters, and the iconic bowler hat.
- Makeup was also used to make a bold statement, with colorful cheeks, bold eyelashes, and deep red lipstick.
- Hollywood starlets in this era created the illusion of a slim figure with the help of “wiggle dresses” and high-waisted trousers.
2. Captivating Costumes that Changed the Way We Dress
Throughout history, some unexpected and unusual fashion choices have captured the attention of the world. From regal gowns made of the finest fabrics to costumes featuring a wild array of accessory options, people who wanted to stand out were able to do so with the perfect attire.
For example:
- Renaissance: During the Renaissance period, Italian and French nobility flaunted extravagant gowns and dresses with intricate design details. The opulent clothing of the time was often bejeweled with pearls and elaborate collars and cuffs.
- Vikings: During the 9th and 10th centuries, Vikings had a distinct sense of fashion. They were known for wearing a type of wool clothing that was designed to keep the wearer warm and dry. Fur cloaks, sleek trousers and intricate helmets completed the wardrobe.
Clothing of the Victorian Era was especially remarkable. Women’s fashion was all about the use of bold colors and intricate designs. They often wore heavy skirts and adorned them with intricate embroidery. Accessorizing was also key during this time; Victo-rian women typically wore a plethora of accessories from gloves and hats to parasols and shawls.
Throughout the centuries, costuming has been used to express culture, self-expression and ideologies. By understanding the evolution of costuming from some historic periods, we gain insights into conventional trends and tastes of the day.
3. From Red Carpets to Silver Screens: Making Movie Fashions Last
No one can forget that classic moment when their favorite actor or actress stepped onto the red carpet at a premiere. Every eye turns to take in their glamour, from head-to-toe. After all, an outfit for a night on the red carpet is almost like a costume to celebrate a character in a movie.
However, movie style isn’t just restricted to the red carpet – it’s also seen on the silver screen. From superheroes to intergalactic fleets, many movies have iconic fashion that become an essential part of the story. Sometimes these pieces aren’t immediately obvious – perhaps it’s a subtle color choice or a favorite accessory that captures a character’s personality.
- For example: Wonder Woman’s costume with its inspired classical Greek design.
- Or, Tony Stark’s iconic steel-gray suit that the audience associates with his Iron Man persona.
These iconic movie fashion moments are designed to stand the test of time. Every Halloween, these pieces make their presence known again. People continue to dress up in these movie styles that become as recognizable and iconic as the films themselves.
4. Iconic Inspirations: A Look at the Impact of Film Style
When it comes to iconic film style, few eras have stood the test of time as much as the classic Hollywood era. Conceived in the era of black and white films, those from the era introduced some of the world’s most well-known stage and film sets. Sweeping wide-angle shots of the bustling Los Angeles or San Francisco cityscapes, signature front-facing compositions, and even elaborate dances created a stunning cinematic style that made those movies immediate classics. Over the years, the carefully curated art design and lighting helped to establish a standard that many classic films continue to replicate today.
The Elements of Classic Hollywood Style
- Painstakingly constructed set designs
- Wide-angle shots of cities and bustling streets
- Signature front-facing compositions
- Elegant and intricate musical numbers and dances
- Dynamic lighting and shadowplay
Behind all of these elements is a team of expert craftspeople who add a touch of unrivaled expertise. From set designers to choreographers, all the way down to the foley artists, each person in the filmmaking process plays a part in creating a classic Hollywood style. Today, many of these same elements are used in modern films, although the advancements in color photography and CGI have allowed for film makers to expand their visual pallet and create even more captivating cinematic experiences.
At the end of the day, classic Hollywood films set a standard that is still respected and admired to this day. Even if the style of filmmaking has shifted to a more modern approach, those timeless pieces of cinema have left an undeniable mark on the industry and will continue to inspire for generations to come.
5. The Legacy Lives On: Hollywood’s Everlasting Influence on Modern Fashion
We can all agree that fashion is an ever-evolving art form. Undoubtedly, the style of clothing we wear today has been shaped by the glamourous clothing and styles of yesteryear. Especially since Hollywood has always been a significant influence on fashion trends and popular culture as a whole.
The Glamorous Gowns of Old Hollywood
From the original screen sirens of the silent-movie era to the iconic fashion choices of modern stars, the influence of Hollywood on modern fashion is undeniable. Early Hollywood style most notably saw the development of the glamorous evening gowns that would become a red-carpet staple. Many of these iconic designs have been recreated over the years and can still be seen gracing the award show red carpets of today.
The Evolution of the Hollywood Power Suit
The iconic suits of old Hollywood have a clearly distinct silhouette that has been modernized and reinvented over the years. From the peaked lapel of the black-tie tuxedos of the 1920s to the broad shoulders of military-style suits of the 1940s, the classic Hollywood tailoring has bled into modern formalwear but also everyday fashion. The combination of military-inspired cuts with softer colors and materials offer a practical yet chic look that is timelessly fashionable.
The Elegance of Hollywood Fashions
The glamour of old Hollywood may have been replaced with more modern trends over the years, but they continue to be just as significant as ever, with looks from the big screen still being recreated and adopted as everyday fashion. As trends come and go, Hollywood style remains timeless, and many of the classic looks it pioneered have become staples of modern fashion, from the glamorous evening gowns to the iconic power suit.
Hollywood has always been known as the hub of class and extravagance. It’s no wonder that fashion in film has become a mesmerizing phenomenon used to influence style. Whether from iconic films like The Wizard of Oz, or modern gems like Fifty Shades of Grey, fashion in films allows us to continue to be inspired, daring, fashionable, and daringly fashionable all at once.