Classic Cinema
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Movie Monday: Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Rebel Without a Cause was a film that set the tone for the 1950’s and really connected to a lot of the youth of that time. Let’s be honest, it still connects to the youth of today. Not only because of the legendary James Dean, but because of the aesthetic it lent to the 1950’s era. This was one of three films James Dean starred in that hit the big screen. He would never get to see the premiere of this film, but Dean left a lasting impact with his creation of Jim Stark. Director Nicholas Ray let Dean have so much creative control with his character and the film in…
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Movie Monday: The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Oh The Philadelphia Story! This was the movie that made me question who was the better Hepburn: Audrey or Katherine? Of course, Katherine Hepburn was labeled box office poison for many years until Phillip Barry wrote a screenplay specifically for Hepburn, that play is what became The Philadelphia Story. Katherine Hepburn was so taken with this play that she made the impassioned decision to forgo a salary and fund the whole stage production out of her personal funds. However, being the savvy business women that she was, Hepburn did receive a significant portion of the profits from the huge success that this play became. Katherine Hepburn soon realized the kind of…
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Generations of Bergmans
In a book about Grace Kelly that I once read years ago, it said she wrote in her high school yearbook that her favorite actress was Ingrid Bergman. If you really think about this though, it makes sense. Yes, Bergman was a popular actress during the very impressionable years of Grace Kelly’s life, but Kelly also had the natural beauty that Ingrid possessed. These photos are not mine. Similar face shapes, hairstyles, eyebrow shape, and smiles. Both of these women were stunning, but at the heart of this story many generations later women are still trying to capture the beauty of these women. Today, many women in Hollywood wear vintage…
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Movie Monday: Rear Window (1954)
These photos are not mine. Possibly one of the most iconic Hitchcock films, Rear Window has a special place in cinema history. This was one of the first movies Hitchcock made in color. There are many fascinating aspects to this film, but one I found particularly interesting was in order to simulate daylight the set required numerous lights. With all of the necessary lamps on the set, at one point the heat they generated set off the sprinkler system! Rear Window was one of five Hitchcock films that was off limits for years because of production rights. Alfred Hitchcock bought back the rights to these “Five Lost Hitchcocks” and left…
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Movie Monday: Casablanca (1942)
These photos are not mine. Casablanca is arguably one of the most iconic and influential films to ever hit the silver screen! The music, the movie lines, the clothes, and the love story are all components that helped catapult this movie into instant success! At the time of Casablanca‘s release, the world was in complete turmoil. It was in the midst of World War II and many people went to the theatre to escape reality even if it was just for a little while. Rick and Ilsa’s love story endeared audiences all over the world, and impacted society in a way those who made the film would have never thought.…
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Movie Monday: The Women (1939)
These photos are not mine. If you love fashion as much as I do, and that is a whole lot, this is a must see film!! Although The Women fails the “Bechdel Test” because all of the women in this film pretty much always end up talking about the allusive “Steve” who never appears on screen, this is still a triumphant film for women! The cast was ALL FEMALE! Right down to the animals that appear in the movie. Some of the most glamorous women of the 1930s starred together in The Women and went on to create a cinematic masterpiece!! These photos are not mine. One of my favorite actresses, Norma Shearer, wore…
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Fran Fine’s Fine Style
For more of Fran Fine’s fashion, follow @whatfranwore on Instagram! *These photos are not mine.* It’s time to reflect on one of my favorite funny ladies: Fran Fine of The Nanny! I know this isn’t a film, but I had to put it in the Classic Cinema section because to me this show is definitely a classic! Even though this show ran throughout the 90’s, Fran Drescher’s style is pretty contemporary. The crop tops, the geometric shapes, the mini skirts, and the many times she wore the complementary color of black. Fran was way ahead of her time in fashion! These photos are not mine. We have seen the fashion industry catchup…
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Audrey Hepburn & Givenchy’s Unique Relationship
Many people would agree that Audrey Hepburn is one of the most stylish women to ever live. The major question that plagued Audrey’s career was did she make Givenchy or did Givenchy make Audrey? These photos are not mine. Where did their iconic relationship begin? It started before Audrey’s silver screen hits and Givenchy’s fantastic runway shows. Their professional relationship lasted from 1954-1987, covering seven films for Audrey to be draped in some of the most glamorous designs in all of movie history. One of the most amazing things about clothes is how they can sometimes, with the right mixture of passion and magic, become a moment. Yes, an entire moment.…
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Movie Monday: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
These photos are not mine. Okay, I know what you are thinking. “Sarah, why would you pick The Wizard of Oz this Monday when the characters don’t even change their style at all the entire film?” Let me explain. You see The Wizard of Oz has been a very understated and influential film for fashion. Plus, who doesn’t love a movie about magical shoes? Because of its unique mix of black and white and one of the earliest uses of technicolor, The Wizard of Oz has become way more than just a classic piece of cinema. The slew of merchandise dedicated to this film alone marks it as one of the most famous and easily recognizable…
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Movie Monday: Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) movie poster Today’ #MovieMonday will be all about reviewing the timeless style of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). It is safe to say that Audrey served up some serious looks in this film so lets get started! These photos are not mine. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is easily one of the most influential movies, stylistically speaking, to hit the silver screen since…well probably another Audrey Hepburn film. Unlike Sabrina (1954) or Roman Holiday (1953), Audrey is no longer playing characters who are young and somewhat naive. In this film she is a mature woman who knows how to make a decision for herself, and those traits are clearly articulated in the…
