One of the best places to look for fashion expressed above and beyond is on the big screen- especially in recent years, as creative visions have been taken to unimaginable levels in both film and on the red carpet. But some looks just can’t be matched, and no matter how much competition arises, they won’t dare waver.
Check out some of the most iconic looks in film- both old and new- over the years:
Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Based off Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long’s novel, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is an iconic early 2000s production, and Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson)’s yellow satin dress was undoubtedly one of the highlights.
The dress wasn’t actually designed by the costume department, but Carolina Herrera and German-born fashion-maven Dina Bar-El, and it all started with the 80-carat diamond pendant necklace Andie dons in the gala scene, which actually inspired the entire look. After production, the piece sold for millions.
PHOTO: COURTESY EVERETTE COLLECTION
The iconic low-back gown, however, is impossible to find these days- literally. Kate Hudson revealed in an interview with Elle Magazine she has no idea of its whereabouts after being told she wasn’t allowed to keep the piece.
“You know what? I have no idea where that dress is! I know it was Carolina Herrera, and our amazing costume designer designed the dress with Carolina’s team. I do not know where it is, but I feel like we should find it!”
Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada
Possibly every fashion lover’s favorite film, The Devil Wears Prada truly stole the show when it came to the costume department, especially when digging into the evolution of Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway)’s personal style.
After being nagged about her appearance at her new job as Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep)’s assistant at a fashion magazine, she decides to take matters into her own hands.
Her “makeover” is debuted in head-to-toe Chanel (with a splash of Fendi, of course), and although it was only onscreen for barely over a minute, the outfit has earned the title of one of the most iconic in early 2000s film.
PHOTO: 20TH CENTURY FOX
Andy’s outfit included a Chanel Patch Detail Blazer from the Resort 2005 Collection, a Fendi Knit Chef Ruffle Green Wool Shoulder Bag, and and of course, the Chanel boots: a pair of Black Leather Thigh-highs from the Fall 2005 Collection. Not to mention some statement jewelry and a classic new hairdo.
The film’s costume designer was Patricia Field, who put this look together specifically to convey a message to the rest of the office at Runway Magazine: fashion isn’t a tangible thing, but a language- a way to convey your image, attitude, and personality in an undeniable way. Andy’s makeover serves as a perfect example of this in the sense that even though she isn’t a wealthy New York City socialite or industry name, she’s still a powerful woman with a lot to offer. Her elevated style changes the game for her.
Ana de Armas in No Time to Die
There is something truly special about Bond films: the balance between glamour and action that no other franchise has encapsulated the same way. And this dress worn by Ana de Armas as Paloma in the 2021 film No Time to Die says it all.
The backless maxi gown boasts a plunging neckline and a high front slit, perfect for the glitz and glam of Hollywood without sacrificing room for movement or- to be more precise- combat.
Australian designer Michael Lo Sordo had no clue who or what the dress was for when he was handed the project, only that he needed to make a whopping ten replicas of the navy-blue slip for an action scene that would likely damage it between takes.
Still, he described the process as an honor, and even more so when he finally discovered that it was for an 007 film, making him the first to bring Australian fashion to the franchise.
PHOTO: ALAMY / PA
Even better, de Armas is a global ambassador for the Natural Diamond Council, which allowed her to take charge in accessorizing the look after it reached the studio, creating unique balance between elegance and efficiency.
Chopard is the official jewelry partner for 007, so she had plenty of beautiful pieces to choose from when it came to complimenting the dress, and at the end of the day, she ended up deciding on a dainty diamond necklace, bracelet, and earrings.
Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Originally written by Truman Capote and later developed for cinema by director Blake Edwards, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a classic, and Audrey Hepburn didn’t have a dull moment thought the entire film, during which she portrayed holly Golightly, a self-made New York socialite.
Though every one of her looks was beyond stunning, there was one that really took the cake.
PHOTO: PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Inspired by Coco Chanel, the concept of the “little black dress” emerged in the 1920s, but with the help of Hepburn’s creativity, Hubert de Givenchy designed this particular look with an elegant twist.
The dress made a perfect centerpiece for Audrey’s opening get-up, completed with a pair of black opera gloves, diamond earrings with a complimenting hairpiece, a gaudy pearl necklace, and of course, her famous cat eye sunglasses.
Three pieces of this iconic look can be found in different places around the world. One is kept in the archive of Givenchy, the other is exhibited in the Museum of Garment in Madrid and the last one was sold at a Christie’s auction for more than 607,000 Euros in 2006.
Uma Thurman in Kill Bill
Back to our ladies in action, this yellow tracksuit worn by Uma Thurman in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill may be less glamorous than Lo Sordo’s navy gown, but just as iconic.
The series followed Thurman’s character (the Bride) as she hunts down a team of assassins on a revenge mission- and she does it in style.
The look was inspired by Bruce Lee in his final film, Game of Death. And though it was director Quentin Tarantino’s idea, Thurman was ultimately dressed by costume designer Catherine Marie Thomas.
PHOTO: A BAND APART
During production, Thurman actually expressed that she wasn’t a fan of the bright yellow get-up, which she wore during several crucial scenes during the movie as well as the primary poster for Vol I. “Anyone that has just had a baby is not going to want to wear a skin-tight onesie,” she expressed. But after Tarantino convinced her with a lengthy speech and a viewing of Game of Death, she agreed.
The final look was paired with- in true Tarantino fashion- a katana sword and a pair of Onitsuka Tiger trainers, which have recently been re-released in a lot of just 399 pairs in collaboration with BAIT and The Bruce Lee Foundation.
By: Mackenzie Ostrowski
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