From Twisters to A League of Their Own to La La Land the costuming in films is so vitally important. Not only does the outfitting help convey the story, but it conveys the nuances and culture of the time. People often forget that the costuming is just as important, if not more important than the acting and the physical evolution of costumes in cinematography is something that should be explored.
During the Golden Age of Hollywood, much like the rest of the culture, the movies were incredibly traditional. When film as we know it was first introduced in movies like Casablanca and Gone With the Wind, the costumes reflect the traditionalism of both the setting of the film as well as of the era.
via Glamour.com
As seen in the picture above, Scarlett O’Hara is dressed in a gorgeous layered gown that represents the Southern Belles in the Deep South during the Civil War. However, it is marked with a few late 1930s- early 40s trademarks, one being O’Hara’s hair and the other being the sleeves of the gown. Traditional hairstyles of the Civil War were low buns and braided hair, regardless of social class. This is not the case for the characters in the film. All women are seen with some variation of early versions of Victory Rolls, a nod to the political climate, with voluminous brushed-out curls. Additionally, the sleeves of O’Hara’s dress are reminiscent of Old Hollywood gowns from the 30s. Both of these small details tied the movie to the current culture while still keeping the authenticity of the Deep South.
As cinema evolved, so did the creation of the costumes. Soon, movies started to prioritize the era in which the film was being made, over the setting of the piece. This is seen in films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s. We all know Hepburn's iconic black dress. It is the trademark of the film, yet it was created because of the time period, not necessarily, the storyline. The original story was set in the 1940s, but when put to the silver screen, the story transcends 20 years and is now placed in the 1960s. At that time in fashion, clothes were still heavily influenced by the aesthetic of the 1950s, so luxurious, glamorous, and structured evening wear was still in the forefront of all designers minds. The jump in the film was done to emphasize the fun and glamour of the clothes and environment of the 60s, thus giving us the iconic costume. Another prime culprit of culture leaking into film is the original Star Trek series also filmed in the 1960s.
via CBS, Getty
Despite being set in 2266, the costumes, specifically for the women, were highly influenced by the fashion of the time. Being filmed during the peak of Mod fashion, the skirts are short and the tops are fitted. Much like the aforementioned film, the costumes were tailored in the same style as most 1950s daywear. Additionally, the women are also seen wearing the classic 50s bullet bra, another nod to the former political climate. Bullet bras were created initally as protection for the women working in factories during World War 2. Eventually they transitioned into a fashion statement which is how they made their way into modern culture like the Star Trek series. Although, Captain Kirk and his crew weren’t the only ones soaring across the galaxy in modern-day clothes. The 2000’s prequel series of the Star Wars movies was a Y2K dream.
Natalie Portman’s Princess Padme is essentially the galactic version of Paris Hilton. Not only was she the people’s princess, but her outfits consisted of low-waisted, flowy, bedazzled gowns that radiated Paris Hilton energy.
via Lucasfilm
via Getty
Despite having their astronomic spin, there is no denying that we could have seen Padme’s Parade dress on a 2000s red carpet.
It doesn’t matter if you’re racing through the galaxy in a cruiser or living in a post Civil War Georgia. Fashion transcends. The costumes of the films we grew up with are more than just pieces of fabric, they are a projection of history. They illustrate the political climate, the social norms, and the prospective future. To take the clothes at face value and to just view them as clothes, would be doing a disservice to the film. They are as crucial as the actor and the sooner that is realized, the deeper the viewing experience becomes.
by Abigail Moynihan
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