Fashion in Film: Literary Heroines

In this edition of my series diving into cinematic costumes, I wanted to spotlight literary heroines that have come to life in film. I picked three characters who made a huge impression on me growing up: Anne Shirley, Elizabeth Bennet, and Jo March. Anne of Green Gables (1985) and Pride & Prejudice (2005) specifically were my introduction to a whole new genre of costumes and film as a child: the period piece.

Almost as inspiring as the headstrong characters wearing them, were their costumes: ribbons, straw hats, delicate ginghams and plaids, high necks and ruffles, muddy skirts, puffed sleeves and pinafores - let's get into it!

Fashion in Film: Emma. (2020)

I have always been transfixed by clothing in films, and over the years I’ve read everything I can about costume design. I was inspired to start a Twitter thread, but wanted to explore the topic without a word count. And this series, Fashion in Film, was born! Here we will take a deeper dive into notable costume design in film.

Seeking a distraction during this difficult time, I finally was able to see Emma. (2020), a movie people started recommending me immediately after the first trailer dropped! Watching director Autumn de Wilde's first foray into feature films was like a soothing balm, with a carousel of visual optimism arriving in quick succession: floral wallpaper! Ornate costumes! Lingering close-ups on hands! Tear-stricken confessions! A shock of blood! All anchored by strong performances from Anya Taylor-Joy, Miranda Hart, and Bill Nighy. There was so much I loved about this spirited take on the Jane Austen classic.

Read on for a deeper dive on my favorite costumes in Emma. (2020).

Fashion in Film: Romeo + Juliet (1996)

I have always been transfixed by clothing in films, and over the years I’ve read everything I can about costume design. I was inspired to start a Twitter thread, but wanted to explore the topic without a word count. And this series, Fashion in Film, was born! Here we will take a deeper dive into notable costume design in film.

Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet (1996) has frequently been touted as Shakespeare for the MTV Generation for its wholly unique way of telling the classic tale of star-cross'd lovers. Today we will be throwing the spotlight on R+J's costumes, which serve as eye candy with Hawaiian shirts, angel wings, and reoccurring motifs of flaming hearts, crosses, and other religious iconography (bringing the religion focused Elizabethan era into the 21st century).

Fashion in Film: 5 Favorite Period Pieces

Some of the most memorable scenes in film feature breath-taking clothing that speak to different time periods, class system, life experiences, and more. As well as introducing me to worlds outside of my limited scope, movies also taught me about fashion - how to identify fabrics, sewing techniques - not to mention reading a character based on their wardrobe. Things like scuff marks, specific kinds of fabric, color stories, and garment structure all give us clues to the characters on screen.

I started a Twitter thread on some of my favorite films based on their costume design, but wanted to explore the topic without a word count, and I felt like a series here on Mermaidens would be the perfect way to explore costume design in film! I would love to hear your favorites as well, so please leave them in the comments!
Let's discuss one of my very favorite genres of film: The Period Piece.

Favorite Films: Marie Antoinette (2006)

While I feel like the plot and character development of this movie leaves something to be desired, MARIE ANTOINETTE (2006) is definitely one of the prettiest movies I have ever seen. The pastel hues, floral patterns, costumes, and sets make this movie such a treat for the eyes! Meanwhile, who else is so excited about Kirsten Dunst's "come-back"?

♥, Kailey

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