My View: The Artist

I went to see The Artist over the weekend. It is one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. Filmed in black and white, The Artist is a romantic comedy about a silent film star whose career goes down the drain when talkies become popular. Brilliantly, the movie itself is a silent movie complete with raised eyebrows, title cards, and amazing music. 

Of course the dashing late 1920's / early 1930's costumes are worth seeing this film alone. I now want to wear flapper dresses and take tap dance lessons! 

Have you seen it yet? What did you think? 

Mid-Week Inspiration: The Lady Noire

Last week I presented the Chanel mini-film Train de Nuit. This week's inspiration is Dior's The Lady Noire, (chapter 1; The Lady Noire Affaire). Just under 7 minutes, this film/advert takes us back to the film noir days of the 40's with intriguing music, dark shadows, and a confusing plot. The stunning actress Marion Cotillard is reunited with director Olivier Dahan, both from La Vie en Rose fame. Cleverly this film shows us the wonderful Christian Dior accessories in her Lady Dior bag and my favorite, her shoes. Want more? Go to the Lady Dior site for behind the scenes footage and the making of the bag!

Mid-Week Inspiration: Chanel's Train de Nuit

The new advertisement/mini film for Chanel No. 5, titled Train de Nuit, has been released and it's beautiful. Starring Audrey Tautou as the new face for the perfume, and directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet the film takes us for a ride on an Orient Express over night train from Paris to Istanbul. The train conjures up past images but the setting is 2009. Simply dressed, Audrey is beautiful, but I wish that the clothing was as mysterious as the film. It is Chanel, afterall! But I suppose the point is more the allure of the wonderful scent of Chanel No. 5 and the film is still a wonderful inspiration. Like most French films, emotions are relayed without words and this two and half minute film is no exception. Audrey Tautou and Jean-Pierre Jeunet have reunited since filming Amelie to create this and there are some great interviews and behind the scenes footage to be seen as well. Don't delay, go to chanel.com now to see the film and more!

Fashionable History: The Women

I was lucky enough to watch The Women (1939) last night on TCM. It's a funny film with an all female fast talking cast gossiping about their marriage troubles. The Women stars Joan Crawford, Norma Shearer, Joan Fontaine, Paulette Goddard, and Rosalind Russell whom in my mind stole the show. One of the best parts of the film however is the fabulous fashion show. This segment (with some amazing 1940's looks from the film's costume designer, Adrian) is shown completely in color while the rest of the film is black and white. If you haven't seen it you must!

If the emebed video does not show click here to see the fashion show segment!

Fashionable History: Orry-Kelly

The gorgeous metallic sequin dress in Some Like it Hot

Mitzi Gaynor in Les Girls

1930's luncheon wear in Three on a Match.

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I recently watched the fantastic pre-code 1930's films, Three on a Match (starring Joan Blondell Ann Dvorak and a young and blonde Bette Davis) and Female (starring Ruth Chatterton) and discovered the wonderful costumes were designed by Orry-Kelly. Not as well known as Adrian or Edith Head I had never heard of him and decided to do a little research. As it turns out he should be more well known than he is. He has done the gowns and costumes for hundreds of films including the big Busby Berkeley musicals, Jezebel (1938), The Maltese Falcon (1941), Casablanca (1942), and Les Girls (1957). He won oscars for his designs in An American in Paris (1951), and one of my absolute favorites, Some Like it Hot (1959).
I was already a fan and didn't know it!

Mid-Week Inspiration: The Conformist

I hate to be redundant but the fashion in the film The Conformist had a huge impact on me. Yesterday I wrote a post in my other blog, Fashion Playlist, about the gorgeous style in this movie and today I am still inspired. Here is my link to that post. http://fashionplaylist.blogspot.com/2009/03/cinema-style-conformist.html

Mid-Week Inspiration: Ruth Chatterton

Images from classic Hollywood movies are almost always an inspiration. I came accross this photo of Ruth Chatterton from the pre-code Hollywood film, Female, and fell in love. I'm definitely intrigued and will be adding that film to my netflix queue.