This week Film Fashion Friday is bringing you a taste of warmer weather! Lately, I have been caught up in films that are set in warmer climates. They are so inspiring and I am creating a mental library of summertime outfits for the up coming season.
The main film this week is Niagara (1963) starring Marilyn Monroe, Joseph Cotten, and Jean Peters. I watched it for that first time last week and I must say I was quite surprised. I wasn't expecting much and this film turned out to actually be pretty good. I can't believe it took me this long to watch it, considering my love for Joseph Cotten. Both Marilyn Monroe and Jean Peters have an array of fantastic outfits created by Dorothy Jeakins. I would say that this is among Jeakins' best films, considering her small body of work. If you like her work in this film, I would check out South Pacific (1958), Titanic (1953), or Three Coins in the Fountain (1954), all great films with some eye candy worthy wardrobes.
Niagara is the story of two different married couples and how a week at Niagara Falls intertwines the two. There is also the added element of murder and mystery making for a quasi film noir. I highly recommend this film, if for nothing more than the spectacular costumes. Monroe and Peters each go through several outfit changes and each has their own distinct look -- giving both "good girl" and "bad girl" style in one film. This film really showcases how fab '50s summertime clothing was.
Stop Staring Clothing sells a dress that looks to be an exact replica of Marilyn Monroe's famous dress from the film. It is a bit pricey, but I must say it looks like it could have been in the film...it's that good. So for all you gals that want to look like you stepped out of movie, literately, then this dress is for you!
Going along with the summer theme and staying in the same decade, this week's honorable mention stars Katharine Hepburn in Summertime (1955). The film was shot entirely on location in Venice and features a cute little love story between Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi. No costume designer/director was listed in either the credits of the film or on IMDB. Whoever put together or designed the clothes for this film did a fabulous job, really creating the feel for a summer holiday in Italy.
Both of these films are instants on Netflix and are normally widely available at video rental places. I hope you find this breath of summer air as inspiring as I did!!
Make sure to check back next week and keep sending in your requests!
Emily