Fashion is more than just clothing — it’s a visual language that speaks volumes about character, culture, and the times we live in. Films that center around the world of fashion often offer an immersive experience, not only showcasing incredible wardrobes but also exploring the powerful impact that clothing has on identity, ambition, and society. From high couture to rebellious street style, these films use fashion as a storytelling device, blending creativity with narrative in unique ways. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic movies where fashion is not just part of the plot — it is the plot.
Cruella (2021)
Set in the 1970s, Cruella takes audiences back to the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic villains, Cruella de Vil. With a sharp, punk-inspired fashion sense, the film’s wardrobe is a bold and essential part of the narrative. The film’s costume designer, Jenny Beavan, utilizes the rebellious spirit of the ’70s to reflect Cruella’s transformation from a meek young woman to a fierce fashion icon. The design contrasts themes of opulence with anarchy, with the iconic black-and-white hairstyles becoming synonymous with her character’s growing sense of control and power. Fashion in Cruella is a tool of both rebellion and refinement, mirroring the protagonist’s journey.
The Neon Demon (2016)
A dark and unsettling exploration of the fashion industry, The Neon Demon dives into the dangers of beauty, vanity, and obsession. The film’s fashion is as much a character as its protagonists, with costumes that speak to the superficiality of the modeling world. Styled with an ethereal, almost otherworldly sensibility, the fashion choices in The Neon Demon reflect a world where appearance is everything, and perfection is pursued at any cost. The striking use of color, surreal set designs, and avant-garde style choices underscore the film’s eerie atmosphere, blending horror with haute couture.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Wes Anderson’s distinctive aesthetic is evident not just in the quirky, symmetrical cinematography but also in the characters’ wardrobes. In The Royal Tenenbaums, fashion plays a subtle yet essential role in conveying the eccentricities and emotional landscapes of the Tenenbaum family. From Margot’s fur coats and black eyeliner to Richie’s tennis whites and sports uniforms, each outfit is a visual cue to the character’s personality and backstory. The film’s stylistic choices evoke a sense of nostalgia, with its retro designs evoking a timelessness that mirrors the family’s dysfunction and bittersweet connections.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Arguably the most iconic fashion film of the 21st century, The Devil Wears Prada takes a sharp, witty look at the high-pressure, glamorous world of fashion publishing. The film’s fashion is integral not only to its plot but also to its themes of self-empowerment, ambition, and sacrifice. Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep) is a figure of absolute control, with her outfits — designed by Patricia Field — embodying power, sophistication, and cold elegance. For Andrea (Anne Hathaway), the transformation from frumpy assistant to chic professional mirrors her internal journey, as she grapples with her personal values versus her ambition to succeed in the cutthroat fashion industry.
Saint Laurent (2014)
A biographical drama about the French fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, this film explores not only the designer’s creative genius but also the personal and psychological struggles he faced. The costumes are a reflection of the revolutionary nature of Saint Laurent’s work in the fashion world. With Yves’ groundbreaking designs, the film delves into the beauty and emotional toll of artistic creation, featuring iconic collections and signature looks, such as the tuxedo for women. The wardrobe choices evoke the changing tides of fashion, illustrating the emotional depth behind the designer’s world. The film itself is a visual feast of haute couture that reveals the interplay between fashion, fame, and identity.
Coco Before Chanel (2009)
Coco Before Chanel offers a glimpse into the early life of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the woman who revolutionized fashion by liberating women from the constraints of corsets and elaborate designs. The film’s costumes reflect the simplicity and elegance that would later define Chanel’s signature style. Audrey Tautou’s portrayal of the designer shows her as an ambitious, independent woman, and the film contrasts the rough beginnings of her life with the future of sophistication she would create. The use of minimalistic yet beautiful costumes foreshadows Chanel’s future innovations and her ability to make simplicity chic.
The Dressmaker (2015)
Set in a small Australian town, The Dressmaker blends drama, dark comedy, and haute couture. Kate Winslet’s character, Tilly Dunnage, returns to her hometown and uses her sewing talents to transform the women in the town, not just through clothing but by empowering them with confidence and independence. The film is a visual celebration of fashion’s transformative power, with Tilly’s creations being pivotal in her character’s quest for revenge and redemption. The costuming, designed by Marion Boyce, highlights the contrast between the drab, conservative town and the stunning creations Tilly brings with her, turning the town into a canvas for her revenge.
Phantom Thread (2017)
Phantom Thread is a masterful exploration of the intersection of creativity, obsession, and the art of fashion. Set in the haute couture world of 1950s London, the film follows renowned dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he designs for the elite while navigating his complex relationships. The costumes, designed by Mark Bridges, are a stunning reflection of Woodcock’s meticulous nature, as each piece becomes an expression of control, beauty, and perfection. Fashion in Phantom Thread is more than just garments — it’s a metaphor for the emotional tensions that drive the characters’ actions, serving as a lens through which their psychological states are revealed.
[Contributed By Anushka Gaikwad]