Tag Archives: Costume Design

FRANCE (2021): The Thing I Liked…

Sometimes I roll the dice and decide to watch a random foreign language film. I recently chose France (2021) for three reasons; I’ve been trying to improve my French, I don’t mind Lea Seydoux, and I found the premise interesting.

Written/directed by Bruno Dumont, France stars Seydoux as France de Meurs, a celebrity journalist who’s having trouble balancing her career and personal life. Little does she know that things are about to get worse before they get better.

The acting in France is not terrible. But, sadly, the story edit is quite disappointing. There are shots that are held for so long that you start to wonder whether the powers that be were attempting to break a record.

The good news for me is that there is one thing that stood out in a positive way, and that is France’s costume design. I adore the colours, textures and silhouettes of Lea’s character’s outfits. And now that this post is published, I can selfishly revisit all the looks at my leisure.

I’m still very much into France the country as a wonderful place to visit, but France the film? I cannot say I recommend it for the story execution. But the fashion? Decide for yourself.

France (2021), Lea Seydoux
France (2021), Lea Seydoux

Classic and angelic, but is she, angelic?

France (2021), Lea Seydoux
France (2021), Lea Seydoux

Camel on cream… gorgeous.

France (2021), Lea Seydoux
France (2021), Lea Seydoux

Ciao, blue… looking all rich and well-hued.

France (2021), Lea Seydoux
France (2021), Lea Seydoux

The words are ‘stunning while sad’.

France (2021), Lea Seydoux
France (2021), Lea Seydoux

Hello, arresting jewel tone!

France (2021), Lea Seydoux
France (2021), Lea Seydoux

Sequinned and moody.

France (2021), Lea Seydoux
France (2021), Lea Seydoux

The deep fuchsia, yellow, brown and blue tones that I couldn’t look away from.

Sometimes one just needs a single reason to keep watching a less-than-great film. Glad I stuck with it. And in case you’re wondering, I’m almost certain that all these outfits are courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

Happy Film Loving,

G

GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1953): Costume Design – Marilyn Monroe And Jane Russell’s Stunning outfits

This post was always going to happen. Particularly since my review of director Howard Hawks’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes revealed William Travilla’s unforgettable costume design as a major highlight. And so, without any further a do, I hope you enjoy the below images at least half as much as I do.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Firstly, lilac magic.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Then some head-turning leopard print gorgeousness.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Elliott Reid, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Elliott Reid, Twentieth Century Fox

The only word is ‘Wow!’

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Double ‘wow!’

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

The above is a screenshot from the footage I saw on social media that compelled me to look into who these two ladies were and learn how they came to look so great together. The footage is, sadly, no longer available. But of course, the original clip exists in the movie.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

The super famous ‘diamonds are a girl’s best friend‘ number. Just ask Madonna, Lady Gaga and Margot Robbie.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

Hello, brown!

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Completely stunning red sequins from the opening dance number.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

More red shine, just after the aforementioned opening dance sequence.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

Some yellow roses with gold detail for your memories.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

And, an important question: ‘Is this the coolest, plus the best, that blue, red, yellow and black have ever looked together?’ Very likely!

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Twentieth Century Fox

Another very well deserved ‘wow!’

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Who said ‘blue and green must never be seen?’ Seriously, I’m not trying to start a fight, but WHO in their right mind…?

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Probably the most memorable double wedding look in film history!

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), Marilyn Monroe, Twentieth Century Fox

Last but in no way least, there’s of course, no celebration of the costume design in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, without featuring the famous gold lamé dress. A creation that was deemed so risqué for the time period, that in the movie, it’s only shown from the back. And what a beautiful view it is.

Did I miss out your favourite look? Unlikely. But of course, it’s always nice to ask.

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953).


Happy Film Loving,

G

THE AFTERMATH (2019): Costume Design – Keira Knightley’s Beautiful Outfits…

Read my spoiler-free movie review of The Aftermath (2019)


Today’s post is a celebration of my favourite of Keira Knightley’s beautiful outfits in The Aftermath (2019). I adore the clothes and the glorious way they’re lit and framed. A big hooray for costume designer Bojana Nikitovic!

The Aftermath (2019), Keira Knightley

This green jacket, white blouse and silver brooch look is my absolute favourite.

The Aftermath (2019), Keira Knightley

Once more with an elegant hat.

The Aftermath (2019), Keira Knightley

I’m sure it’s not at all often that cardigans have looked this good. Am I right or am I right? That double red line detail really makes it for me.

The Aftermath (2019), Keira Knightley

I’ve always known that yellow and red were meant to be together. That beautiful hint of blue certainly adds a very nice touch.

The Aftermath (2019), Keira Knightley

Silk/satin and that light. This image may not show much, but I know you know the yellow halterneck dress is just stunning.

The Aftermath (2019), Keira Knightley

Classic and classy are the words for the blue coat and white shirt. Also, who doesn’t want to be in a restaurant as well-lit as this one right here.

Do you happen to have a favourite Knightley outfit? It’s OK if your answer is ‘all of them,’ because that’s my answer too.

Happy Film Loving,

G