As an aspiring costume designer and Fashion enthusiast, you can learn more about this industry by looking to the silver screen. Helen Beaumont reveals five great films for fashion lovers.
The September Issue
September is the biggest month for fashion magazines, where publications compete to release the best issue. This tradition was created by legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour and popularized R.J Cutler’s documentary, The September Issue. In this film, Cutler opened the doors behind Vogue as it prepared to release its 2009 September issue, making it must-see viewing for fashion enthusiasts.
Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory
Throughout his career, recently-deceased actor Gene Wilder wore some fantastic clothing. The highlight was undoubtedly the velvet coat, top hat and bow tie combo Wilder donned as the title character in 1971’s Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. For fans of zany film fashion, this production is your holy grail, as it features some of wackiest pieces ever seen on the silver screen.
The Devil Wears Prada
Lifestyle site Love Dublin writes that The Devil Wears Prada is essential viewing for all fashion fans. This film, which was released in 2006 and follows a young woman as she enters one of the most cut-throat industries on earth, is a one-stop guide to 2000s fashion. Also Meryl Streep, who plays a fearsome fashion magazine editor in the film, teaches plenty of life and fashion lessons along the way.
Funny Face
Films can serve as great resources when researching period clothing. If you’re looking for inspiration from the mid-20th Century, classic film Funny Face has to be on your viewing list. Starring the effortlessly graceful Audrey Hepburn, this film sees the actress don a number of impeccable styles. Any Audrey Hepburn film, from Funny Face to Breakfast At Tiffany’s is a great watch for fashion fans.
Zoolander
It may seem odd to include Zoolander – the 2001 Ben Stiller film which lampoons the fashion industry, on this list. But fashion sometimes takes itself a little too seriously and Zoolander’s characters are based on real people in the industry, so it serves an important purpose. We may love style, but it is always important to have perspective, otherwise you just turn yourself into a laughing stock!
Inspiration for research
The films on this list are great for fashion lovers for a number of reasons. Not only do they deepen your knowledge of the industry, but they shed light on key trends and styles across the ages. This means that some of these productions, such as Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory and Funny Face, are also must-see viewing for aspiring costume designers. By watching these productions, you can gain the inspiration you need to create fabulous pieces, which draw viewers into other worlds.
About Helen Beaumont
Helen Beaumont’s career started at Camberwell College of Art, where she studied the History of Art and Design, specialising in costume during her final year. After completing study, Helen became a costume buyer for theatre and opera. She has since become a professional costume designer, with a keen interest in period clothing. Throughout her career, Helen has created authentic costumes for prestigious companies such as the Universal Studios, Disney, BBC, Tiger Aspect and the Young Vic Theatre.
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