Devil Wears Prada – I read the book first and loved it. Author Lauren Weisberger is a former assistant of US Vogue Editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. From her year in the position, Weisberger was inspired to pen a novel on her experiences working for Wintour. The film adaptation is wonderful, full of comedy, catwalks and cattiness from inside the fashion world. With a first class cast including Anne Hathaway as leading lady Andy, Meryl Streep in the role of boss from hell Miranda Priestly, stylist Nigel played by Stanley Tucci and the introduction of Emily Blunt as first assistant Emily. The story revolves around Andy, an aspiring writer with little to no interest in fashion who ends up working at Runway (basically Vogue) which she sees as her gateway to the world of journalism. The film follows her transformation from clumsy care-free Andy to stylish stress-head Andrea. The transformation allows the audience to glimpse some amazing outfits and with guest appearances from model and presenter Heidi Klum and designer Valentino the film feels like a true portrayal of the fashion industry. Renowned costume designer Patricia Field was responsible for one of the most beautiful, colour wardrobe of any film I have seen so far. Who would expect any less? The original author of the novel Lauren Weisberger plays a none-speaking role in the film as the nanny to Miranda Priestly’s twins.
4/5
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Confessions of a Shopaholic – Once again I read the book first. I love to read and if I can, I like to read the book before I see the film. As I read further into the series, I started to love the main character Rebecca, who author Sophie Kinsella makes so likeable. Girly girl Rebecca Bloomwood loves shopping, shopping for anything! She has debts and bills and a busting wardrobe to prove it. With the bank manager very interested to track her down, the film follows her attempts to avoid him and the debt she has accumulated. Surprisingly, Rebecca is a financial journalist who clearly does not practise what she preachers. Along the way her elaborate excuses and lies get out of hand and she could lose significant relationships if she carries on the way she is. The character’s ultimate goal is to write for fashion magazine Alette and Rebecca will go to any lengths to do that. The film is full of colourful fashion and the beautiful Isla Fisher, who plays leading lady Rebecca, makes all the outfits look even more powerful against her pale skin and copper hair. Once again the amazingly talented Patricia Field held the position of costume designer for the Devil Wears Prada film. Personally, I prefer the storyline within the book series. It is more relatable to me as it is set in Britain, whereas the films are American, as are the films characters. The books are funnier too, especially the relationship between Rebecca and her parents and the additional characters that pop up in the continuing book series.
3/5
Clueless – This is a great 90s film about a popular teenager living in Beverley Hills. The film follows Cher Horowitz’ high school life experiences with her friends and step-brother. There is plenty of fashion, parties, relationships and some bad driving. As superficial as Cher may initially seem, her innocence and caring nature comes through whether it is setting up lonely teachers, giving make-overs and doing charity work her intentions are all good. Her moving closet and computer programme to help her put her outfits together give great entertainment for fashionistas watching as do the competitive high school fashion outfit wars day to day. Pay particular attention to how the girls style their PE outfits. Costume designer Mona May was responsible for the grunge 90s feel to some characters’ outfits and Cher’s unique fashion leader looks.
4.5/5
Sex and the City – The Movie 1+2 – Carrying on from the end of the TV series, the first movie catches up with Carrie and her friends a few years later. Carrie and Mr. Big are to be married and you can imagine the wedding gown amongst all the other fabulous fashion statements made throughout this film especially with four leading ladies and Patricia Field as the film’s stylist. An unfortunate comment slips out at an inopportune moment which leads Carrie jilted on her wedding day. Her friends rally round her and insist on attending her honeymoon with her to get away from New York. This exotic trip gives the audience the wonderful fashion show that is their holiday wardrobes, as does the second film. Samantha whisks the girls to Abu Dhabi on an all expenses paid trip. The styling is out of this world; Patricia Field has the most perfect attention to detail and forward thinking when it comes to fashion. For me, these films, along with the TV series are a source of inspiration for putting outfits together and accessorising.
5/5
Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Set in New York in the early 60s, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a classic film starring style icon Audrey Hepburn. Leading lady Miss Holly Golightly works the party scene pocketing $50 bills from rich men for the powder room. She is a beautiful brunette with a glamorous style. She is popular with many men who are driven wild by her flippancy. Holly is a troubled type who finds her escape at Tiffany’s. Her flat has never been made a home by Holly’s unwillingness to unpack and her pet cat remains unnamed. When a new neighbour moves into the building Holly develops a friendship with writer Paul Varjak as they have similarities in their lives and he reminds her of her brother Fred who is away at war. Holly interests Paul, her life, her personality and spends more time with her and uncovers the real person beneath the glamorous exterior. With the most famous black dress and pearls outfit at the start of the film, you would not be disappointed with the outfits throughout the rest of the film including classic Burberry Mac in the final scenes. Designer Givenchy dressed Audrey Hepburn for Breakfast at Tiffany’s as he did for the majority of her career and personal life. Hepburn was Givenchy’s muse. A must see fashion film.
3.5/5
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