The DIY Vintage Fashion Museum of Cinematic Delights
What would YOU put in your very own vintage fashion film museum? Shirley Maclaine’s luscious green tights, perhaps? Or maybe Ed Wood’s angora sweater…
I read an article recently about a travelling “Hollywood Costume” museum exhibit featuring a variety of cinematic wardrobe pieces: Tippi Hedren’s mint-coloured suit from The Birds, Babs’ evening gown from Funny Girl, a gaggle of outfits from Shakespeare in Love… My immediate thought: zzzzzzz. Okay, fact is, I’d still go and I’d probably ‘oooo and ahhh’ over some of this dusty junk.
However, in my own personal universe, I’d round up a different assortment of movieland attire. On that list would be anything designed by Edith Head (to be fair, Tippi’s green dress was). Basically everything from Clueless, Tank Girl or The Lost Boys. Brad Pitt’s loafers from Johnny Suede or Shelley Duvall’s entire wardrobe in Nashville (I was unable to find decent pictures of either online to include in this post). And the unforgettable items listed below…
Nic Cage’s snakeskin jacket – Wild at Heart (1990)
“Did I ever tell you that this here jacket represents a symbol of my individuality and my belief in personal freedom?”
Shirley MacLaine’s green tights – Irma La Douce (1963)
I did this once for Halloween. It was the best costume I’ve ever had. Though not one soul knew who the hell I was supposed to be.
Marlon Brando’s soaked tank top – A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
This is my kind of wet t-shirt contest…
Madonna’s pyramid coat – Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
“Good goin’, stranger.”
Harrison Ford’s fedora – Indiana Jones trilogy (1981-1989)
What, is that a cliché? I don’t care. This hat has a life of its own.
Marlene Dietrich’s tux – Morocco (1930)
This look was incredibly scandalous when this film came out. Not to mention the girl-on-girl kiss.
Julianne Moore’s robe – The Big Lebowski (1998)
“And thorough.”
The gang’s leather vests – The Warriors (1979)
Though to be fair, the most memorable part of the movie is David Patrick Kelly’s character clinking the bottles on his fingers… “Warriorrrrrs…come out and plaaa-aaay.”
Rita Hayworth’s gloves – Gilda (1946)
The sultriest, yet least amount of stripping done in a ‘tease, ever.
The leather dusters – Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
“How can you trust a man who wears both a belt and suspenders? The man can’t even trust his own pants.”
Jean Seberg’s New York Herald Tribune t-shirt – Breathless (1960)
Best ‘print media’ product placement of all time?
Moira Shearer’s toe shoes – The Red Shoes (1948)
She just wants to dance, folks. Even if it kills her.
Ed Wood’s angora sweater – Glen or Glenda? (1953)
I would just like to point out that this little cinematic gem was filmed in four days.
These fellas’ matching outfits – Boogie Nights (1997)
“Yeah, well, this is imported Italian nylon.”
These ladies’ dancing gowns – Strictly Ballroom (1992)
The only movie that makes me cry every time I watch it. Which is up to about 25 times now.
