Costumes On The Catwalk
Why does the film industry have such a hold on catwalks and fashion trends?Why does the film industry have such a hold on catwalks and fashion trends?Top series and movies in today’s era are constantly taking a stroll into our high-street stores. From Barbie to now wicked, we see the narratives of clothing lines follow the strict style guides of these stories.
The Hollywood Grasp
We all have a top 3 or top 5 list of actors we just can’t get enough of. Even if we know a film or series that isn’t hitting that 5-star rating, we will still watch and enjoy the movie for that one actor or actress. This obsession with Hollywood started in the 1920s, when the importance of clothing was seen as a more important role to bringing characters to life. The use of Warner Bros., Paramount Studios, and more designers to arrange costumes showed how what we wear is a symbol for our personalities and overall persona. This sent a message that what we wear has some significance in ‘being ourselves.’
In the 1930s to 40s, we saw the release of Wizard of Oz. Judy Garland was placed in a breathable as well as beautiful blue and white gingham dress. With her character Dorothy being a confident and fearless woman, the use of a flowy and unpopular pattern like gingham fitted her character perfectly. This beautiful and more wearable dress caught every viewer’s eye, and after seeing Brigitte Bardot flaunting the pattern in her wedding dress, Gingham became memorable. This pushed sales and popularity. In today’s social media trends, due to the recent wicked film coming out, Wizard of Oz has made a reappearance and is now a trending sound on TikTok.
Wearing Memories
Not only do Hollywood films release an importance in fashion, but an importance to us as consumers. Many designers now focus on designs that give us flashbacks of our own lives. In 2020, we saw many designers playing around with the story of ‘Alice in Wonderland’. We saw many looks that were representations of each character. This catwalk immediately catches our eye as it’s a familiarity of what we had as a child.
Using stories that many people connect with is a great way for brands to connect with new and present customers. As a viewer, it’s a way for us to be a part of our favourite story.
With so many more live-action films of our once-favourite fairytales, we can only see this growing.
Future High Street ‘Costumes’
Now, like said before, we all know about the upcoming Wicked movie. With this movie taking over social media and shops like Primark and H&M, it’s a trend that will set a path to a new seasonal colour.
In 2025, we can see a playful girly A/W. With pastel pink and blues, matched with ruffles and layered skirts. With ballet shoes still being worn, the colour of “ruby red slippers” will be on the rise. This not only reflects the second chapter of a trend, but the film Wicked itself.
With more ‘princess style’ films coming out in 2025, for example, Snow White and Moana. Fashion in 2025 will steer towards reminiscing. We will start to see lace, strips, and embroidery. This traditional princess look will then be matched with sporty caps and trainers. Our old princess stories we remember now changing will add contrast to our now classy and sophisticated aesthetics.
@peony.k1 It’s so elegant 💋#red#balletflats #ballerina #outfitideas #fyp ♬ xoxo gossip girl – <3
@.godessgrande THE TUMBLER OH MY… #fyp #arianator #arianagrande #cynthiaerivo #wicked #wickedthemusical #primark @Primark @Cynthia Erivo @Wicked Movie ♬ original sound – Wicked Movie
Written by Daisy Stibbs. Images from Pixabay and Unsplash
