Iconic cinematic dresses that I wish I owned.
Fashion styling on the silver screen and on television have always been a fashion outlet that has inspired me. Ever since the age of 5 when I would sit and rewind my video of Sleeping beauty so I could re-watch the movement in Aroura's gown as she Danced with Prince Phillip whilst her dress changed from blue to pink.
Although this is not a full list by any means, below is a review of 20 dresses that have inspired my own passions for fashion curation and styling throughout the years and have played a role in the influence of my own style development, in no particular order.
1.Cinderella's ballgown (Cinderella, 1950), (Cinderella, 2015):
"Have courage and be kind"
Cinderella has been portrayed in countless of movies and in theatre over the centuries. The moment her rags turn into a ball gown has always been the moment that the audience is waiting for. However, no adaptation has managed to capture true opulence like Disney. Their original 1950 adaptation came when Walt was in crippling debt from the second world war and the cost of making Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. To cut costs, he filmed the entire movie in live action first; limiting creative licence for his animators. He would often hire actresses to dance in gowns for his movies so that he could analyse garment movement to animate realistic gowns. It is believed that the scene in which Cinderella's gown transforms was Walt's all time favourite piece of animation.
The avantgarde silver ball gown with puffed sleeves and glass slippers is a reflection of the fashion of the fifties. However, that iconic scene was a moment that resonated with me as a little girl. Like many girls, I wanted to grow up to be a princess (like that's an easily obtainable profession) and have the opportunity to wear massive ballgowns that sparkle. Although six year old me was convinced I would be living a far more luxurious life by the age of 22; I can say wardrobe wise, I'm basically there. Hairbands, peasant-girl sleeves and puffy skirts make up a large percentage of my wardrobe.
I was in absolute awe of the Disney Princesses' growing up. I thought they were the most graceful, head-strong and beautiful women I had ever seen. Me and my childhood bestie would dance in dresses after school to my Cd of "the Disney princess collection" and Britney Spears "oops I did it again" (He always insisted he made a better Ariel though, which was entirely true). Cinderella and the Princesses gave me my first fashion "wow" moment. I wanted to emulate them and I feel as if their classic aesthetics are still a major influence to my personal style. Cinderella's dress is influential of the time of it's movie release, beautiful, yet not eminent of the era Cinderella is supposed to be set in; and I've always felt the black chocker ruined the overall look.
The 2015 Disney live action remake was released when I was 18. I'm not even exaggerating when I say that me and my 33 year old cousin cried in the cinema watching the ball scene when she danced with the Prince as if she was on air. What was truly mesmerising was that the tiny corseted dress had an enormous amount of layered tulle in a symphony of blue. If anybody witnessed that one girl at their high school prom who opted for a princess dress you will know how girls usually walk in them. It was visually apparent that the dress was full of layers, and yet, the dress moved so swiftly and with ease. The hem shown a multitude of blues which seemed so airy. The changing colours made the scene when she twirls so breath-taking. The swift movement was created using layers of a synthetic called Yumissima which is a lightweight synthetic which floats when thrown in the air (Dailymail.com,2015).
The dress was designed by Sandy Powell and took 20 people and 500 man hours to create the stunning multi-layered blue ball gown. It’s made up of 8 layered skirts with a circumstance of 11 metres that are embellished with over one hundred thousand Swarovski crystals (Marie Claire.com, 2015). Every costume in the film was spectacular and I thought the collaboration with Swarovski was genius. The Swarovski glass slippers made the heels look so authentic. I admire designers alike Zac Posen and the gowns designers create for the met gala as you can see the sweat and tears and time that has gone into the garments. This is reflected throughout the 2015 adaptation of Cinderella. Moreover, for her glass slippers, each bespoke slipper was constructed of three crystal pieces and took approximately 150 hours were spent developing the shoes.
2. Sandy's prom dress (Grease, 1978):
"Tell me about it, stud".
My Mum introduced Grease to myself and my sister at an early age and I wanted to be just like Sandy, the sweet girl next door who fell for the bad boy. Obviously her most iconic look was her disco pants and black leather jacket in the finale. However, dress wise I always loved her white prom dress; which immaculately captured her grace and "good girl" aesthetic. The dress further emulated this in the iconic "hand jive scene" when Danny allows Cha Cha with her black dress and sensual dance moves to whisk him away, publicly humiliating Sandy, proving the decades old fact that men are trash.
The dress was a classic representation of a 50's evening dress and summarises the rock-ability youth of the fifties, right down to the petticoat. I appreciate clothing that creates movement, this may be due to the fact that I was a ballet dancer for 15 years or may be due to my love of twirling in tulle. Nonetheless, movement is required for a good outfit, which is something that Sandy's prom dress delivered. The scene itself is so memorable and iconic. This year, Joe Jonas re-created the scene for his "what a man gotta do" music video for the Jonas Brothers with Sophie Turner and they looked insane.
3. Liesl's gazebo rendezvous dress (The Sound Of Music, 1965):
"You are sixteen, going on seventeen".
I admired Liesl as a child - only because she was a fashion icon who just wanted to sneak out with her older boyfriend. Not my most aspirational influence. If anything, I feel I just really loved her wardrobe and was eager to be a grown up (which ironically I thought you were at sixteen). Alike every adolescent, she is trying to figure out who she is and what she wants in life whilst romanticising her future which is evident in her beautiful musical number she shares with Rolf in "16 going on 17" in which she gracefully leaps around the benches in the gazebo in her taffeta pink dress which embodies the romanticism of your first love.
4. Hermione's Yule Ball dress (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2005):
"It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be"
Although I love Harry Potter, I was never obsessed with it like many kids were my age growing up. The main reason was because I had a severe case of arachnophobia as a child and the scene in the chamber of secrets when Ron and Harry chased the spiders gave me awful nightmares for years. Regardless, when I was 8 the Goblet of Fire was released it caused massive hype on the playground. So much so that my friend bought Hermione's yule ball dress from Universal Studios when she went to the Sates on holiday and I was so jealous. I don't know what it was about the dress that we all loved at the time. It wasn't a typical dress of the 00s and yet, we all wanted it. The colour, drop waist, layering and fluted sleeves were stunning. Very remnant of the rara mini skirts of the early 00s.
Hermione was a role model for so many of us growing up, she was not afraid to use her voice and stand up for what she believed in. Plus, she punched Draco Malfoy straight in the face which gave her bonus points. The scene when she walked down the stairs in her gown whilst everyone watched in awe will always stand out to me.
5. Holly's Little Black dress (Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961):
"Promise me one thing, don't take me home until I am drunk".
This movie will always hold a place in my heart. I resonate deeply with Audrey's character Holly Golightly - the clueless and un-organised 19 year old socialite and original sugar baby; who spends her time wearing fabulous clothes, partying and trying to save money (even though she never can seem able to) so she can afford to care for her younger brother. She had a wardrobe of couture and no furniture which I find a tad too relatable.
Although Holly owns countless of stunning outfits, she also owned the most famous little black dress of all time. Hepburn's costumes were designed by none other than her life long friend Hubert de Givenchy (Glamour.com, 2020). The beautiful story behind Audrey and Hubert's relationship began with the movie Sabrina, when a then, 22 year old Audrey who was just starting out and had only appeared in Roman Holiday; made an appointment at Givenchy's showroom (Vogue.it, 2018). Then, 26 year old Givenchy thought he was meeting Katherine Hepburn and was surprised when Audrey walked through his doors wearing a quirky straw hat (Vogue.it, 2018). Hepburn was determined to find the perfect wardrobe for Sabrina and had personally chose Givenchy, who she thought to be “the newest, youngest, most exciting couturier” (Vogue.it, 2018). When Givenchy met Audrey Hepburn, he fell for her irresistible charm and youthful spirit (Givenchybeauty.com, 2020). He was apprehensive to lend Audrey garments for her film but decided to take a risk. That risk made his little black dress the most iconic dress in movie history.
Although Coco Chanel designed the little black dress in the 20s (Marieclaire.co.uk,2017); Hubert put the LBD on the map with the dress shown in the opening scenes. The dress that Launched a thousand LBD's. There is no dress more famous in cinematic history than the pearl encrusted black evening gown Holly wore the morning after outside Tiffany's. The dress is a fashion classic- withstood the test of time and would still look absolutely stunning if worn today.
6. Katniss' Wedding dress (The Hunger Games - Catching Fire, 2013):
"And may the odds be forever in your favour"
Played by Jennifer Lawrence, the girl on fire who became the Mockingjay on her own merit and took down Panem. The hunger games trilogy was a massive pop culture influence to my generation. I absolutely loved the franchise, from the action and love triangle; to the fabulous wardrobe of Effie Trinket.
Katniss' wardrobe only perpetuated her popularity and power. The costumes featured in the Hunger Games styled by Judianna Makovsky, Trish Summerville, Kurt and Bart featured custom made gowns and pieces by Alexander McQueen. Trish designed the wedding gown for Katniss with designer Tex Saverio (Hollywoodreporter.com, 2013). Out of all of Katniss' gowns her wedding dress was my favourite for what it stood for in the franchise. President Snow made Katniss wear her wedding dress for her false engagement to Peeta for her interview before the Quarter Quell. It symbolised the blindness of the capitol, they believed the propaganda and lies fed by the capitol. The wedding was a sham whereas when Cinna designed the bridal gown, it transformed into a stunning dark gown which rose from the flames and ashes when she twirled, symbolising the mockingjay... a symbol for the rebellion.
Everything about the gown was captivating. The stunning abstract shoulder pieces that flowed into the tight bodice before turning outward into a mass of layered organza. The Swarovski crystals and dewy makeup formed a captivating sense of bewilderment and fantasy only perpetuated in the moment she twirled.
7. Juliette's masqurede party dress (Romeo and Juliet, 1996):
"For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo"
I will admit that the only reason I love this adaptation of Rome and Juliette is because it was the movie that introduced thirteen year old me to the power of young Leonardo DiCaprio. Although I admire the story of two star crossed lovers, I much prefer the story of Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing.
The entire costumery of the late nineties adaptation screams the fashion of it's time. The clothing used represented youthful rebellion taking nods to Catholicism and 90s pop culture. Juliette's Angel dress at the masquerade ball was simplistic yet symbolic. Paired with Romeos Knight costume made for an incredible couple ensemble and highlighted just how doomed they were from the start. Juliette's dress was so beautiful and ethereal. The wings and corseted top are incredible, and not over empowering due to the simplicity of the skirt. I may have loved the outfit so much more because I wanted to be her, just so I could meet Leonardo on a balcony. Nonetheless, I would still wear this dress out today.
8. Daisy's party dress (The Great Gatby, 2013):
"He looked at her the way all women wanted to be looked at by a man"
Daisy's character was actually based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife Zelda - the original flapper. Daisy was an intelligent and often described in the novel as being incredibly beautiful and charming. She cared deeply for both her husband and Gatsby but in the end she was far too sheltered by the luxurious lifestyle Tom had given her. She was moved by opulence and the idea of excitement as her life had become dull as she had done everything and been handed all she desired at a very young age. Her outfits reflected her level of naivety and wealth. I love all of Daisy's outfits from her lilac tea dress to her feathered ball gown when we first see her laying on the sofa. Her most extravagant dress by far is the one she wears to Gatsby's party.
Catherine Martin adapted Miu Miu and Prada collections for a lot of the costuming. Daisy's party dress was a collaboration between Martin and Prada (ew.com, 2013). The chandelier outer layer of the dress was taken from the Pradas SS/10 collection (look 33) and was reworked (ew.com,2013).
The entire ensemble is everything. The accessories alone deserve recognition. Her delicate Swarovski and pearl - art deco headband, with matching hand bracelets accentuate the dropped waist dress that almost drips off her like diamonds on a chandelier. Even the nude satin slip tied with a bow is so elegant and regal. Visually, the entire film is a masterpiece. I read the book after watching this movie and even had a Gatsby themed party for my 21st where I wore my grandmothers string of pears, a custom pink feathered flapper dress I designed myself and a replica of Daisy's headpiece.
9. Aroura's 16th Birthday dress (Sleeping Beauty, 1959):
"I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream".
Aroura was my favourite Disney Princess growing up, which is ironic considreing she barely spoke in the movie. I had a pink version of her dress and accessories that I was obsessed with when I was 5. Her 16th birthday dress was designed to be A-line to make sure it differentiated from Cinderella's gown. The elegant sleeve and bardot neckline is perfect and the fact that her dress changes from blue to pink speaks for itself.
10. Cher's gun point dress (Clueless, 1995):
"You don't understand this is an Alaia, it's like a totally important designer"
It's been 25 years since we were introduced to Clueless, a modern remake of Jane Austen's Emma, starring Cher Horowitz; the LA fashionista. The 90s cult classic Clueless gave us countless of iconic outfits that have inspired fashion trends for over two decades. The most iconic being Cher and Dionne's matching plaid co-ordinates. Her little white dress from Calvin Klein was that popular that they have remade it many times over the years with huge sale success. Clueless was the first teen romantic comedy and was such a success it pathed the way for countless of others, including Mean Girls.
I have always seen myself in Cher. She was passionate about activism and tried hard to help her friends whatever the cost. She was both intelligent and ditsy. She couldn't pass her driving test, clueless that the guy she liked was Gay, highly selective with crushes and oblivious that she was in love with Josh. I have always felt that if I was held up at gunpoint for my phone and purse, I too would be more concerned about getting my satin dress dirty too; more than anything else. Her mannerisms are just me to a T. Although she wears countless of iconic outfits; Cher's little red dress, feathered jacket and matching mini bag is my favourite by far.
The ensemble was immaculately coordinated. Who doesn't love a marabou feathered ensemble? Right down to the 90s satin Mary janes, this outfit will forever be iconic.
11. Baby's "The time of my life" finale dress (Dirty Dancing, 1987):
"Nobody puts Baby in a corner"
Everyone treated Francis like a "baby"- like she was the most naïve, sheltered girl anyone could possibly meet. The costuming in the movies reflects this and I don't think anyone has ever looked better carrying a watermelon or dance descending a staircase in high-waisted shorts and a bodysuit. Baby's most memorable dress by far is the finale dress she wears for her dance with Johnny. The baby pink romantic dress is so simple and yet no other dress could have suited the scene better.
12. Elle's Court dress (Legally Blonde, 2001):
"What? Like it's hard?"
Warner's public breakup with Elle is one of the harshest scenes in cinematic history. Elle is smart, fashionable and devoted to her boyfriend. Warner basically told her that she's not wife material because she's too much like Marilyn Monroe. Warner clearly didn't know that Marilyn was both beautiful and incredibly intelligent with a high IQ.
I loved legally blonde, I watched it for the first time when I was in year 6 and have been obsessed with both movies ever since. Elle taught me that just because you're blonde, a little ditsy and wear a lot of pink does not mean you can't achieve any career goal you set your mind to. Elle was studying a masters in fashion merchandising which is a very analytical career path before she got accepted into Harvard.
Elle's court room dress was a pivotal moment. Still a student, she walks into that court room full of powerful representatives; wearing a pink shift dress and a pair of pink sequined barley-there heels. The entire look is just a massive "fuck you" to everyone who doubted her. The handbag carrying bruiser woods, the blonde curly blow dry and pink Swarovski belt equate to the most iconic accessories in movie history. Although the dress itself has become outdated over time the entire ensemble still speaks volume today.
12. Lorelei's Diamonds are a girls best friend dress (Gentlemen prefer Blondes, 1953):
"Don't you know that a man being rich is like a girl being pretty?"
I am starting to see a pink themed pattern forming here. But clearly, it's not just me that appreciates a pink ensemble? Hollywood's icon Marilyn Monroe plays Lorelei, a show girl and socialite in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The iconic dress has been inspiration for countless of artists and celebrities such as Madonna for her "material girl" music video in 1985 and most recently by Kylie Jenner in 2019 for American Vogue.
13. Belle's tale as old as time dress (Beauty and the Beast, 1991):
"She warned him, not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within".
The live action remake with Emma Watson was almost perfect. However, the dress used for the most iconic scene was a colossal let down. The dress resembled a year 11s yellow prom dress and just didn't live up to it's potential. The Scene we are all too familiar with captures the moment Belle falls in love with the Beast, as they dance to "tale as old as time". It's the epiphany of a fairy tale moment and the scene growing up that instilled in me the desire to be spun around a gold baroque ballroom. Over the decades, Disney has marketed the dress as yellow for merchandise in their stores so it's no surprise Emma Watson was given a yellow dress for her portrayal of Belle.
Belle was one of my favourite Princesses growing up. At the age of 5, I wore her gold dress to the pantomime to watch Beauty and the beast. My Nan curled my hair for me like Belle's and I wore her entire outfit, including her red velvet shawl and opera gloves, complete with a white fur lining. I was asked to go on stage at the end of the show along with other children who had dressed up for the occasion. When asked if I "always dress like this" I said yes. Let's face it, I wasn't wrong. She was very inspirational to me as child and she had more iconic outfit changes than most of the Disney Princesses; her bardot gold dress and matching accessories of course, will always be the most memorable.
14. Gabriella's we're all in this together dress (High School Musical, 2006):
"There's not a star in heaven that we can't reach"
Once a Wildcat always a Wildcat. To someone who isn't from my generation, it's difficult to emphasise how big the impact Highschool Musical had. It gave an entire generation unrealistic expectations of High School. But taught us all how important it was to stick together and follow your dreams. Watching this film as an adult, you can see so many plot holes and the outfits just scream 00s fashion. All the boys wanted to be Troy whilst all the girls wanted to be Gabriella. It's actually laughable now how much I wanted a "T" necklace from Basketball Captain Troy Bolton. I would never wear a necklace with a boys name on it today - vile. Although, I may have been one of the only girls who wanted to be Sharpay and not Gabriella (Sharpay' s outfits were iconic ) ; I did however, want Gabriella's red dress that doesn't get enough screen time in the first movie. The Wildcat red on velvet and corseted bodice could not have been more perfect. Bonus points for her cameo brooch placed in the centre of her dress.
15. Bella's Wedding dress ( Twilight - Breaking Dawn Part 1, 2011):
"And so, the lion fell in love with the lamb".
Yet another Gen Z franchise that was every teens obsession. Stephanie Meyer launched a love triangle more iconic than Ugg Boots in 2009. Team Edward vs Team Jacob was one of the most heated debates of my Highschool years - everybody wanted to have Alice as their best friend and to become a Vampire that sparkled, (that is of course, until The Vampire Diaries became a massive hit in 2009 -2018 and teenage girls everywhere fell hard for the Salvatore Brothers). Bella's engagement to Edward was massive - and the wedding dress was no exception.
Bella wore a Carolina Herrera dress for her big day, which featured elegant sleeves. vintage lace and 150 buttons down the back of the gown. The dress was immensely popular and was copied by brides everywhere upon release. The simplistic bridal look is still the biggest bridal trend today, royal brides such as Princess Eugenie and Meghan Markle wore plain bridal gowns for their weddings by Zac Posen and Givenchy for their royal weddings in 2018.
16. Mia's Ball gown (The Princess Diaries, 2001).
"Me? A Princess? SHUT UP!"
Princess Amelia Migonette Thermopolis - Renaldi of Genovia's final scene dress is pivotal to her transformation from shy school girl to royalty. Although Lilly's bold accessories deserve recognition, it's Mia's ballgown that holds a key place in my heart. I always though the entire look resembled Queen Elizabeth II in the 1950's - right down to the opera gloves. The dress is embroidered with immaculate detailing, the white gloves and the huge tiara embodies what renders magical style moments. The chase in the rain by Mia in the open top Mustang , followed by the speech and her dramatic entrance - truly made the dress reveal so significant.
17. Sam's Cinderella Halloween Costume (A Cinderella Story, 2004):
"I really don't care what people think of me, because I believe in myself".
Looking back at this dress now as a fashion student in 2020, I cannot comprehend why I was so jealous of this gown. I thought this dress was the most beautiful gown I had ever seen, unlike Mia's that has remained timeless, Sam's does scream 2004 with the low waist wrapped in a thick diamanté belt. Nonetheless, Sam still looks stunning. A staircase moment dress reveal is far superior. The outfit was just too iconic for words, the tulle, the half-up half down hair, little lace mask and the flip phone attached to her ankle strap. The only downside of course is the question of why Austin Ames didn't recognise her. Come on Austin it was blatantly obvious.
18. Jenna's Little Green Dress (13 Going on 30, 2004):
"I wanna be Thirty, Thirty and flirty and thriving"
Thirty, flirty and thriving. The first time I watched this movie I was thirteen, and like Jenna, I couldn't wait to grow up. I was obsessed with reading Cosmopolitan and Vogue magazine and wanted to grow up to work in fashion. Although I lived decades apart from thirteen year old Jenna Rink, I too would wear Mac pastel eyeshadows and glittery lip gloss whilst I stuffed my Bra with tissue. At thirteen I felt the exact same way Jenna did towards her future self. I resonated with this film as a tween, because lets face it, being thirteen is absolutely awful and awkward. Imagine wishing to be older and then suddenly overnight it happens.
Jenna's thirty year old outfits are colourful, sweet and capture the playfulness of her tween self. Even though her rainbow Versace dress that she wore when she danced to the "Thriller" is ultimately stunning and the most memorable, my favourite by far is her little green floral dress. Her green dress is in vogue once more. The peasant sleeves and sweetheart neckline is a big trend for SS/20, along with her baguette bag, Alice band and pearls. This entire outfit wouldn't be out of place on todays high-street.
19: Vivian's Opera dress (Pretty Women, 1990):
"You and I are such similar creatures, Vivian. We both screw people for money".
The story of a sex worker, Vivian Ward, who falls in love with successful business man Edward Lewis. The romantic comedy I have watched countless of times with my mother on a rainy Sunday. Vivian's character development is beautifully reflected through her clothing as the story progresses. The white pin stripe outfit with large brimmed hat she wore for THAT symbolic confrontation scene with the retail assistants; will always be one my favourite outfits of hers. However, the red dress she wears to go to the opera is absolutely mesmerising.
20. Rebecca's talk show dress (Confessions of a shopaholic, 2009):
"They told me I was a valued customer, now they send me hate mail"
The girl in the green scarf, Rebecca Bloodwood - was the aspiring fashion journalist and shopaholic who I wanted to grow up to be. Besides her crippling credit card debt, she had an amazing apartment in New York and a fabulous wardrobe. Looking back at how much I wanted to be like Becky is alarming to me - a bit of a red flag. I am now addicted to buying clothes which can become a problem for me if I'm not careful. My spending habit is nowhere near as bad as Rebecca Bloomwood's, though the boom in e-commerce means that spending money is easier than ever. If Confessions Of A Shopaholic has taught me anything, it's that credit cards can be a dangerous game. Certainly, If Klarna was around in 2009; I'm sure Derek Smeath would have had to hire additional help to track down Becky.
The dress that stood out most to me was her purple mini dress by Lanvin for her talk show appearance. The colour is absolutely stunning. I adore the ruffles and her cinched in waist. I would wear this outfit today if I swapped the 00s chunky belt out.
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