She’s a tall Scottish lass that looks great in clothes. Not to mention, an extremely intelligent and fierce actor. She’s not a mainstream star here, but she is a fashion muse that we all watch.
“I am Love,” 2009, is a small film with a tragic end, but gives you an eyeful in every frame. They had a very small budget but really stretched it because the interiors alone are jaw-dropping. Antonella Cannarozzi, the costume designer, received her first Academy Award nomination for all her hard work. Coming from an indie film background, I’m awed by what she was able to do with so little.
Emma Recchi, Tilda Swinton, is the Russian wife of a wealthy, aristocratic Italian. She falls madly in love with her son’s business partner, which leads to a series of tragic events.

Emma’s look is refined, upper-class, and oh so age appropriate. Don’t you love her sunglasses? Tilda Swinton.

The simple cream sweater with orange skirt, the curved bun in her hair, and the tiles on the ground make this such a beautiful shot. Tilda Swinton.

At the end, she’s a mess. No makeup, she needs her housekeeper to get her dressed. A far cry from the beginning of the film. Tilda Swinton and Maria Paiato.
Article on Antonella Connarozzi:
http://fashionetc.com/fashion/influencers/807-antonella-cannarozzi-i-am-love-oscars-2011
On to “Orlando”
I first noticed her in some Derek Jarman films, but she really popped in Sally Potter‘s “Orlando,” 1992. This too, was a indie film who’s grand sets and costumes belies its tiny budget. Costumes by Sandy Powell, with additional costumes by Dien Van Straalen.
Orlando is male at the beginning.

Charlotte’s fantastic high neck, sapphire colored, Russian fur coat with black frog closures. Charlotte Valandrey and Tilda Swinton.
Then turns female.

She finds it hard to maneuver around a room in women’s clothes, a metaphor of her life as a woman. Tilda Swinton.

Look at all the different ruffle colors. If it were gradations of white or ivory it would make a unforgettable wedding gown. It looks a little Galliano 1994. Tilda Swinton and Billy Zane.

Near the end of the film, independent, a mother, and at peace with herself. An androgynous look encapsulates that journey. Tilda Swinton.
Both films are must-sees for fashionéastes.
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