The Wings of the Dove

04 Sunday Dec 2011

Posted by Angie in 1910's, Men, Women

Tags

1910's fashions, Alison Elliot, Belle Epoque, Helena Bonham Carter, Henry James, Iain Softley, Linus Roache, Sandy Powell

Based on the Henry James novel of the same name, “The Wings of the Dove,” directed by Iain Softley, 1997, tells the tale of a love triangle between Kate, Helena Bonham Carter, Merton, Linus Roache, and Millie, Alison Elliot. The impeccable costumes were designed by powerhouse, Sandy Powell.

The year is 1910, and the London elite clothed in the oriental-inspired finery by Paul Poiret, luxuriate in peace, before World War I befalls Europe. Exoticism abounds, rich colors, Art Nouveau influences, feminine lines, softness are the trends of the day.

Kate with her patron, Aunt Maude, primping her for a society party. Charlotte Rampling and Helena in costume, the heart stops.

Beautiful lace embellishments and layers make for a comfortable but suitable night look.

Here's the back.

Maybe I'm just a minimalist at heart, but I love her dressing gown and long flowing hair as an evening look.

Love the angled jacket hem.

How fun is this hat?!

From the side, the feathers are fab.

Jewel tones and lux fabrics. Kate's (Helena's) jacket doesn't look like much sitting down. But wait...

Helena's stunning peacock jacket from behind.

Love the shoulder strap detail.

Now, I'm not usually a fan of men in velvet jackets, but somehow he manages to make it look sexy.

Lots of delicate, covetable jewelry in this film.

More great earrings.

Rich colors and sleeve details.

Again, another pretty dressing gown robe that could be translated for day now.

Painstakingly dyed top layer worn over silk.

This in-between era, between Edwardian in England, (Belle Epoque still rages on the continent) and Art Deco, is so rich in detail and femininity, it’s becoming my favorite. The film itself has flaws, but the costumes are perfection.

I am Love, and in love with Tilda Swinton from Orlando

19 Wednesday Oct 2011

Posted by Angie in 1600's, 1700's, 1800's, 1980's, Women

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Dien Van Straalen, I am Love, Orlando movie, Sally Potter, Sandy Powell, Tilda Swinton

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.

I don’t know what’s more fabulous, that mink or Marisa Berenson.

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

Love the bright blue with that yellow bag. 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.

Orange pants! She looks great, of course. Tilda Swinton.

This graphic draped dress is to die for. Tilda Swinton, Waris Ahluwalia, and Marisa Berenson.

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

http://www.iamlovemovie.com/

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.

Even the skates and tights inspire.

Notice the proportion of the bow and cuffs. Tilda Swinton.

The shirt adds to the look even with the coat worn over it. Tilda Swinton.

Full length shot of the coat from the side, check out the ginormous coat cuff. Tilda Swinton.

Love the ruffles down the front and the fullness of the waistcoat. Tilda Swinton.

Such a beautifully composed shot. This could be a painting by Jacques-Louis David. Tilda Swinton.

Rich middle eastern colors and textile patterns. 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.

Reduced to mere decoration. Tilda Swinton.

A stunning, stunning, stunning green tartan jacket and dress.

From the back. 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.