The Icon: Yves Saint Laurent

No film is as fashionable as a film about fashion.

When creating a Bildungsroman-esque film about an iconic French fashion designer, it is safe to assume that there will be a fair share of risk involved. But when you have said fashion designer's business partner's / long-term companion's approval, you may rest assured that you have a hit.

Yves Saint Laurent chronicles the designer's life and career, from when he first became head designer at Christian Dior at the youthful age of 21, how he created his own brand as a result of being fired, how he came to struggle with drug-abuse whilst partying with the likes of Andy Warhol, as well as the pressure and anxiety that came with being one of the world's most influential designers. 

Oh yes, and most importantly, at the heart of the film is the tempestuous and, at times, heartbreaking love story between Yves (played by Pierre Niney) and Pierre Bergé (Guillaume Gallienne) that lasted until the designer's death in 2008.

In fact, it was Bergé's assistance that made this film as true-to-life as possible; he loaned 77 vintage YSL outfits to the production, many of which were iconic signature looks of the designer's. This is perhaps one of the best aspects of the film, as it works as a historical exhibition-like feature, providing a context and setting for his creations. 

If you're obsessed with the fashion industry, you will also be delighted to catch several glimpses of the one-and-only Karl Lagerfeld (Nikolai Kinski) in his youth, and Yves's early model/muse Victoire Doutreleau (Charlotte Le Bon), as well as his later muse Loulou de la Falaise (Laura Smet). 

It will be interesting to see how Saint Laurent, another French biopic that will be released later this year, will fair compared to this gem. It will star Gaspard Ulliel (young Hannibal Lecter from Hannibal Rising (2007), hmm...) as Yves, Jérémie Renier as Bergé, and It-Girl of the moment Léa Seydoux as Loulou.

It may be rather scandalous, seeing as real-life Bergé did not support that project.

TV Takeover: Mad Men, Season 7 Premiere

In season 7, the 70s are on their way.

Please don't take this the wrong way: although films are/have been/always will be Number One when it comes to style, every once in a while a TV show will make its way into your life that not only gets you hooked on it, but it leaves you pining for more. This is a TV Takeover.

Although this is a somewhat rare occurrence, it does happen. First there was Sex & the City (1998-2004), then came Gossip Girl (2007-2012), but the most exciting show for the past few years has undoubtedly been Mad Men (2007-). 

Centred on the lives and professions of Madison Avenue's advertising executives and employees in the 1960s, this show has expertly portrayed what fashion looked like back in the day and, more significantly, what kind of a role style played in each characters' representation of their own image.

In the first few seasons, we saw how most of the female characters were still heavily influenced by the demure look of the 1950s. In later seasons, these women began to embrace the more playful and sexy choices of the 1960s. They swapped the kitten-heels for go-go boots, the full skirts for minis, and the pretty pastels for bold geometric prints.

Now that the show is in its final season, and the timeline is set in the late 60s, we can expect that the style will reflect the evolution of fashion at the turn of the decade. How main costume designer, Katherine Jane Bryant, will choose to display this is unsure, but more than likely we will see some type of bohemian and/or disco undertones. 

As the premiere of the season just aired, let us analyse some of the key aspects we have observed:

1. Megan Draper (Jessica Paré) is the only one who makes a real effort.
   As the youngest of Don Draper's women (not counting his daughter), Megan is the most in tune with the trends going on at the time and is not afraid to proudly portray her obvious love for fashion.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Joan Harris (Christina Hendricks) looks lovely in purple.
   Joan is undoubtedly the matriarch at the advertising agency. She takes care of day-to-day happenings with the business and always seems to manage to help everyone out with their personal problems, all the while dressing in a professional, yet alluring manner.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Peggy Olson's (Elisabeth Moss) secretary is more stylish than she is.
   Peggy has been, since the beginning of the show, constantly trying to prove her worth in a male-dominated industry. Because of this, her personal style has mainly remained on the back burner, as she appears to simply opt for comfortable and professional attire (though there are a few stand-out looks over the seasons).
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Where is Betty Francis (January Jones)?
   Don's ex-wife is the most stylish woman on the show. Sure, she went through that depressing chubby-phase, but who hasn't? Where is she and why was she not in the premiere?
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Where is Sally Draper (Kiernan Shipka)?
   
   Don's daughter, though still quite young, has displayed some promising looks. We want to see more!

   
   
   

Overall, perhaps not the greatest season premiere ever, but it'll do for now.

The Icon: Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde

It's not Winter anymore, but still not quite Summer, and I refuse this to be Spring.
What am I supposed to wear?

When considering the most iconically stylish films of all time, Bonnie and Clyde (1967) is definitely one that comes to mind. In terms of hats alone, I cannot think of one film that is more inspirational. Where would we be without Bonnie's berets?

During these uncertain times (is this seriously Spring?), Bonnie makes an excellent case for her wardrobe in terms of weather; long skirts, light-knit sweaters, scarves and, of course, the berets. Her look is classically feminine (Summer), but paired with her tough attitude (Winter) provides a certain harmonious synergy that is ideal for life right now (again: Spring?).

(Although I may be confused about everything in life right now, and this is more of an Autumn look.)

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that it is perfectly acceptable to dress lady-like... as long as you're a badass about it.

Hot Mess: Julianne Moore in A Single Man

Do you ever feel like you'll end up sad and alone,
with nothing but your amazing style?

Well, maybe not completely alone. At least you'll have your GBFF (a.k.a. the gay BFF).

You'll call him during the day, from your bed, when you're at your most vulnerable; no make-up, no fancy dress, and your hair is a mess. Then you'll get all dolled-up when he comes over for dinner, and you two smoke, eat, drink and smoke some more together. And maybe when you're completely hammered, you two will dance.

Life could be worse. You could be that young blonde girl who dresses all in black, and hangs out with her tan GBFF, both of whom appear whimsically unaware of what lies ahead of them.

Wait, is this film my past and future?

Although the genius fashion designer, Tom Ford, directed A Single Man (2009), it was costume designer Arianne Philips who created the wonderful looks. She also worked on Girl, Interrupted (1999) and Walk the Line (2005). She seems to understand the wardrobe of complicated women. Good for her.

The Inspiration: Amber Heard in The Rum Diary

This will be my life.

Winter is so over. I have simply had enough of it. In my mind, there is no more darkness, no more freezing temperatures, no more wearing big (faux) fur coats, no more rain, no more black clothes.

Alright, there will always be black clothes.

I have decided that a major change in style will occur this year. This change will mostly be due to a change in location, as I've grown tired of the UK and Europe, and all of their seriousness; I'm going to South America.

I don't know when, I don't know how, I don't know with what money, but all I know is that it will happen.

And when it does, when I get there, I will begin my new life by channelling the style of Chenault (Amber Heard). Fun, sexy, elegant.

The Rum Diary (2011) is not a film that is worth watching for the story, but if you're in a similar mindset as I am, Colleen Atwood will inspire you (as she always does).

Here's to partying, laying by the beach, and dancing on the streets.

Americana: The Many Portrayals of Jackie Kennedy

Oh, Jackie O...

So today is the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination. Whilst many will pay tribute to the American president, I decided somebody should pay tribute to his iconically stylish wife: Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

Jackie O was just about as known for her style as Michelle O is nowadays; impeccably elegant, sophisticated and appropriate. But you know what is bizarre? There have been no major biopics about her life (and style).

Sure, there have been a string of TV representations and brief side-character representations in films of her (such as Katie Holmes in the TV mini-series The Kennedys (2011) Ginnifer Goodwin in the TV movie Killing Kennedy (2013), Minka Kelly in The Butler (2013) and a bunch of others), but not a single Oscar-worthy film about her.

Very strange and quite shocking. Something should be done about this.

Other actresses who have played her include Jaclyn Smith (in Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy (1981), a TV movie) and Jacqueline Bisset (in America's Prince: The John F. Kennedy Jr. Story (2003), also a TV movie). 

Hollywood just needs to find a great actress whose name is Jacqueline/Jaclyn/Jackie and get started with this film already. It's about time.

Psycho Chic: Angelina Jolie in Girl, Interrupted

Sometimes it's necessary to channel a sociopath from the '60s.

There comes a time in every girl's life when you feel like you're going mental. Whether it's because there's too much happening around you - or, like me, there's absolutely nothing happening around you - it's likely you may feel like you're trapped in an all-female mental institution from the 1960s. Kind of like Lisa Rowe (a.k.a. Angelina Jolie) in Girl, Interrupted (1999). 

Like me, you may begin to feel agitated, annoyed and generally pissed off about your situation, but what can you do? Pretty much nothing. Well, at least not for now.

It's a sad situation to be in. Not only because you feel like crap, but also because your wardrobe begins to reflect your mood. Instead of opting for the dramatic ensembles, you go for comfort. Comfort. How horrible.

The only thing you can really do to get out of your funk is to just ride it out, like a tidal wave. Wear the bad clothes, be bored and, eventually, you'll get over it.

But while you're bored and wearing the bad clothes, make sure they're at least good bad clothes, like Lisa's. Trust me, you'll feel better about the whole situation afterwards knowing that you didn't wear the worst things possible.

The Inspiration: Jessica Chastain in The Help

Bright colours and glamour have gone into hibernation. 

Consider this both an Ode and a Farewell to summer fashion.

Gone are the days that you could go outside sans a coat and woolly scarf. Gone are the days that you could wear an ultra-feminine floral sundress, sunglasses and kitten heels, thinking you look like Dita von Teese (even though you could never get the look quite right). From now on, if you want to wear a skirt, you must also wear thick tights. And thick socks. And gloves. And a hat. You must also carry around a massive bag wherever you go, just in case it's too warm and you have to take your sweater off. 

Oh, summer, you and the style you bring along with you will be missed. The 60's-housewife look can only be pulled off during the summer. 

Which is why we should look to Celia Foote (a.k.a. Jessica Chastain) for inspiration. She is a constant reminder of that wonderful summer style. Even though it always seemed sunny and warm in The Help (2011), during these cold and dreary months, we must remember that summer will come again. You will be able to sit on the grass (though not in the sun. Under the shade of a tree) and take off your shoes and read a book. 

Summer style will happen again. Only another seven months to go.

The Inspiration: Sienna Miller in Factory Girl

"What do you think: tres chic or tres fou?"

Factory Girl (2006) is possibly one of the greatest most stylish films ever. How could it not be? It has Sienna Miller as Edie Sedgwick and Andy Warhol in a wig, it's set in New York during the 1960s, and Edie wears leggings and chandelier earrings... The list is endless, actually.

In about twelve hours, I will be boarding a plane for New York for the first time ever. Edie Sedgwick is one of my style inspirations in life, but particularly for this trip.

It's a shame it's still summer. Edie's look is generally more appropriate for autumn, especially with her big fur coats and knee-high boots. But whatever.

As if this film isn't genius enough, there's a little cameo with Mary-Kate Olsen. Cute.

I may need to start applying my eyeliner already.