June 28, 2007

Prada & Popcorn: Designer Costumes for Movies

Not sure what to make of this trend in fashion designers muscling in on the movie business. On the one hand, the idea of Miuccia Prada crafting costumes for the Japanese animated film "Appleseed: Ex Machina" is very cool. The idea of a major force in the fashion world designing for animated characters--rather than pandering to celebrities--tickles us. WWD reports that Prada said: "Watching the previous 'Appleseed,' I thought that the expression of contrast in man and machine, violence and love was wonderful." (You can view the trailer and see her delicious urban armor for anime heroines here.)

But what is not so cool is the thought of synergy gone ballistic, with design houses taking over the entire wardrobes of certain productions and then sponsoring the heck out of the premieres. Yes, Giorgio Armani infused American Gigolo (1980) with a signature style that enhanced the look of the film and even the development of the characters. Who can forget Richard Gere serenading his clothes like a drunken toreodor? Armani reprised his role as celluloid costumer when he designed Samuel L. Jackson's leather coat for the 2000 remake of Shaft. Somehow, though, The Stylephile sees the red carpet extending beyond the entrance to premieres and envisions designers angling to exclusively clothe A-listers onscreen too.

Already the red carpet seems too short and narrow for all these endorsements and promotions. Remember when Roy Scheider in "Jaws" said: "We're going to need a bigger boat."? The Stylephile senses the same goes for the future of celebrity endorsements, as in "We're going to need a bigger red carpet." Certainly, some stars wouldn't flinch at the idea of making more money on the side should a designer offer a take. The scuttletbutt about actresses and stylists selling themselves or their clients like sartorial sandwich boards never abates. But hopefully, directors will throw tantrums if forced to incorporate an entire wardrobe as insidious product placement.

Or should we call it label placement?

June 28, 2007 in FASHION | Permalink

Comments

Was Marc Jacobs in Sofia Coppola''''s movies? They are BFFs.

Posted by Jewel | Jun 30 2007 12:02PM

We think that this is the future and itt''''''''s scary. already, stars are requesting to wear the designers they like best and/or are in bed with. talk to costume designers to get the full story

Posted by Costume Designer Speaks | Jun 30 2007 11:59AM

We think that this is the future and itt''s scary. already, stars are requesting to wear the designers they like best and/or are in bed with. talk to costume designers to get the full story

Posted by Costume Designer Speaks | Jun 30 2007 11:59AM