A quartet of films to inspire your summer style
With warmer weather just around the corner, and travel restrictions easing up, we'd be forgiven for getting a little excited about summer holiday plans. Hell, even a few warm rays of sun across our face to tease the arrival of spring would be nice! But if you've made or are making plans for summer jaunts to places where no one will care if you order a negroni at midday, or if you eat fritto misto four nights in a row, then this article is just for you!
Soon it will be time to change over to your summer wardrobe, which could be a task to look forward to, or a perennial challenge that leaves you in despair. Either way, we racked our brains to think of some our favourite films new and old that inspired us to make a change to our summer clothing. So if you're short on summer inspiration, read on because in these five films you'll find elegant style combined with quirky details and warm-weather power dressing!
A Bigger Splash
Set on the Italian island of Pantelleria, Luca Guadagnino's A Bigger Splash stars Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Matthias Shoenaerts and Dakota Johnson as a uniquely dysfunctional foursome caught in a bizarre and twisted love quartet. While the wardrobe department is fantastic all round, it's Tilda Swinton rock star character who steals it, wearing a number of breezy Dior outfits designed by Raf Simons.
Tailored Jumpsuit Emerald |
Tailored Jumpsuit Moss |
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One of our favourite pieces is a stunning cream jumpsuit with culotte-style legs and a beautiful grecian-style neckline that meets at the waist where it is cinched by an oversized tonal belt. It's so effortlessly easy and yet undeniably chic. In another scene, Swinton wears a floaty white skirt that dances in the coastal wind, juxtaposed against a black three-quarter sleeve jersey and once again separated by a statement belt. It's proof that summer sophistication doesn't always have to mean spools of bright colours or vibrant patterns - sometimes, a monochrome outfit is exactly what is required.
The Human Voice
Our Tilda Swinton love-in continues, this time in Pedro Almodóvar’s short film The Human Voice. While Swinton's killer pieces in her A Bigger Splash wardrobe were markedly understated, this time round she dominates with vibrant swathes of rich colour that stay long and loud in one's memory. The film is an adaptation of Jean Cocteau’s seminal play of the same name, and tracks Swinton's character while on the phone with her ex, expressing her despair at his abandonment of her.
Chelsea Coat Azure |
Serena Longer Circle Dress |
Of the many incredible looks, the two that stick out for us are some blood-red knitted separates and a 'don't-mess-with-me' turquoise suit. The red knitted separates invoke a sense of danger and impending action, while our favourite, the turquoise suit, is unbelievably sharp, with its minimalistic double-breasted silhouette, single-button fastening and slightly oversized sleeves. The colour, which Swinton's character matches with an elaborate rollneck, is just sublime and one you should certainly consider adding to your summer wardrobe as it pairs easily with most hues but especially tan and beige.
The Talented Mr Ripley
Anthony Minghella's The Talented Mr Ripley, based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith, is usually the inspiration for men's summer wardrobes thanks to the fantastic outfits worn by Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf. Not surprisingly, costume designers Gary Jones and Ann Roth won an Oscar for their work, which includes a perfect blend of high-class tailoring and Riviera-ready resortwear. And while the boys are dressed immaculately, plaudits must go to Gwyneth Paltrow as Marge, the well-heeled American who seems to evolve her Hamptons preppiness into Mediterranean sprezzatura. We love her relaxed print skirts and chino shorts, but it's the simple shirts she wears nonchalantly tied at the waist that really evoke that carefree summer attitude.
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Serena Circle Dress Grey |
Serena Circle Dress Buttermilk |
Pretty Woman
1990 hit Pretty Woman starring Julie Roberts and Richard Gere has long been inspiration for many a contemporary designer thanks to a plethora of looks that in hindsight, defined a decade. The fact that we're still talking about them - and buying similar - shows just how iconic they were. Foremost among them, a brown silk summer dress with polka dots and matching hat, which wouldn't be amiss at the smartest summer events today. Then there's Roberts sorbet-coloured city shorts that she pairs with a boxy blazer - a look the millenials thought they invented!! There are a number of fantastic silk and linen dresses and blouses that would certainly still find a places in a contemporary summer wardrobe so hats off to the amazing Marilyn Vance who was responsible for the outfits.