The Enchanting MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

Over the weekend I spontaneously decided to go watch a movie at my local cinema nouveau. I took a chance and chose Woody Allen’s latest film- Midnight in Paris. Apart from seeing the film poster and knowing Owen Wilson plays the lead, I did not quite know what to expect. To my surprise it was absolutely charming- I loved every second of it!

The movie follows the ventures of frustrated writer, named Gil (Owen Wilson), who visits Paris in the modern day with his fiancée (Rachel McAdams) and by night magically escapes into the thrilling 1920s to party with infamous personalities he admires from the past, Hemingway, Salvador Dali, Gertrude Stein, Picasso and Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald are just among the few he socialises with. Most scenes are set in smokey jazz bars and in the streets of Paris as Gil takes scenic strolls at night. Every time when faced with returning to reality of modern life, Gil feels more torn between the life he is familiar with compared to the fascinating past.

Apart from an intriguing plot and beautiful scenery, the fashion in this film is just breathtaking and so inspiring. Being partially set in the 1920s- which is viewed by many as the golden era, the female characters are dressed in flapper dresses, silk stockings and beaded shift dresses, while men wear smart suits, ties and crisp collar shirts. Sonia Grande, genius costume designer, was responsible for capturing the essence of this past era as well as the fashion of today. She also uses the clothing to masterfully distinguish between the different personalities of Gil’s two love interests.  Ines (Gil’s fiancée) is one of those women who comes from a privileged background, has expensive taste and is trendy. Grande mainly dressed Ines in contemporary designer clothing such as Dior, Chanel, and Hermes. But it is undoubtedly Adrianna’s (seductive 1920s muse played by Marion Cotillard) wardrobe that steals the show.  She captivates the audience with beaded shift dresses, headbands adorned with feathers and beads and interesting flapper dresses that truly reveals her romantic and idealistic character. 

Rachel McAdam’s character looks chic and relaxed in a plain shirt dress paired with a slender belt,  classic handbag and simple jewellery.

I just love Ines's look in this scene- mixing a classic Chanel jacket with a plain tee.

Marion looks so sensual with her beaded shift dress, bob curled hairstyle and of course slender cigarette.
  

Marion looks so fresh in this white knee length dress with dropped waist. Owen's vintage blazer with button down shirt compliments her look.

Dressing smart when socialising.

The Fitzgeralds!  Zelda is beautiful with her wavy bob and Scott in a perfect tuxedo, waistcoat and tie- so typical of that time. 

Classic Flapper attire.

If you are mesmerized by Paris, just love the fashion of the Roaring Twenties or wish you could have socialized with some of the infamous Parisian artist and writers- then Midnight in Paris is a must see. Not only is the acting spot on, the movie immediately catches your interest with an extended opening scene of true Parisian attractions- street cafes, the Eiffel Tower and picturesque streets. I have not been to Paris myself, but this film just once again convinced me that this is the city to experience. I can truly understand why so many fall in love with it.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS ON THE RUNWAY:

Fortunately some designers have drawn inspiration from this edgy era for their Spring 2012 collections- indicating that drop-wait shift dresses, embellished headpieces and silk stockings will be a big trend. At Mercedes Benz Fashion week in New York, it was clear that Ralph Lauren drew strong inspiration from the 1920s with a soft colour palette, silk fabrics and feathers. The flapper dress was without a doubt the focus of his collection. Other designers that were also inspired by the 1920s for Spring 2012 include Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam and Oscar de la Renta.

Ralph Lauren

Derek Lam

Oscar de la Renta

Suno

Mark Fast

Mark Jacobs