Black Tiger Affair: Fashion inspiration through film

Movies give insight to what’s popular in fashion during that film’s time period.

We can look at current movies for contemporary trends and classic movies to take inspiration from the past. No matter what era the movie is in, good fashion is timeless.


1.“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” may be 50 years old, but it still holds up in all things chic.

It is because of this movie that the little black dress should be a part of every girl’s repertoire. Audrey Hepburn was a style icon, especially in this film.

Actually, on anything she ever wore, you should take note.


2.“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” (2011)

An espionage movie set in England in the 1970s about a tinker, tailor, solider and spy—with an extra emphasis on the tailor part.

The movie focuses more on detail and tailoring rather than big collars and flared pants.

With more three-piece suits to shake a stick at “Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy” is a great movie to inspire some English charm to your wardrobe.

If this movie doesn’t make you want to wear tweed, I don’t know what will.


3.“Coco Before Chanel” (2009)

A movie that should be more revered because of Coco Chanel fashion rather than the movie itself. Chanel was a true innovator of women’s fashion.

She was her own muse. Instead of trying to copy the styles of other women, Chanel would dress differently to have other women copy her.

She forever changed the way women dressed, especially in her own time period.


4.“James Bond” series

From the early days of Sean Connery to the present days of Daniel Craig, Bond films are a great example of the evolution of the suit.

Not only the evolution of the suit, but the suit for every occasion. With the upcoming “Skyfall,” it is interesting to point out that the suit is becoming tighter.

Let’s not ignore the classic looks from the Bond girls.


5.“Do the Right Thing” (1989)

Spike Lee’s movie is not only one of the most powerful movies of the ‘80s, but it is unique in how a movie’s fashion impacted a generation.

Even though some of the outfits in the movie are cringe-worthy (biker shorts?) it is a movie where the fashion is all about being creative with your own individual style.

The film incorporated the mix of vibrant colors and patterns. It is also a movie on how ethnicity influences urban fashion.

“Do the Right Thing” is also where we learn the most important rule of all in fashion: never scuff the sneakers.