The stars of Hollywood have captivated audiences across the globe for decades with their on-screen stories and glamour. But their influence reaches beyond the silver screen – it can also be seen in the fashion world. Hollywood’s influence on fashion history is undeniable, with iconic looks being remembered and recreated for generations. From the classic red carpet gowns of the Golden Age to the evolving street style of modern cinema, Hollywood has had an extensive impact on the fashion trends of the 20th and 21st centuries. In this article, we’ll trace the development of Hollywood’s influence on fashion and explore how it has shaped the styles we see today.
1. The Glamorous History of Hollywood Fashion
Movie stars have been using fashion to make powerful statements for nearly a century. From Marlene Dietrich’s gender-bending tailoring to Sade’s slinky sequins and Freddie Mercury’s androgynous blouson, some of the greatest fashion moments of all time have been set in Hollywood. Here’s a look at how Hollywood fashion has changed since the golden age of film.
Silent Star Style
- Flamboyant Costumes: During the silent era, there was more emphasis on the costumes than ever before. Stars like Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin wore incredibly elaborate and flamboyant attire on screen – from the over-the-top sparkles of the Ziegfeld Follies girls to the shapeless sack masks of Chaplin’s Little Tramp.
- Coco Chanel-Inspired: By the time the talkies rolled around, actresses had moved away from the heavily ornamented look to something more modern. Coco Chanel’s work was a huge influence on this shift, with her simple, sleek cuts designed to emphasize the wearer’s figure rather than the costume itself.
The 1940s and 1950s
- Glamour vs. Function: The 1940s and 1950s saw a continuation of Coco Chanel’s influence on Hollywood fashion. But the functional aspect of fashion became increasingly important: outfits had to be able to withstand multiple takes on a tough film set, and still look good. Stars like Ava Gardner and Bette Davis were known for their stylish and understated styles.
- High-Fashion Designers: The 1950s marked the emergence of high-fashion designers in the movie business. Most famously, Edith Head created hundreds of iconic costumes for stars like Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Grace Kelly.
Modern Times
- Fashion Forward: Today, fashion in Hollywood has evolved into something much more daring and forward-thinking. Stars like Zendaya and Kerry Washington have proven that you can take risks on the red carpet – bright colours, unexpected prints, and daring silhouettes are increasingly common. Not to mention the bold statements made by stars like Billy Porter and Sonam Kapoor, whose genderfluid and politically-charged looks command attention on the red carpet.
- Redefining the “Hollywood Look”: Hollywood fashion is no longer the exclusive domain of stars from the U.S. or Europe; today, everyone – from the Latinx community to the Asian diaspora – is redefining what it means to look “Hollywood.”
With every new era, Hollywood fashion evolves – and with it, the power of fashion to express identity. From daring avant-garde looks to classic costume designs, Hollywood fashion continues to be the ultimate platform for self-expression.
2. The Colorful Effects of Cinema on Runway Styles
It’s not hard to see how cinema has had a hand in creating and popularizing runway styles. The stars and their fashion choices have had an impressive effect on fashion trends, and that effect is still evident today.
Right from the start, film stars have championed bold colors and standout silhouettes. Take a look at any black and white movie from the 1930s and ’40s and you will quickly see the impact of the cinematography on the fashion—black and white outfits in sharp frames and bold cuts, often glammed up with glittery accessories. This strong sense of style was mirrored in the designs of the time, from Audrey Hepburn in an extravagant pink princess-style gown to the wide-shouldered jackets of Lauren Bacall.
Perhaps even more telling is the impact of color cinema, where the vivid, vibrant hues of the film palette took no prisoners. Each color was carefully chosen to convey a message—somewhat of an artistic language—and was expertly reflected on the runway. It was these succulent frescoes that inspired designers to explore and expand their color palettes, really pushing the boundaries of color combinations. Think back to the outfits in any classic movie musical, and it’s easy to see how the vibrant and zesty colors influenced fashion designers in the late ’50s and early ’60s.
More recently, film has become a staple of the runaway scene, continuing to shape the face of fashion. In particular, 1970s styles of dress, such as jumpsuits and wide-legged trousers, owe their legacy to the success of films of the era. This resurgence of separates is particularly evident in the contemporary streetwear scene, where vintage looks are often appropriated and remixed.
Colorful cinema references help keep fashion vibrant and creative, as the two industries happily intertwine and mutually influence one another. From the pool of films beloved classics, costumes and moods created an excitement that is still vividly felt today.
3. The Impact of Big Screen Icons on Everyday Wear
Big screen icons have a tremendous influence on what everyday people choose to wear. They are trendsetters, showing us how to make clothing work to express our individuality. Whether it’s an edgy pantsuit or a classic tuxedo, they help us understand how to use clothing to create a message.
When it comes to the most stylish and beloved big screen icons, there are timeless fashions that are associated with their characters. Audrey Hepburn’s snug off-the-shoulder sweater and black capri pants in Breakfast at Tiffany’s have been so beloved that modern fashion labels continue to re-imagine the look for the modern woman. James Dean’s classic white t-shirt and jeans in Rebel Without a Cause remain a classic style for teenage boys who want to tap into Dean’s rebellious coolness.
In more recent decades, Jack Nicholson’s character in The Departed wore a roomy blue cotton peacoat. This style of coat was quickly picked up by average shoppers who wanted to look cool and fashionable. Similarly, The Matrix and its star Keanu Reeve’s replicant-style long coat became a unisex fashion sensation for both teen and adult shoppers.
More recently, few actors have been as influential as Ryan Gosling in films such as Drive and La La Land. In Drive, his satin bomber jacket spoke to a whole generation who was looking for a combination of classic elegance and cool factor in their outerwear. His three-piece suit in La La Land likewise appealed to a whole generation who were looking for old-school glamour without being overly formal.
The impact of big screen icons on everyday fashion is undeniable. They serve as beacons of both timelessness and modernity, showing us how to make fashion our own. Whether it’s a classic look from the 1950s or an edgy style from a recent blockbuster, their influence on our everyday fashion choices can’t be denied.
4. The Enduring Legacy of Hollywood’s Iconic Looks
The entertainment industry has come a long way over the years, but some looks have stood the test of time. From bombshells to silver screen sirens, here are four iconic Hollywood looks that have become part of the fabric of modern society.
The All-American Beauty
- The all-American beauty look is characterized by its soft, natural colors and simple silhouettes.
- Classic examples of this look include Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Grace Kelly.
- The all-American look has been recreated by various celebrities, such as Scarlett Johansson and Blake Lively.
The Rock Star Lob
- The rock star lob emerged in the 90s, and its most famous example was the hairstyle sported by Madonna throughout her career.
- The look features a sleek, shoulder-length bob cut and is often combined with heavy makeup and bold clothing.
- Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Kate Bosworth have also embraced the rock star lob.
The Gigi Hadid Cut
- The Gigi Hadid cut became popular in the early 2010s, and is characterized by its long, wavy locks and natural highlights.
- The look has been seen on the likes of Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner, and Selena Gomez.
- It’s a versatile haircut that can be worn in various styles, from long and loose to tight and structured.
The Pixie Cut
- The pixie cut is another classic Hollywood look that has enjoyed a number of iterations over the years.
- Audrey Hepburn, Mia Farrow, and Twiggy are just some of the stars who have sported short, cropped hairstyles.
- Today, it’s a look that has been re-popularized by stars such as Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Watson, and Anne Hathaway.
These four iconic Hollywood looks have endured through decades of changing trends, thanks to their timeless appeal. Whether you’re looking for a classic or modern touch, you can’t go wrong with any of these looks.
Hollywood may be the birthplace of some of the most iconic fashion trends in history, but it hasn’t always been solely responsible for inspiring the Clothing and Textile Industry. Still, it’s undeniable that Hollywood plays an important part in the evolution of fashion, influencing the way people dress not only in the United States, but all around the world. Until we’re able to look to the future and predict where fashion is headed next, we’ll just have to wait and see what Hollywood comes up with.
