Since the beginning of the New Hollywood era, film has captured some of the most memorable fashion moments. Characters such as Carrie Bradshaw, Cher Horowitz and Tracy Chambers were brought to life. From Holly Golightly in her notorious black Chanel dress to Miranda Priestly in her striking fur coats, these characters became fashion icons. Dating back to the 1950’s, movies like “Rear Window” explored the world of color, granting us a taste of fashion from then on.
See if your favorite movie made the list.
10. “Confessions of a shopaholic” (2009) 
Isla Fisher stars as protagonist Rebecca, a pathological liar and shopping addict, who goes into debt because of her bad habit. From beginning to the end, this movie is all about fashion labels and department stores. Bex’s colorful wardrobe and vibrant personality allows you to view addiction in a more playful point of view.
9. “Coco before Chanel” (2009) 
Originally titled, “Coco Avant Chanel,” the early life of the popular fashion designer Coco Chanel was brought to film to take viewers on a trip to the past in France. This is movie is gold to aspiring fashion designers. This is a movie directed to give insight on how everyone has to start somewhere, and it offers a strong message that fortune does not come over night and neither does talent. This movie brings Mademoiselle Chanel back to life.
8. “Sex and the City” (2008) 
Your favorite fictional journalist, Carrie Bradshaw—accompanied by her three also-very-stylish best friends Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha—hits the big screen. Although there were unfortunate events Carrie had to face, as usual, she expresses herself through fashion. Even at her lowest point in the movie, she resuscitates her life by unleashing her inner Fashionista.
7. “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006) 
Recognized as having the most expensive costume wardrobe ever in cinema, this film sets the bar high at $1 million. Designers such as Dior, Calvin Klein, Chanel and Prada are flourished throughout the film. “Runway Magazine” Editor in Chief Miranda Priestly dominates every look worn in this film. Her assistant, Andy, on the other hand struggles with fitting in with the fashion industry, but she slowly transitions into a fashion fiend who loses track of her self-identity.
6. “Factory Girl” (2006) 
The name Andy Warhol ring a bell? Based off of the life of Edie Sedgwick, the ’60s “it girl” fled the New York scene in hopes of pursuing her modeling career. Besides being Warhol’s muse, Sedgwick’s hipster style became iconic. This film brought out the carefree attitude of the ’60s through fashion.
5. “Clueless” (1995) 
The romantic teenage comedy presents you the unforgettable fads of the ’90s. Cher Horowitz, a wealthy teenager living in Beverly Hills, tries to balance being fashionable, an A+ student and maturity all at once. Cher’s computerized wardrobe was filled with outfits from a range of styles. Eventually, she grows up to realize that the external appearance of a person isn’t really everything, but at least she remembered to do it in style.
4. “Reservoir Dogs” (1992) 
Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this action-filled film would probably be the last thing on your mind in terms of fashion. Despite the gory scenes, this film takes fashion a little bit deeper than most films. The organized hit men sport black suits, white shirts and skinny ties, revealing a Chic yet mysterious look. The range of different personalities in the characters is reflected in their aliases, which use colors as names, but their similar outfits boil down to the fact they are all no different. Their one look not only inspired other films but also fashion designers. Check out the “Reservoir Dogs”-inspired collection by Chanel.
3. “Mahogany” (1975) 
Starring singer Diana Ross, this film brings us the character Tracy Chambers. Tracy is an aspiring fashion designer who works her way up to the top. The flavorful ensembles Ross wears in this film gives off a strong and fierce ’70s sass.
2. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” ( 1961) 
The beloved Audrey Hepburn played the lead role, Holly Golightly, a carefree young woman who expressed herself thoroughly with her witty sense of humor and effortless style. She lived the New York dream in her own apartment with barely any furniture in it. Her elegant and precise sense of fashion influenced many designers. This movie invented the little black dress.
1. “Rear Window” (1954) 
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, “Rear Window”‘s simple yet thrilling plot would have you on edge. James Stewart played the lead role, but co-star Grace Kelly enhanced the viewing tremendously. Her stunning ensembles in blissful colors were a pleasant surprise in such a nerve-racking film. She exemplified the ’50s fashion vividly.
