Rabiya Singh
Movies and fashion are two artistic disciplines that share a symbolic relationship, with each influencing the other in different ways. It is pegged as one of the few combinations that work so well. Fashion needs movies to expand and reach people and movies need the support of fashion for the completion of work.
Ways in which movies influence the fashion industry
- Marketing and branding opportunities
Movies provide opportunities for the promotion of fashion brands. Brands can collaborate with filmmakers, which can help increase the brand’s visibility and reach a wider audience.
- Setting fashion trends
Movies are so powerful that they can set trends that last for years. They bring about trends in fashion as people take inspiration from the clothing worn by the characters. For example, the influence of the popular TV series, “Sex and the City” in the early 2000s is undeniable.
- Costumes as a source of inspiration
Movie costumes have always been a source of inspiration for fashion designers. For example, Audrey Hepburn’s black dress in, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” became an instant fashion classic, which later inspired fashion trends and lead to an increase in sales of the designers.
Ways in which the fashion industry influences movies
- Enhancing visual appeal
Fashion plays a key role in enhancing the visual appeal of movies. Costume designers work closely with the other members involved in the movie-making process to work on costumes that closely relate to the overall theme and aesthetics of the movie. For example, in the movie, “The Great Gatsby” the costumes were designed in such a way that it transported the audience back to the Roaring 20s and conveyed the excesses of that era.
- Authenticity
Many movies set in the past require period-accurate costumes and fashion designers can make sure that they are historically accurate by researching and bringing in their experience. This can enhance the audience’s experience and lead to the movie’s success.
- Aspirational value
Fashion brands can contribute to the aspirational value of movies. When the characters in movies wear designer items, it creates a desire among the audience to own them and also leads to an increase in the character’s popularity and recognition.
Ways in which both influence the society
This relationship between the movies and the fashion industry also has a significant impact on society at large, especially when it comes to fashion trends, cultural trends and aspirational value. Movies and fashion give an idea about the cultural trends and values that are prevailing in a society during a particular period of time. More and more people want to try to emulate the style of the movie characters and purchase similar clothing in order to aspire to be like characters portraying a luxury lifestyle in movies.
Fashion trends tend to democratize fashion and make it more accessible to the public.
Movies can also increase diversity and representation in the fashion industry. For example, the movie, “Crazy Rich Asians” showcased the beauty of Asian fashion, which in turn led to an increase in the demand for such designs.
Hence, we can conclude that over time the relationship between movies and fashion has become more intertwined. Both fashion and films blend together and shine on each other. Both need to continue to work in harmony with each other, for the future to be more vibrant and inclusive.
References
https://entertainment-focus.com/2020/11/30/the-importance-of-fashion-in-the-film-industry/
https://www.studymode.com/essays/Movie-s-Impact-On-Fashion-47182335.html
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/fashion-and-film
