Step into a fashion time machine with the event’s best movies - combining entertainment with wardrobe inspiration, they’re not to be missed…
WORDS BY AMELIA BELL
This week’s BFI London Film Festival has over 240 features to feast your eyes on, covering the entire cinematic spectrum. And the fashion on-screen is as hot a topic (and as diverse) as the genres on show - just perfect for a bit of wardrobe inspiration.
From swoon-worthy Fifties glamour courtesy of Breathe to How to Talk to Girls At Parties’ PVC and leather-studded take on the Seventies London punk scene, the festival’s programme is a veritable journey through the style archives. Fashion junkies, these are the films you need to see...
How To Talk To Girls At Parties
Aliens have landed...in Croydon. And one of them is Nicole Kidman. In this Seventies-set fantasy with a subversive spin, Elle Fanning’s curious Zan falls for human Enn at a party, sparking an out-of-this-world journey together. There is latex, studded leather bikers and heavy eyeliner to be had - but beneath the madness you’ll also find an endearingly earnest teen romance rich in inspiration for the sartorially avant-garde.
Shop the look: Jeremy Scott Biker Jacket, Chanel Vintage Choker, Issey Miyake Tank Top, MSGM Cropped Trousers
Breathe
This directorial debut of Andy Serkis (yes Gollum, but please don’t let that put you off) tells the true, and very moving story of a handsome Brit Robin Cavendish, who is struck by polio and forced into a new and unexpected life. Aided by its dreamy cast - Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy star as Cavendish and his wife Diana, who refuses to ever give up hope – Breathe is tragic, funny and full of love all at the same time. Expect fabulous Fifties dresses and romantic colour palettes among the many tear-jerking moments.
Shop the look: Temperley Dragon Dress, Miu Miu Bag, Hermes Vintage Gloves, Nicholas Kirkwood Pumps
Battle Of The Sexes
Another one based upon real events, this comedy-drama takes place during the 1970s feminist revolution, depicting tennis champion Billie Jean King’s (played by the ever-lovable Emma Stone) on and off-court battle against chauvinistic old-timer Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell). A witty film that draws upon forbidden love and the still very real issue of sexism in sport, there’s also an abundance of seriously cool sportswear to take note of…
Shop the look: adidas Tennis Dress, Balenciaga Glasses, Hermes Vintage Tote Bag, Gucci Sneakers
Ingrid Goes West
And now to the present: social media is the subject of this stalker comedy, a parable of the dangers we face from the ‘picture-perfect’, Instagram-obsessed world. When things go south for vulnerable Ingrid Thorburn (Aubrey Plaza) she heads west to Venice Beach, hoping to seek out (read, stalk) her idol Taylor Sloane, a narcissistic Insta-star. Bohemian LA chic is at its best on-screen here, but it’s the twisted dark humour that makes this #perfect #california so intoxicating.