Fashion In Film Friday - Star 80

The 1983 film titled 'Star 80', was based on the true story of the rise to fame of Playboy Playmate Dorothy Stratten, portrayed by Mariel Hemingway opposite Eric Roberts as her estranged husband, Paul Snider who took her life in a jealous rampage.  The movie achieved much acclaim and was even on film critic Gene Siskel's top ten list of the best films of 1983.

Dorothy Stratten was a small town girl from Canada, going to high school and  working at a local Dairy Queen when she met a customer, the twenty six year old Paul Snider who was a Vancouver club promoter and pimp.  Snider immediately set his sites on Stratten & coerced her into letting him take nudes pictures of her to submit to Playboy for consideration. 

She was underage at the time so he forged her mothers signature to sign the model release.  After being taking on by Playboy, Hefner suggested to Dorothy that she sever ties with Snider as he could see he was a complete 'hustler'.

Unfortunately Dorothy attempted to and it cost her, her life.  On August 14th, 1980, Paul Snider convinced Stratten to meet with him to 'talk' things out, in the house they once shared together.  Shortly after her arrival, he shot her and then raped her and her death was considered to be one of the most pre-meditated thought out and bizarrely orchestrated murders in history.

The movie 'Star 80', totally embodied the fashion flair for that time frame of the early 80's and the costumes in the film were impeccable.

Dorothy Stratten was the feminine version of the popular trends of that time bringing a vibe of romanticism with her style choices.  Off the shoulder flowing dresses, strapless gowns & lingerie. Stratten was the ultimate 'girly girl' of the 80's who unfortunately was stifled in the prime of her life & career.

Dorothy Stratten born Dorothy Ruth Hoogstraten in a Salvation Army hospital in the 1960's left behind her a 'rags to riches' story that will never be forgotten.  


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Fashion In Film Friday - 'The Seven Year Itch'

Who doesn't remember the classic 1955 film...'The Seven Year Itch' starring Marilyn Monroe & Tom Ewell about a married man who was becoming disinterested with his marriage and entertains the idea of straying outside of it?  'The Seven Year Itch' is a term that has been used by psychologists for decades to define the decline of monogamous relationships after seven years.  The movie was nearly prohibited from being released due to the sensitive nature of the story line that proposed the idea of adultery. Weren't those the good old days when 'less was more'?

This is the flick that made the white halter dress and Marilyn a sensation.  The infamous photograph of her standing on the air vent while her dress was being blown to reveal her undergarments is still one of the most recognizable even fifty years later.  The dress just like Marilyn, is a timeless icon.  The man behind the dress making was a much sought after designer of that time, William Travilla.  It was said that his best work was the white halter dress he put together for Monroe.  The flattering a-line skirt, the deep v-neckline bodice and the lightweight fabric he selected for the ease of movement was simply beautiful.  He chose the color white because it's associated with innocence.  After the filming was over Marilyn was quoted as stating ... "Billy Dear, please dress me forever.  I love you, Marilyn."

This vintage dress was popular fifty years ago and I'm sure it will be just as popular fifty years from now as to this day, women are still in search of the perfect 'Marilyn Monroe style dress' just like the one she wore in 'The Seven Year Itch'... 

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Fashion In Film Friday

The 1985 film 'Desperately Seeking Susan', starring then newbie super star Madonna centered around an unfulfilled housewife who meets free spirited Susan (Madonna) by accident when she began answering her personal ads in a New York tabloid.  She then becomes fascinated with her, gets amnesia & begins thinking that she actually is her.  Weak story line & weird, I know!  Although the plot left much to be desired, the soundtrack featuring Madonna's hits like 'Get Into The Groove' & 'Like A Virgin' as well as the fashions in this film that inspired a generation!

This movie is all about the popular clothing styles that surfaced in the 80's and Madonna was the first pop icon to make under wear as outer wear in public acceptable with the rise of the boustierre as well as bras paired with see through mesh tops as a bold fashion forward statement!

     

Hard to believe that was twenty six years ago and that to this day, this style is still in circulation, perhaps in a more modestly muted way, but still out there nonetheless!

Pop Icon Lady Gaga's style has definitely been instrumental in reinspiring this vintage style, but on a whole other level, as her no holds barred over the top fashion taste, or lack there of rather, has one upped Madonna in regards to shock value!

I personally prefer the less brash 80's version (i.e. Madonna's style) of under wear as outer wear because even she attempted to leave a bit to the imagination!  Truth is, everyone has the right to 'bare arms' so to speak but the question remains...is less always best?  


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Fashion In Film Friday

Usually we do a film from past decades, but our 'Fashion In Film Friday' focus is going to be on the new movie that was just released this past April,  'Water For Elephants' with Reese Witherspoon and Twilight heart throb Rob Pattinson.  It's a love story set in the 1930's about a traveling circus.  

This flick is very 'old Hollywood' and not just on a cinematographic level.  The styles are right on and true to the era. The 30's were to some degree 'glam' and the movie 'Water For Elephants' features Reese in a bunch of silky, slinky dresses that are currently the inspiration for designs by Galliano & Dior.

Fashion trends tend to follow most major motion pictures and retailers are already anticipating the demand for this vintage 30's style! Zappos has even created a special edition scarf inspired by the one Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) wears in the movie. 

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Fashion In Film Friday

"T.G.I.F." & Welcome to the weekend!  Our Fashion In Film Friday topic is the 1988 movie 'Heathers' starring Winona Ryder.  The movie was basically an 80's prequel of sorts to the popular current flick 'Mean Girls' (i.e. bad girl cliques verses the goody goodies).  This popular 80's hit made school girl chic' a popular fashion trend that is now considered 'vintage'...

Plaid was popping up everywhere after the release of this film & 80's prep style was on the rise!  Pleated skirts that sat just above the knee, colored opaque tights & ballerina flats all topped off with a fitted padded shouldered jacket.  I remember this style all to well as I have to confess I actually dressed liked this!  

I haven't seen this style make a return since it was once popular, but you just never know..It will probably come back on racks in the not too distant future.  One lesson to be learned from following fashion trends is I always make sure to hang onto pieces that were once all the rage because "what's old always becomes new again....eventually."






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Fashion In Film Friday

In addition to our Mod Mondays, we're going to be doing Fashion In Film Friday's here at Retro Threadz.  Each week we'll be picking one movie that inspired the world of fashion.  Fashions of every era have always been motivated by movie costumes since way before there was even color or sound in films.  For example the German stage and silent film actress Marlene Dietrich was a fashion icon of the 20's and was considered a scandalous rebel in her time due to her love of masculine attire.  She wore a top hat and tuxedo in the 1928 vintage film Morocco which raised eyebrows and more than likely began the dawn of sexual ambiguity in clothing styles.   

In regards to her style she was quoted as saying...
"I dress for the image, not for myself, not for the public and definitely not for men"...

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