MEGALOPOLIS
Forget everything you've read or heard about this film. The hype and the hyperbole have their place.
See it for the costumes.
Love or hate Francis Ford Coppola's new cinematic adventure, Megalopolis, (I embrace both reactions whole heartedly), one thing no one seems to be spending much time discussing is the fashion. Whether the "hero" is or isn't an (insane) genius, the costumes ARE. And that is, generally, how I like my costumes.
Milena Canonero is the talent behind the designs, and a well deserved recipient of four academy awards for costume. I was pleased to learn that she designed the wardrobes for some of my favorite films - Clockwork Orange, The French Dispatch, and The Grand Budapest Hotel to name but a few.
Her vision of how the elite of dystopian, "New Rome" dress was the most satisfying aspect of this film for me. Behold.
Her vision of how the elite of dystopian, "New Rome" dress was the most satisfying aspect of this film for me. Behold.
There was what some might call a throwaway scene where one of the main characters attends a fashion show with her friend. It does nothing to further the plot or character development (both of which lack coherence), and seems to be the director's homage to the Art of Fashion itself. The models' outfits echo the type of amorphous mystery substance that the premise of the movie centers around, but also reminds one of the great designs of Iris Van Herpen.
Wow Platinum (that is the actual name of the character) stole the show for me both visually and in terms of performance. Played by Aubrey Plaza, every scene that didn't include her felt like a deprivation.
Shia LeBeouf as Clodio Pulcher gets second place. But truly deserves to almost share the spotlight with her.
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Pouring over the costumes from the film made me nostalgic for when I was styling and shooting very dramatic, editorial style photos with my models!
Here is a sampling from the RareJule archive of moods and looks that coordinate with the film, in my eyes
Monica modeling a Bes-Ben hat from 2018
Lindsey in a 50s prom dress with modern accessories, 2018
Lindsey showing off a 70s scarf print,silk dress in 2019
Lindsey in 90s sheer pants and fitted blazer w/animal print trim, 2019
Lindsey sporting a 30s hat and a 30s dress, 2021
Lindsey in a three piece 90s set, 2019
Tegan modeling a 60s brown sheer dress and a 90s belt, 2017
Lindsey in an 80s silkprint dress, 50s feather boa and a Bes-Ben hat, 2018
Here is a sampling from the RareJule archive of moods and looks that coordinate with the film, in my eyes
Monica modeling a Bes-Ben hat from 2018
Lindsey in a 50s prom dress with modern accessories, 2018
Lindsey showing off a 70s scarf print,silk dress in 2019
Lindsey in 90s sheer pants and fitted blazer w/animal print trim, 2019
Lindsey sporting a 30s hat and a 30s dress, 2021
Lindsey in a three piece 90s set, 2019
Tegan modeling a 60s brown sheer dress and a 90s belt, 2017
Lindsey in an 80s silkprint dress, 50s feather boa and a Bes-Ben hat, 2018