Monday, April 6, 2009

Style Influence: Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow-Up

The protagonist in Antonioni's film finds his life to be drab and devoid of excitement but this could be contested because could Swinging London really be drab? However, one thing that could not be contested was the enduring influence of the film's fashion, which is evident in today's styles. In the photoshoot scene there are several pieces, which when viewed without their extravagant accessories could be plausibly worn today. The polkadot playsuit was reflected in Sonia Sonia Rykiel's Fall 08 collection of whimsical polka dot dresses. The gold dress was reflected in Charles Anastase's peter pan collared swing dress from 2007.In a different shoot, the model's mink coat, short dress, and loaferesque shoes parallel Wes Anderson's iconic character Margot Tenenbaum or even Brisith "It" Girl Alexa Chung. While the stripped top with the white skirt is similar to A.P.C.'s hipster/prepster ethos.
Thomas, the protagonist, is equally fashionable as the women in the film. His slim slack with the blazers could be seen anywhere from East London to Lower Manhattan.
While the film may seem dated, it is worthwhile to watch not only for its statement on Swinging London and the image of David Bailey but for its enduring stylistic timelessness.

Images from Google Image

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