Hollywood is famous for setting trends, be it ground-breaking performances or stunning ensembles donned by leading actors. While celebrities rely heavily on iconic designers to help them reinvent their looks, the same can be said for costume design on the silver screen. Maria Vittoria Cusumano, the founder of MVC Magazine, shares 5 of the most stylish movies of all time, with costume design helmed by some of the industry’s biggest names.

 

Stage Fright, 1950 – Christian Dior

Directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, the leading cast included Jane Wyman, Marlene Dietrich, Michael Wilding, and Richard Todd. Marlene portrays the captivating singer and actress Charlotte Inwood. To help breathe life into the charismatic role, Christian Dior designed her gorgeous costumes, raising the bar completely. Cusumano added, “The mystery thriller was lauded for its box office success and more so for the mesmerizing outfits crafted by Dior himself.”

 

And God Created Women, 1956 — Pierre Balmain

Directed by Roger Vadim, this romantic drama starred Brigitte Bardot and catapulted her career to new heights. Pierre Balmain was brought on board to lend his expertise via costume design. From subtle and summery skirts to classy ensembles, Bardot’s dresses became all the rage, inspiring a whole new generation to revamp their wardrobes. Cusumano explained,” Balmain’s designs introduced the importance of minimalism in the mid-1950s, and it still holds true today.”

 

Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 1961 — Hubert de Givenchy

 

Easily one of the most iconic movies of its era, Hubert de Givenchy’s immaculate style, coupled with Audry Hepburn’s smoldering charisma, resulted in one of the most memorable opening sequences ever created. The iconic black dress worn by Holly as she proceeds to go window shopping is breathtaking. Givenchy was credited for creating an ensemble unlike any other. Cusumano explained how the scene has inspired several generations to explore the realm of fashion.

 

Last Year in Marienbad, 1961— Coco Chanel

Delphine Seyrig’s stylish dresses were crafted by none other than Coco Chanel. A classic by Alain Resais, the movie was considered both path-breaking and mesmerizing. Matching the mood of the film, Chanel experimented with gorgeous costumes made from chiffon and lace. Karl Lagerfield’s Chanel Spring-Summer collection of 2011 was inspired by this movie, especially since the costumes were created by Coco Chanel herself. “Creating scintillating outfits is one thing, but tailoring them to match the palette of the movie was nothing short of pure finesse,” added Cusumano.

 

Belle Du Jour, 1967 — Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent extended his expertise to help craft Catherine Deneuve’s costumes. Directed by Luis Buñuel, this drama is based on a novel titled “Belle de jour.” Saint Laurent outdid himself with a wide array of outfits, each more striking than the other. From elegant black dresses and double-breasted coats to peerless accessories, each ensemble has stood the test of time. Cusumano emphasized how It was commendable that Saint Lauren crafted exquisite costumes that complemented Deneuve’s character’s persona in the movie.