Required Movie Viewing for Fashionistas

It occurred to me the other day that I should keep a list of movies that fashionistas would enjoy. I don't mean the obvious ones that are necessarily about the fashion world (although I do plan to add a category for those). There are so many movies that have fantastic costume design, gorgeous sets, style that is just eye candy for a fashionista. Never mind plot when you can drool over fabulous accessories, delicious fabrics, and delightful scenes. So sit back in your velvet tufted chair and prepare to be dazzled.

Diamonds (and other assorted jewelry themes)

1. She Done Him Wrong - An oldie and with a plot with holes that are larger than the Cullinan diamond, Mae West has plenty of spunk and sexed up lines but is also dripping with sparkle and fantastic costuming.
2. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - A classic Marilyn Monroe flick, along with the sassy Jane Russell, we get the blonde goddess in her signature role (unfortunately, perhaps not her best acting role - for that I prefer Niagara where she plays a scheming wife - and it's Hitchcock so it is doubly devilish). - they both appear in some glamorous costumes as showgirls. Even their everyday wear is fantastic!
3. Breakfast at Tiffany's - fewer jewels than should be in a movie with an acclaimed jeweler's name attached but worth every minute of the beautiful Audrey Hepburn.
4. Jewels - Really a television mini series but takes the effort of a movie to watch, and overall attention to costumes, sets (a chateau in France - every fashionista's dream home of course!), and the cornerstone of the movie, the jewels.
5. To Catch a Thief - Intelligent, witty, and Hitchcock - even if you weren't a fashionista, this would be a great flick to watch. But Grace Kelly is every girl's dream in this one with her polished blonde locks and her incredible wardrobe. The plot is about a jewel thief and honestly, you can't blame the thief for wanting these sparklies!

Costumes

1. Gone With The Wind - Idealized for ages because of the masterpiece written by Margaret Mitchell (an incredible read too). Featuring a southern girl (and her savvy maid) who can design a dress from draperies - How can any fashionista resist? Not to mention romance, drama, and war.
2. Attack of the Clones - Strangely enough (if you can get past the Star Wars label) the costumes are well-done -excellent use of form, fabrics, and a nice balance of traditional with futuristic.
3. Meet Me n St. Louis - Despite the fact that it has it's own value as a musical and Judy Garland's bangs are shameful, the costumes are well-composed with tons of detail, including a gorgeous beaded scarf that Ms. Garland uses over her hair.
4. Pretty Woman - Not all costume flicks have to be period pieces (although that is a great place to show off skill and detail). Upon re-watching Pretty Woman a few weeks ago (after not seeing it for years), I was struck by how timeless Julia Roberts looks and it really has to do with her clothes. Once she is beyond the horrifying street walker outfit, there is class abounding from the brown and white dress on the polo field to the red evening gown, these clothes are first rate.

Movies about Fashion

1. Prêt-à-Porter - Can't say that it was that great in regards to plot but it is a wonderful historic look at 80's fashion. Featuring designers such as Thierry Mugler and Sonya Rykiel, and famous models like Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer, the movie highlights the fashion doings of Paris.
2. The Devil Wears Prada - A harsh look at life in the fashion conscious media - focused on the delivery of fashion to the masses, it is elitist but a treat to the eyes. Our lovely heroine has to reconcile her preconceived notions about intelligence and fashion. Will she see that beautiful girls can be smart too?

This is just the tip of the iceberg....