Fashion Film Fun: Spring Romance!

Spring is the season for rebirth, warmth, and LOVE. The season is imbued with a soft, romantic air which carries into the styles and prints one sees in Springtime. We found some of the best movies to highlight both the feeling and fashion of the season for your inspiration!

Emma (1996)

dir: Douglas McGrath | starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, James Cosmo, Greta Scacchi

Based on the same titled novel by Jane Austen, this 1996 classic follows a woman named Emma Woodworth (Gwyneth Paltrow) and her ongoing game of matchmaker within her small town in19th century England. As the movie progresses, her own game comes back to bite her as she risks her chance at finding love for herself. The movie stays true to the fashion of the time period: female characters wear empire bodice dresses and bonnets or sun hats, and the gentlemen are dressed in country attire of vests, jackets with tails, and ascots. Emma's beautiful long sheer dresses with short ruffled sleeves perfectly compliment her romantic inclinations.

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

dir: Rob Marshal | starring: Ziyi Zhang, Ken Watanabe, Michelle Yeoh

Becoming a geisha is a long journey filled with tests of patience, service, and loyalty. Set in the 1920's, this movie follows young Chiyo (Suzuka Ohgo as child) as she becomes a geisha named Sayuri (played by Ziyi Zhang). The beautiful soft settings throughout the movie create a perfect mood for a spring afternoon. Traditional elegant geisha dress in kimono, geta, and elaborate hairstyles play a stark contrast to the Western style suits worn by Japanese male characters. The struggles Sayuri faces on her way to realizing her dreams and the beautiful settings and costuming are sure to keep you entertained.

Big Fish (2003)

dir: Tim Burton | starring: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup

Ever hear something too fantastical to be true? This Tim Burton movie is all about family legend and the truth behind the tall tale. William Bloom (Billy Cruddup) is the journalist son of Edward Bloom (Albert Finney). When his father falls ill, he travels to see him to get to the bottom of the outlandish stories that he has heard his whole life. He begins a journey to seek the truth in his father's ramblings and learn more about him. What he discovers is a remarkable life and love story.

From the memorable scene in a field of flowers to the costuming and the romantic story of his parents' courtship, this movie connotes Spring. As one might expect, there are outfits that are characteristic of Burton's influence - with black and white checkered pants and long top hats, but there are also soft and feminine ensembles that Edward's wife (Alison Lohman/Jessica Lange) tends to wear. Her polka dot tops and high waisted skirts evoke a 50's era aesthetic and bring a sense of nostalgia to this magical film.

Tuck Everlasting (2002)

dir: Jay Russell | starring: Alexis Bledel, Jonathan Jackson, Sissy Spacek

Based on the classic novel written by Natalie Babbitt,Tuck Everlasting is about a young girl named Winnie (Alexis Bledel) and her journey to find herself outside of her controlling family. Along the way, she loses herself in the woods and finds young Jesse Tuck (Johnathan Jackson) and soon becomes part of his family. They harbor a big secret that threatens whether or not she can stay with them forever.

Set in the 1880s, the dream-like soft glow of the cinematography lends an atmosphere of Spring. The corsets and feminine frills of the period dresses convey a soft romantic aura. Oversized blouses and fitted trousers also accurately depict the time period and feel right in line with our Picnic at Hanging Rock trend for SS 2019.

Angels and Insects (1995)

dir: Philip Haas | starring: Mark Rylance, Kristin Scott Thomas, Patsy Kensit

This erotic and unsettling movie tells the story of a bookish naturalist and his induction to English gentry as well as the startling discoveries he makes about the family that is his entree to this world. The main character, William (Mark Rylance), is introduced to the Alabaster family and soon after marries their eldest older daughter, Eugenia (Patsy Kensit). The idyllic setting of the Alabasters' country estate is a lovely backdrop for the wonderful costuming of the film, from the severe attire of Kirsten Scott Thomas' character, to the truly remarkable gowns Patsy Kensit wears, and the clothing of the gentlemen, all is true to the period. Many of Eugenia's dresses mimic the patterns of the insects that her new husband is so fascinated by.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

dir: Woody Allen | starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates

This unusual romantic comedy stars Owen Wilson as Gil who is on a trip to Paris with his fiancée, Inez (played by Rachel McAdams). This should be terribly romantic, except her parents are also along; to blow off some steam, Gil takes a walk one night and finds himself inexplicably transported back to Paris in the 1920's. The film boasts some beautiful costuming, both in the casual elegance of the modern scenes and certainly in the period scenes of the 20's during Gil's midnight walks. The scenes of Paris have us all excited for another of our SS 2019 trends, French Connection!

All of these visually inspiring Spring films remind us of the beautiful, original prints by our amazing artists.

Click through some of our most romantic spring prints below:

Make sure to go to our Print Shop to see more of our artists' work!

and

Check out our Trend Shop for all the latest in upcoming trends!

sources: imdb | YouTube

* We intend no copyright infringement by displaying images from other sources on our site. Unless otherwise noted, all images are the property of their respective owners.