Friday, April 16, 2010

Film Styles: Easter Parade

easterparade


Movie: Easter Parade
Year: 1948
Costume Designers: Irene and Valles

I saw Easter Parade for the first time only a couple of years ago, and I remember from the very opening scene where Fred Astaire is walking down the street whistling wearing a gray suit, white vest, pink shirt with a cobalt blue carnation in his lapel and white spats over his shoes being completely mesmerized by the costumes.
I know that once making movies in color became popular, costumes became more colorful and extravagant so it would show up better on technicolor (think Dorothy's red shoes in The Wizard of Oz, did you know in the book version her shoes are actually white?) But Easter Parade takes it to a whole other level.

Throughout the film the costumes become even more colorful and eye-catching. Watch Fred Astaire's ties and pocket squares: striped, gingham, polka-dot. Even in his "Steppin' Out With My Baby" routine he's wearing a red bowtie that matches his red vest that matches his red socks. Judy Garland is no different. She wears everything from a gingham skirt to a sea green vest to pink elbow-length gloves to a huge yellow brooch of daisies.

Easter Parade is one of my favorite movies to watch because it's so pleasing to the eye. So many costumes of different color and patterns, it makes you happy just watching it.



5 comments :

  1. Love Judy Garland's "ragtime violet" ensemble. The teal vest and brown stripes look so great together!


    Unravelled Threads

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  2. i love this inspiration. i recently started following you on weardrobe too -- great style inspiration!

    www.keepfashion.wordpress.com

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  3. Love it! My fave is her outfit in the last scene with the elbow length gloves. Something about her dress--simple and white but the draping is so unique.

    Overall one of my favorite movies ever. Glad you like it too!

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  4. I've never seen it, but now I want to!

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  5. so cute, I love all the matchy matchy-ness of those times :]

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