An Alabaster Brow

“Some people dream of swimming pools. I dream of closets!”
-Audrey Hepburn

Summer shopping was not too eventful for me. I had the most difficult time finding new clothes. My best purchase was a fitted white jacket that I love for its versatility and clean, crisp fit. Truth be told, although I am not averse to the summery look, my fashion heart has always been and will forevermore be autumnal/wintry.

Still, this past summer was particularly resistible except for some adorable Nanette Lepore pieces that I nearly gave in to. While the practical aspect of my nature tells me that this is a good thing, when you’re planning a wardrobe overhaul, nothing can be more disappointing!

So there I was, both bewildered at how the MJ denim jacket has become a uniform of sorts, and crestfallen that I cannot locate a white halter exactly like the one Grace Kelly shows off in Rear Window. And then it hit me: I love fashion. I love films. What could be better than going through the film archives for fashion ideas? So here is what I came up with.

Please Note: To enlarge the images, right-click on the image, click on ‘properties,’ highlight & copy the address/URL, and then paste.

Rear Window: What I wouldn’t give to find a white halter exactly like this one. I am thinking of just getting it copied by a seamstress.

Rear Window: Grace Kelly’s ensemble is perfection—from the simple pearl choker to that incredible dress. Edith Head outdid herself.

Bonnie and Clyde: Another case of sartorial perfection. I never tire of admiring how Faye Dunaway looks in those classic berets and scarves.

Belle de Jour: As Séverine, the very bored and imaginative physician’s wife, Catherine Deneuve looks nothing short of stunning in an array of Yves Saint Laurent pieces.

Mandalay: My dear friend F. brought this gown, worn by Kay Francis, to my attention. For the Paramount starlets of yore, this is what you call a true showstopper.

I Found Stella Parish: Kay Francis in a publicity still. What Grecian flair!

Letty Lynton: Holy glamour, no? Joan Crawford in one sexy number by Gilbert Adrian. Might get the seamstress cracking on this one, too.

Anna Karenina (1948): I love the details of this gown. Vivien Leigh looks positively patrician.

Gone With the Wind: Vivien Leigh makes an entrance in gorgeously festive garnet designed by Walter Plunkett.

The Blue Dahlia: A publicity photo of Veronica Lake. Just a lovely frock with pleats and ruching in all the right places.

Laura: Gene Tierney in a beautifully cut, black-fringed dress with skinny straps and a dazzling dress clip.

The Thin Man: A toast to Myrna Loy and one fabulous dress.

Please Note: The above photo must be enlarged for a proper viewing.

Gigi: Leslie Caron in an elegant ensemble complete with elbow-length white gloves.

Funny Face: This looks like a page from a ’50s fashion spread. Hepburn and Astaire look so genteel and Thompson could not ooze more chic.

Sabrina: Isn’t she just dreamy?

Breakfast at Tiffany’s: This film showcases my favorite Hepburn/Givenchy collaboration. Everything is just jazzy and marvelous.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula: This is a wildly campy film, but the costumes are among the most gorgeous I have ever seen—absolutely ravishing, decadent, and lush.

The Wings of the Dove: This is for the fabulous Annieytown whose impeccable taste naturally leads her to the altar of costume designer Sandy Powell.

Annie Hall: Diane Keaton in what will become her signature style. Diane Keaton, the sartorial George Sand of our time.

Chungking Express: The original wuxia ballbuster, Brigitte Lin has a supercool return to the big screen, charmingly clad in a cool trench and pristine satin white Manolos.

House of Yes: The hippest Jackie-O ever, Parker Posey rocks the classic pink suit and hatbox hat.

The Talented Mr. Ripley: Cate Blanchett in a palette of soft, cream-colored cashmeres.

Anna Karenina (1997): Beautifully garbed, Sophie Marceau looks absolutely stunning in this shallow, lifeless adaptation of Tolstoy’s great novel.

In the Mood for Love: Wong Kar-Wai slips Maggie Cheung into a stunning procession of cheungsams.

Gosford Park: Jenny Beavan designs draping crushed velvets and shimmering silks for the upper echelon of English society.

Devdas: Aishwarya Rai, the queen of Bollywood, is graced by breathtaking costumes in this film that serves as a feast for the eyes. For my dear friend V. with whom I would watch Indian films with so that we can gasp in unison.

Devdas: Warning Before Viewing: Your eyes may water due to the incredible degree of visual stimulation.