Thrilling Fashion

I am getting into the Hitchcock filled section in my Netflix Queue, having just rewatched Vertigo and Dial M for Murder. As a child and teen, I had no real interest in Hitchcock. It was only in college when I had to watch Dial M in my costume in film class that I really grew to appreciate his work at the very least from an aesthetics point of view (I really enjoyed the movie). For me what is so appealing is his use of color, a splash of bold color standing out from the subtler more neutral background. There are many beautiful still shots, great composition, surreal lighting, and often very beautiful subjects. I, of course, love the clothing. The 1950's was a beautiful time for women's wear and it never looked better than on the likes of Grace Kelly, Kim Novak and Hitchcock's other beauties. The red dress with the red lace bolero from Dial M is a work of art not only in terms of its own construction but for its use in the movie, what better way to introduce Grace Kelly's character as the cheating wife. The grey suit that Novak wears in Vertigo should get a mention for it mirroring her character's stoicism and steely exterior hiding a sad interior. Then when Stewart's character forces Novak's Judy back into it, it becomes like a prison. The classic style and grey and white palette remind me of statues and that Novak's character has become this time completely stone. Something in Hitchcock's work is effortlessly timeless, it still feels modern and is still inspiring people today. Many of my most beloved and quite current shows reference Hitchcock regularly. Regular readers know that I have done some designing based on Hitchcock's work and I would love to do more. So hopefully as I get the rest of his films in the mail, I will be able to draw from the inspiration he has been giving for years now.