From Audrey Hepburn’s black gown in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Sridevi’s blue chiffon sari in Mr. India, the cinematic world has given us some costumes that have gone from fan favourites to achieve iconic status. Here are a few iconic outfits from films that are timeless and relevant in today’s fashion scene.
Audrey Hepburn's black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's:
Although Hepburn wore some noteworthy outfits in this classic film, the black evening gown paired with black gloves and strands of pearls around her neck, was the most sophisticated combination that became iconic and we still dig the look. It's a much-recreated look at any hollywood themed party.
Mumtaz’s orange drape in Brahmachari:
Not just the bright orange colour but the unique manner of draping the sari made a statement when Bollywood diva Mumtaz flaunted it with groovy moves in the song Aj kal tere mere pyar ke charche. This unique drape of the sari became a sensation among Indian women, making it one of the most iconic fashion moments of the ‘60s. This sari drape is a must at every Bollywood-themed party.
Elizabeth Taylor's golden costume in Cleopatra:
Made of 24-karat gold, this costume worn by Elizabeth Taylor was eye-blindingly golden, with an elaborate headdress and cape. She wore this for her character Cleopatra to make a statement when the Egyptian queen arrived in Rome. Actresses around the world are found to make a statement on the red carpets by donning such elaborate dresses today. And over-the-top headdresses are oh-so back in fashion!
Madhubala's Anarkali in Mughal-e-Azam:
Originated in the Mughal era and refreshed in the classic Bollywood movie Mughal-e-Azam, this timeless garment has been popular for decades. It was Indian actress Madhubala who introduced the style in Indian fashion with her character Anarkali, after whom the garment is named. These flowy silhouettes were worn by court dancers in the Mughal era and now have become a must in every Indian woman’s wardrobe.
Marilyn Monroe's hot-pink gown in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes:
Recreated by Margot Robbie in Birds of Prey and Ana de Armas in Blonde, this hot-pink dress was rocked by Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes back in 1953. Norma Jeane looked absolutely stunning in this hot-pink strapless satin evening gown with matching gloves and dripping in diamonds in the song Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend.
Sharmila Tagore's blue swimsuit in An Evening in Paris:
Before Baywatch, Sharmila Tagore flaunted her toned body in this ultra-glam blue swimsuit in the Bollywood film An Evening in Paris. The alluring look gave major fashion pointers, especially in beach fashion, which are still relevant today.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s teal dress in Scarface:
Michelle Pfeiffer exuded glamour with this minimalistic teal and satin gown designed by Patricia Norris. This slinky and plunging-neckline satin gown complemented her figure and served as an inspiration for many fashion moments since the ‘80s.
Dimple Kapadia's polka-dot co-ords in Bobby:
Black buttoned skirt with a knotted polka-dot blouse? Yes, please! Dimple Kapadia made the most memorable moment in the history of polka dots in India in her film Bobby. So much so that the polka-dot pattern came to be known as ‘Bobby print’, influenced by the film. The polka-dot trend invaded Indian wardrobes, ruling over saris, suits and even Western wear and is trendy even today.
Keira Knightley’s green dress in Atonement:
Keira Knightley’s famous green backless dress from the movie Atonement complemented her bony structure. Designed by Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran, this iconic dress was specially dyed to achieve this jewel-like shade of green. This dress is a dream for all the satin lovers out there.
Sridevi's blue chiffon sari in Mr. India:
Just a plain blue chiffon sari? Yes, Sridevi made a sexy statement just by wearing a plain blue chiffon sari in Mr. India, paired with a blue bindi, as she sizzled in the song Kate nahi katte din yeh raat, with Anil Kapoor for company. As we all know, solid-coloured chiffon saris are back again in business.
Emma Watson's pink ball dress in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:
Every girl went aww when Hermione Granger (played by Emma Watson) walked down the stairs in the beautiful pink ball gown. The character's Yule Ball dress was a stunning pink, tiered, ombre gown made in periwinkle material. This dress makes us want to attend a ball.
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s pink gharara set in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...:
In the world of trending lehngas, Kareena Kapoor Khan opted for a blush-pink gharara set designed by Manish Malhotra for her famous song Bole chudiyan in K3G. The trend is back again with women opting for a gharara or sharara look at weddings to stand out from the usual lehnga looks.
