GlamAmor: The Style Essentials | History of Fashion in Film | Old Hollywood Style | Los Angeles History

The Style Essentials is my series of essays on the most iconic costume design in film that continues to influence fashion today. These movies show some of the best examples of costume as an art form, but they also represent design that crossed over into fashion. The styles made an impact from the first time they were seen onscreen and still act as inspiration for modern designers. Because I now teach a college course on the HISTORY OF FASHION IN FILM and do frequent presentations around Los Angeles, many have asked to know the movies I include on this elite list. Of course it was difficult to limit my favorites and have much more costume design knocking on the door, especially from the prolific 1940s and 1950s. But there are reasons behind each of the selections, which I share in essays and photoessays you can see through the links below. Together these movies are exceptionally good at tracing the evolution of fashion and continued relevance of classic cinema.

Please note that The Style Essentials are focused on women's style, though some men--Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, among others--are inseparable from their co-stars and make their own strong showing on this list as well. Take a look at my series on iconic Men of Style for even more.