Gowns on Film: Purple Edition
Such as figs, plums, fizzy grape soda, lilacs, and thistle flowers.
Good afternoon, my angels.
I hope you are well, and the sun is shining upon your life and your beautiful face. Here we are! Awake and alive.
Purple is one of the most delicious gown colours. It is captivating, enchanting. Not seen all that often and I think that’s what makes it so exciting. A greatly underused choice.
This list is quite humble, but each dress featured charms me completely. When I think lilac ball gown or boysenberry sheath I think of fairytales, like The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and mystery, intrigue. This is all a lot for one colour to hold, but I think purple is special in that way. It has, for many moons, evoked a sense of nobility, secrecy, intricacy, and bravery.
What is your favourite shade of purple? Mine is the softest of lilacs. Like this:
Shall we?
Scaramouche, 1951
Worn by Janet Leigh as Aline de Gavrillac. Costume design by Gile Steele and Joan Joseff.
This very gorgeous, most divine gown rests easily on the eyes. I think of this dress all the time. It is so pretty. Paired with Janet Leigh’s white blonde hair and silver jewels it makes for a very cool toned, dreamy ensemble.
Down With Love, 2003
Worn by Renee Zellweger as Barbara Novak. Costume design by Daniel Orlandi.
It brings to mind purple gummy candies and purple jelly sandals. Renee’s darling purple hat looks like a delicate cake. What makes a dress more cheerful than a skirt encircled in purple feathers?
My Best Friend’s Wedding, 1997
Worn by Julia Roberts as Julianne Potter. Costume design by Jeffrey Kurland.
This movie is so SO funny. If you haven’t seen it, please watch it. It is an absolute hoot and a holler of a time and Julia plays her role so well. This dress is very calm and sweet in comparison to her movie character’s personality - which is bold and a little ridiculous. I love the fluting skirt.
Scooby Doo, 2002
Worn by Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne Blake. Costume design by Leesa Evans.
Daphne in bright fucking purple go-go boots 💜
Ella Enchanted, 2004
Worn by Jennifer Higham as Olive. Costume design by Ruth Myers.
Isn’t she so cute? Olive is so cute and gets a terrible rep because Hattie is misbehaving but Olive is just following along, ok? Grape is her colour and she is rolling with it.
Black Orpheus, 1959
Worn by Lourdes de Oliveira as Mira. Costume design by Isabel Pons.
Oooooo a balconette bodice that curves and swerves. The fabric is so beautiful. The colour reminds me of shimmering berries after a fresh rain.
Marie Antoinette, 2006
Worn by Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette. Costume design by Milena Canonero.
This MAUVE is REMARKABLE 🍇🍇🍇 I love it so much. A quieter gown than others from this film, but so beautiful. The colour goes so well with this lip and hair.
French Cancan (1955)
Worn by Maria Felix as Lola de Castro de la Fuente de Extremadura. Costume design by Rosine Delamare.
I think this gown is phenomonal. It is so pretty, frilly, interesting. I love the deep cut. And this magnificent corset Maria Felix wears in the film must be mentioned as well. Beautiful.
How To Marry a Millionaire (1953)
Worn by Marilyn Monroe as Pola Debevoise. Costume design by William Travilla.
What a striking colour on Marilyn. And I love her with the glasses <3
The Age of Innocence (1993)
Worn by Winona Ryder as May Welland. Costume design by Gabriella Pescucci.
This gown is SO hard to find a good photo of!!! But it is so pretty. I love the train and bodice.
Cinderella, 1997
Worn by Bernadette Peters as The Stepmother. Costume design by Ellen Mirojnick.
So grandiose! I love the joyful costumes in this movie. This stepmother gown is incredibly tacky and I love that about it. We must bring back mirth in costume design. We must remember to have fun with it.
Thank you for being here with me, and thank you for reading. Keep taking good care of yourself, lilies.
Open the windows, get some fresh air into your lungs! Pull out a good book, get your favourite treat, maybe your favourite beverage too <3 We all need a little treat or two sometimes.
xo Katharine
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