I'm more often inspired by moments in film, or musicians or actors. So, in preparation for my inevitable fame, I thought I would tackle the question, what are your style influences?
You're inspired by Kirsten Dunst wearing a blanket? That's probably what you're thinking. No. Look at the cuff/bracelet on her right wrist. I searched for one exactly like it for four years and finally found a couple of months ago at Diva for ten clams (that's dollars for those of you playing at home).
I am inspired by Kirsten Dunst, too. I don't care what Perez Hilton says about her, I think she does effortless style so well. I've sort of had a girl crush on her since Dick (how ironic!) and I'm a fan of everything she does.
It's a shame that I could only find this picture in black and white, because it was Sissy's copper locks and beautiful naivete in Badlands that makes me want to wear blue jeans and ruffle shirts every day, and you need to see it through the dusty palette of Terence Malick's visual style. And Martin Sheen in that film? Devine...needless to say, it was Sissy who cemented my decision to go back my natural hair colour. Thanks, man.
"You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it."
Edith Head's words of wisdom are echoed in modern fashion editorials, makeover shows and the phrase "dress for the job you want, not the job you have." If I took this too literally I would walk around in a flat cap, puffy plaid directing pants and a kerchief. And my chief accessory would be one of those old-fashioned megaphones. But I'll just have to content myself with black shirt-dresses, tights ankle boots and a blazer. Sigh.
But Edith Head is a huge influence for more than this: she is responsible for the most memorable looks from Alfred Hitchcock's best films. And her signature style (round sunglasses, suits, blunt fringe) could be easily adapted for today.
My favourite Edith Head look? Oh so many, but I think the one that stands out for me is the grey suit Kim Novak wears in Vertigo:
That whole film is amazing, but the way in which Head uses clothing to evoke character is phenomenal. Patricia Field comes close to this in the modern age, I think, but no one can touch Edith Head when it comes to putting together an immaculate suit.
When you first see Patricia Franchini sashaying down the street in her New York Herald Tribune t-shirt, cigarette pants and ballet flats and maybe you're not sure why she's charmed our smooth criminal Michel Poiccard. But I know; she's so cool, calm and indifferent, and manages to look absolutely gorgeous in androgynous clothes and short hair.
When she leaves Michel, she is in a full skirt and her transition from love interest to femme fatale is complete. Every time I see her rub her top lip I want to cut off all my hair and break hearts just to see if I can (I'd look rubbish with hair that short, though. Sigh).
I could sum up why Noel Fielding is so attractive in three little words: Joan Jett Jumpsuit. But you might not know what I mean. Why is he on a list of my influences? Because his appeal for me is twofold; I want to be with him and I want my hair like his. One day I'll bring this picture in to my hair dresser and ask for "your basic backcomb structure, slightly root-boosted and framed in a cheeky fringe." Aaaah.
Long before Lady Gaga was stepping out in control briefs and a blazer, Edie Sedgwick made going out sans pantalons look adorable. I have a t-shirt long enough to wear as a dress and the urge to just wear it with my black ribbed tights was so strong. But then I spent most of the day pulling it down self-consciously around the house and thought, sorry Edie, I just don't have the body or confidence for it. But I do have the laziness for it. Which is a good start. And in the meantime, I'll wear my blazer with control briefs AND tights, thanks, Lady Gaga.
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