12 Stylish Moments from Throwback Films

FLEURX presents a shortlist of iconic style moments from our favorite films to help you pass the time and maybe even provide inspo for all those Spring 2020 looks you’re putting together.

The Femme Fatale

A View To A Kill (1985)

In Grace Jones’ Bond Girl debut as the brute but sensual “May Day” of “A View To Kill” we first see her watching the races in a shocking red caftan and exaggerated fez look that casually transforms into a backless hooded dress (!!!) as she attempts to wrangle a wild race horse. Inspired directly by Grace’s own closet, costume designer Emma Porteous collaborated on May’s wardrobe with famed couturier Azzedine Alaia, who counted Grace as one of his muses.

Belly (1998)

Chiquita, the silent assassin of 90s cult classic Belly, may only have mere minutes of screentime but she surely makes the most of it in getups that accentuate her strong physique and menacing aura. Sauntering through in a Dancehall meets Punk crop set accessorized with a spike collar and tribal face decoration, she dons a menacing wrestling mask and animal print cape to off one of Jamaica’s top drug dealers.

Sci-Fi Sleek

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996)

On the other end of the spectrum, icy real estate exec Brandi Webb of “A Thin Line Between Love And Hate” prefers more elegant armor when stalking her prey. Full disclosure: the storyline is a bit stale but seeing Lynn Whitfield (aka most legendary brows in Hollywood) in her final look, a body hugging black number with more leg than Angelina Jolie could ask for is worth at least fifteen minutes of consideration.

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

Rock and roll legend Tina Turner makes a drastic transformation as the domineering ruler of a postmodern desert town in “Mad Max: Beyond The Thunderdome”. In her role as Aunty Entity, Tina swaps her trademark coiff for an ash blonde fauxhawk/mullet hybrid accentuated with oversized statement earpieces. The star of the show however is her Bob Mackie chainmail fit complete with gloves, architecturally stacked shoulders and high front slits-a good choice to show off legs insured for over 3.2 million bucks!

Blade (1998)

Blade jumped off the pages of Marvel comic books and onto the silver screen in 1998 with the help of Wesley Snipes and a no nonsense all black everything fit. Born from a human and a vampire, Blade spends his time fighting off the latter in a long black trench (a crimefighter essential), nylon pants courtesy of Armani Exchange, tactical vest, and dark shades (of course).

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Jada Pinkett Smith made her sci-fi debut in the second installment of the blockbuster Matrix franchise as Niobe, a badass freedom fighter with a signature look suitable for taking down the opps (or starring in a Bad Boy music video). Her combination of a sleek embossed croc two piece set, sporty rimless shades, and bantu knots could easily work for the lead songstress of your favorite early 2000s R&B girl group. The rich burgundy palette was a conscious decision made by costume designer Kym Barrett, who assigned the color to mark the captains of each crew.

Suited Up

Coming To America (1988)

Prince Akeem Joffer, the young Zamundan royal of “Coming to America” is many things but lowkey is not one of them. His alibi as a poor foreign exchange student would totally work if not for the massive gold chain and animal pelt he rocks when arriving at his new Long Island City home. Deborah Nadoolman Landis, wife of John Landis who directed the film, created a wardrobe for the people of Akeem’s African homeland that blended designs from countries across East and West Africa.

Touki Bouki (1975)

Lauded as one of the greatest pieces of African cinema, the Senegalese drama uses its wardrobe to further call out a society plagued by Eurocentric ideals. After Anta and Mory, two lovers determined to make their way to the City of Lights, swindle a flamboyant bureaucrat out of his flashy wardrobe they enjoy a stint posing as local celebrities in a sharp his and hers suit moment. While the experience is fleeting, the couple’s masquerade speaks to the metaphysical power of dressing. It’s no surprise this scene and countless others would serve as inspo for Bey and Jay’s Bonnie and Clyde themed “On The Run II” tour as well as the richly stylized “Queen and Slim” film.

New Jack City (1991)

Before slaying evil bloodsuckers Wesley Snipes played one himself, this time as ruthless New York City drug lord Nino Brown in “New Jack City”. His ruthless dedication to amassing wealth is only equaled by his dedication to the drip, pulling up to the scene in finely tailored suiting punctuated by thick gold chains, rings, and the single hoop earring he wears throughout the film. Costume designer Bernard Johnson’s styling reflects the militaristic attitude in black fashion influenced by the sentiments of early Hip Hop.

Stealing The Show

Mahogany (1975)

Discussing glamorous style without mentioning “The Boss” would be a crime. Diana Ross’ role in Mahogany as a dreamy eyed fashion student turned fabulous model/designer “every woman wants to be and every man wants to have” gives way to a wardrobe that’s over the top even by 70s standards. While every look deserves its own hour in the limelight, Mahogany’s technicolored rainbow dress created by Bob Mackie is one of the catalysts to her journey to stardom. And who else would be best to design the wardrobe for a girl from Detroit who makes it big than Ms. Ross herself?

B.A.P.S. (1997)

Halle Berry and Natalie Desselle Reid’s portrayal of two lively Southern belles on the come up in “BAPS” may not have won them an Oscar (or any nomination for that matter) but trust, their fits alone deserve at least a standing ovation. Nisi (Natalie) and Mickey (Halle) sport bold orange and leopard print two piece sets with manicured talons and sky high hair fresh out of a Bronner Brothers show.

The Fifth Element (1997)

Ruby Rhod of “The Fifth Element” is a vivacious, genderbending radio host with garments to match. His opening look, an androgynous wide necked leopard suit with matching staff designed by Jean Paul Gaultier (who put in work designing over 1000 costumes for the film) adds the right touch to his boisterous introduction. While Prince was the first pick to take on the role, the Purple One was put off by Gaultier’s designs which he deemed “too feminine”.

Round UpsFleurXApril 6, 2020film, style

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