Designers take a cue from horror movies

The recently-concluded Milan Fashion Week saw Prada referencing one of the most iconic looks from cinematic history — the blunt and cynical Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family. Last season, Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2019 sexually-charged outing had direct references to A Clockwork Orange. Horror/mystery/sci-fi thrillers and their larger-than-life imagery always end up being part of designers’ moodboards. The Shining twins made their presence felt at the showcase of label — Undercover. In the past, the late Lee McQueen for his SS 1995 collection, reignited Tippi Hedren from Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller The Birds (1963). the Rodarte sisters — Kate and Laura Mulleavy — have been penning a lexicon on rage, horror, death, and redemption in their offerings. The Calvin Klein Jaws-inspired collection was played out against the backdrop of a terrifying soundtrack and a blood-red runway. Designer Neeta Lulla, who straddles both the worlds of films and fashion, observes that actresses in most psychological/mystery thrillers look appealing and hence cater to a lot of sensibilities. “Most horror film beauties emote vulnerability, sensuality and prettiness, which works for many designers,” says Neeta.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE 

Also, the twisted beauty looks provide an interesting perspective, which brings in a hint of provocation and also breaks away from the clichéd idea of beauty. Designer Rimzim Dadu observes, “It’s heartwarming to see that designers are moving away from the single-mindedly pretty aesthetic.”

NARRATION OF REBEL ANARCHY

Dystopian dramas have always been fascinating to design mavens and been extrapolated by them to emphasise the rebellious anarchy and explore gothic ideas. Designer Aniket Satam says, “This trend has also trickled down to high street with labels like H&M and ZARA creating cult horror movie poster T-shirts.”