Film Fashion Fusion
Exploring Fashion in Films
Guest blog by Sam Hood, AMARA
With a keen eye for film fashion, Sam Hood knows what makes a great interior. As the Creative Director and Head of Buying at AMARA, she has a natural flair for pulling together accessories to create a look that just works.
A lover of interiors throughout the ages, Sam shares her favourite styles to be featured on the silver screen, from a jewel heist caper and a coming-of-age tale to an ad agency in ‘60s New York City.
The Graduate, 1967
Deep in the Pasadena suburbs, a disillusioned Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) arrives home after graduating from college and is in turmoil over his impending uncertain future. Rescued from his boredom when he’s seduced into a clandestine affair with the much older Mrs Robinson (Ann Bancroft). The liaison gets complicated when Ben becomes infatuated with her college-age daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross). All set against the laid-back exterior of 1960's California and a pitch-perfect Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack, The Graduate is one of the most beloved American films of all time and features some of my favourite interiors.
Much like Ben, it’s easy to be seduced by the world created by film set decorator George Nelson. Mrs. Robinson’s Beverly Hills abode is the perfect backdrop to her seduction, from her well-stocked bar kitted out with decorative bottles of booze, white leather barstools, and animal print accessories, to her monochromatic hallway lined with sculptures and a statement chandelier, all separated from the world outside by shadow-casting tropical greenery and walls of glass.
Her impressive look can be easily recreated with monochrome accessories like Pols Potten x AMARA Metallic Bubbles & Bottles or with leafy prints such as MINDTHEGAP’s Ghost of the Sea cushion. For a dash of glamour, Halcyon Day’s Magnificent Wildlife ashtray will look right at home on your home bar or coffee table.
Here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson!
To Catch a Thief, 1955
Hailed as one of the most stylish movies in cinema history, Alfred Hitchcock’s jewel heist caper, To Catch A Thief, is a personal favourite of mine. Starring perfectly matched stars, Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. The romantic thriller features John Robie, a reformed cat burglar, forced to prove his innocence and convince everyone he’s not behind a series of lootings in the fashionable area. He encounters Francie, the bored and pampered daughter of an oil family who is intrigued by John’s reputation, all set against the glitz and glamour of the Côte d'Azur.
The story takes us on a journey....
from Robie’s mountainside villa down winding roads to the palm tree-lined Promenade des Anglais and beyond. To Catch A Thief dazzles us with its style and grace. Merging traditional French details with classic style, the film is overflowing with diamonds and sapphire blues of the Mediterranean and cloudless skies. It’s inspired plenty of trips to the Riviera for me.
Bringing some French fancy into your interior is easy as un, deux, trois – think pastel tones, luxe prints, and opulent materials. Lalique’s Hirondelles Swallow sculpture will fly plenty of charm into your space and LSA International’s Pearl Champagne saucers will add an elegant touch to your next soirée. For those wanting to experience a taste of the Côte d'Azur, I would recommend reading Assouline’s French Riviera book.
Mad Men, 2007
A drama series about one of New York City’s most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s that focuses on the firm’s brilliant but mysterious executive, Don Draper (John Hamm). Over the course of seven seasons, the show follows Draper and his cohorts through the raucous decade with meticulous detail and references to historical and pop culture events such as the Moon Landing, Beatlemania, and the assassination of JFK.
Featuring some of the best set designs seen in a TV series, from the agency’s sleek offices and Don’s luxe living room, each interior is a time capsule celebrating the style and glamour of the iconic decade. Think wood-panelled walls, Eames chairs and silver-rimmed whisky glasses, each set is a mid-century fanatic’s dream.
The set designers were dedicated to creating an authentic look and borrowed pieces from the Herman Miller archive; eagle-eyed viewers can easily spot some iconic pieces when watching.
When it comes to getting the Mad Men look in your interior, focus on sleek lines and mid-century-inspired design. Newgate Clocks achieve this combination perfectly with the Thunderbird mantel clock and Tom Dixon’s ultra-cool Tank decanter is ideal for those whisky-tinged board meetings. If you're aiming to incorporate some film fashion into your home decor, consider adding Orla Kiely's Linear Stem pouf for a delightfully retro vibe reminiscent of the 1960’s.
Zou-bisou-bisou indeed.
