Are some actors guilty of boring screen costumes?
Earlier this year we conducted a survey into the most celebrated fashions from films and named as the most iconic dresser in cinematic history was Audrey Hepburn. Okay, so this isn’t surprising. Miss Hepburn was a respected trendsetter (we’ve discussed many of her most popular onscreen styles from the ballet flats/ polo neck/ cropped trousers ensemble in Funny Face to the little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and though she became synonymous with some of these looks, it was more her general spirit of elfin sophistication that established her reputation as a style queen. And we think more stars should follow in her fashionable footsteps…
To clarify, we’re not suggesting that actors wear fashionable clothes onscreen, regardless of whether it suits the film or their character. We understand that the role comes first and if they 
happen to dress well doing it, all the better. Manolo Blahniks in a period piece just wouldn’t look right. And likewise, we appreciate that it’s not always for an actor to pick out their onscreen character’s wardrobe. If you’re still establishing your name, you might not want to rock the boat nor might the costume designer listen to your input anyway.
But we’re not talking about wannabes waiting for their big break, more about established stars that simply regurgitate the same look film in, film out. It could look good, yet it’s bordering on getting predictable, safe, stale. Maybe they’re not interested in clothes. Maybe they only make films in one genre, limiting their options. Or maybe they’re not comfortable taking risks and trying something new in case it fails. Maybe, maybe, maybe…
Sure, there are some rules that can’t be broken. Spider-Man can’t swing into New York ready to save Mary-Jane from the next mutated villain in anything other than his Spidey suit. “I was trying for something a bit more experimental” isn’t going to wash with fans expecting the red and blue of the clingy jumpsuit, but there are ways to inject something new into an old image.
Just look at Daniel Craig’s James Bond. As 007, he still sports the classic tuxedos, yet balances this with more modern flourishes such as the La Perla Grigioperla swimming shorts from Casino Royale and less obvious ones like the shawl collar cardigan from Quantum of Solace. Leading us to suspect that if Bond, who’s been thrilling audiences with his license to kill since 1962 can mix things up, so can anyone.
Other News You Must See