Fashion and performing arts have been in a close environment hand in hand since ever. Fashion or in performing arts would be addressed as costume plays just as an important role for depicting and reliving the characters in the show. Many musicals or theatrical shows have caught our attention with their beautiful and intricately designed costumes that caught our attention, and here are some of the stylish musicals to adapt to today’s styling.

Carmen Jones (1954)

Carmen Jones is an American musical film and an updated version of Georges Bizet’s Carmen. The daring drama was produced and directed by Otto Preminger. It was first released in October 1954. The story was set during World War II focuses on a cigarette maker Carmen Jones and the Spanish cavalry soldier Don Jose.

One memorable costume was when Carmen showed up in a fiery orange pencil skirt and a low cut black blouse with transparent short sleeves. The cigarette girl’s trademark was her hoop earrings spotted throughout the film. Speaking about the overall costume, Carmen Jones (1954) acts as a portrayal on what it looks on the 1950s fashion aside from the famous Dior’s new look.

 

My Fair Lady (1964)

An American musical drama, My Fair Lady depicts Eliza a poor flower seller who overhears an arrogant professors Henry Higgins. Henry wagers that he could teach Eliza to speak ‘proper’ English, making her presentable in the high society of Edwardian London.

Depicting the 1960s aesthetic in a 1910s period set, Cecil Beaton designed more than 1,000 garments for the film. He managed to transform the famous Audrey Hepburn as Eliza, from a Cockney guttersnipe to an elegant lady under the tutelage of Professor Higgins. The whole costumes look classy and eye pleasing despite the retro storyline; taking historical inspiration, mixing with 1960s haute couture it brings out a gloriously campy, flamboyant, and wonderful cinema. The looks might seem to appear lots in a costume history book, yet it looks pretty and some would be relatable even to this day.

 

Mamma Mia (2008)

A musical romantic comedy, Mamma Mia plots a young bride to be who invites three of her mom’s ex man to her upcoming wedding, in an effort to figure out her real father out of the three. The whole movie is filled with comedy, singing and dancing 

Set in beautiful Greece, this musical has a timeless ambiance in its songs selection and chosen style. Summery vacation attire or the beach-inspired clothing simply lighten up the mood. We could grab these looks easily from any retailers; the straw hat, overalls, patterned maxi skirt, prairie dress or even a pair of espadrilles. Even with its 2018’s sequel, Mamma Mia still manages to affect their fans to replicate those 70s wardrobe. Doesn’t it make you crave for a summer holiday?

 

La La Land (2016)

For some, La La Land is overrated, but for a wistful romance it is a good choice. Aside from the chemistry of the two characters played by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, the costume actually gains the attention. The story revolves around an inspiring actress and the jazz pianist with Los Angeles at the background. The Oscar nominated for Best Costume, Mary Zophres brings the contemporary feels to the classic glamour of director Damien Chazelle’s Hollywood, making it a perfect eye pleasing modern Los Angeles with tap dances on moonlit streets, LA highways to a rosy sunset.

The female character is seen to wear lots of bold colours throughout the movie, from blue, yellow, red, and green. Thus, the ‘don’t be afraid of colours’ indeed becomes one of the takeaways for fashion lovers.