Noir films are known for their dark themes, moody visual style, and morally ambiguous characters, but these films have also influenced modern fashion trends. From the daring silhouettes of Audrey Hepburn's iconic Givenchy dresses to the mysterious glamour of Marlene Dietrich's wardrobe, film noir has had an undeniable impact on high fashion. Here are some examples of how film noir has influenced fashion designers and models alike.
In the late 1940s, film noir became popular among American audiences. Directors like John Huston and Billy Wilder created films that were often set in urban settings with a gritty realism that appealed to viewers who had survived World War II. The films featured strong female leads who wore bold colors and dramatic makeup, which helped inspire designers like Christian Dior. His New Look collection included full skirts, cinched waists, and billowing sleeves - all elements inspired by the costumes seen in noir films.
Later, French designers such as Hubert de Givenchy embraced the same influences. In particular, he was drawn to the way film noir portrayed women as both vulnerable and powerful. His famous "Bettie Page" dress from 1958 featured a short turtleneck top, a long skirt, and a bold print - reminiscent of the outfits worn by femme fatales like Barbara Stanwyck or Lauren Bacall.
By the mid-20th century, fashion designers began incorporating elements of film noir into their collections more overtly. For example, Yves Saint Laurent used a lot of black fabric and sharp lines in his Le Smoking suit for men, which was designed after Humphrey Bogart's iconic character Sam Spade in Casablanca (1942). Similarly, Karl Lagerfeld drew inspiration from the hauntingly beautiful shadows of German Expressionist films when creating Chanel's iconic tweed suits.
Today, many contemporary models and designers continue to be influenced by noir cinema. Kendall Jenner has been photographed wearing a red lipstick similar to Dietrich's look in Morocco (1930), while Gucci's Fall/Winter 2017 collection included silhouettes that were heavily influenced by classic film noir characters. Overall, film noir continues to exert its influence on modern fashion through its unique visual style, moodiness, and complex characters.