“The September Issue,” a documentary about the making of the largest ever issue of Vogue magazine, opens in theaters Friday. With that opening in mind and New York Fashion Week starting today, Turner Classic Movies has released a list of the network’s favorite fashion trendsetting films. Of course the film buffs at TCM had some help deciding what should make their list with guidance from designers Manolo Blahnik and Todd Oldham. Here’s what they selected, and why:
“PANDORA’S BOX” 1929
The sleek bob of star Louise Brooks.
“LETTY LYNTON” 1932
The broad-shouldered power suits designed for Joan Crawford’s character.
“IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT” 1934
Star Clark Gable’s lack of an undershirt and his stylish Norfolk jacket, V-neck sweater and trench coat. The trench also became a signature look for Gable.
“PAT AND MIKE” 1952
Why: Katharine Hepburn’s gender-bending menswear style.
“REAR WINDOW” 1954
Edith Head’s haute couture designs in everyday wear, and the square overnight bag designed for Grace Kelly — a predecessor to the “Kelly Bag” that Hermes would name for her.
“REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE” 1955
James Dean (above) wearing his iconic T-shirt and red jacket.
“AND GOD CREATED WOMAN . . .” 1956
Brigitte Bardot’s bikini, ballet flats and cotton gingham beach dresses with an open neckline (later called the “Bardot neckline”); her tousled, upswept hairstyle is still popular.
“AUNTIE MAME” 1958
Rosalind Russell’s over-the-top costumes, created by Australian designer Orry-Kelly.
“BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S” 1961
The little black dress is the film’s greatest achievement, but triple- strand pearls, sleeveless dresses and oversized sunglasses also became trends.
“BONNIE AND CLYDE” 1967
Theodora van Runkle’s 1930s “retro chic” look, worn by Faye Dunaway in the film. Berets also hit the mainstream.
“THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR” 1968
British opulence, as featured in the film with three-piece suits designed by top English tailor Douglas Hayward, and showcased with high-end accessories, like a $2,250 Patek Philippe pocket watch and tortoise-shell Persol sunglasses with blue lenses.
“SHAFT” 1971
Three-quarter-length black leather jackets, leather pants combined with tight knit tops gave star Richard Roundtree a sleek, yet empowered look.
“ANNIE HALL” 1977
Renewed women’s obsession with the menswear look, harking back to the craze originated by Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn.
“SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER” 1977
John Travolta’s white disco suit, which made him stand out from the crowd, inspired a wave of form-fitting clothes in bright colors.
“FLASHDANCE” 1983
Activewear as fashion, including torn sweatshirts, leg warmers, Spandex pants, headbands and high-tops. More at
