Overindulging in the christmas spirit of mulled wine, jingles and other seasonal spoils; delve into the treasure trove of festive films and the decoration of reds, fluffs and joviality for a fantasy creation of the ultimate christmas cheer. As 1954 musical White Christmas proves – you can’t overdo on the celebrations while having fun with fashion.
Christmas eve, 1944 – Broadway entertainer Bob and would-be entertainer Phil are good friends united in army duties return unscathed from their duties and get serious on the show circuit. Their success quickly passes two years and Bob is still to meet a suitable lady, until two sisters arrive for auditions and capture the adoration of the gentlemen.
A dynamic duo, sisters Judy and Betty synchronise with their outfits for a sassy yet classy ensemble. With their showgirl experience, the pair aren’t afraid to dabble in a cascade of colours and style. Most notably is their glittered lace dresses and long gloves.
A soft baby blue complimenting their pale complexions, their dresses wouldn’t look dated in any era. Style icons beyond their time, the high collars and cinched-in waists work for the ultimate look – and not forgetting those matching sparkle earrings.
Sadly, the same can’t be said for the men…
Caught in a series of dilemmas and thrilling escapades, the quartet rock up in Vermont for a Christmas eve variety show, but caught up in a series of misunderstandings, misheard rumours jeopardise Betty and Bob’s relationship, but the show must go on.
Take note ladies. Betty’s sequinned show stopper is glossed in black tie glamour and fashion fuelled confidence. A floor length black number with intricate sparkle details, it reflects the glamour presented by fellow 50’s icons around at that time – Marilyn for one.
With the men sporting dapper top hats and frilled additions to their tuxedos, the festive charm of White Christmas stems from it’s use of bold colours. A kaleidoscope of colours, famed costume designer Edith Head is credited for the styles worn throughout the film. Although the use of seasonal greens and reds signifies a well-rounded christmas flick, it doesn’t taint the film with this colour palette. Subtlety is the key.
As for the rest – subtly is taboo for the stage!
A personal favourite, the finale show sees Judy perform in a risqué basque top and sheer fabric tail, flaunting her endless legs in show-stopping glamour. Embellished in silver sequinned detailing and polished off with yet another pair of long gloves – in a festive red this time – Judy’s snowflake look is a daring venture into a polished style she masters with a natural flair.
A trendsetter for the shorter styles not yet mainstream to fashion, Judy’s penchant for shorter skirts and slim fit ruffles could cause a stir out of the theatre, but she’s just a little ahead of her time with her trendsetting ways. Not afraid to wear any colours, this mustard yellow choice is an unexpected compliment to her blonde hair. And the shoes too! Played by Vera Ellen, a pin-up in her own right, her dancing background lends the character needed for the role of Judy – an enigmatic yet dainty star.
A family trait, Judy’s eye for style correlates with Betty’s style choices. Another minimalist black gown, this time Betty’s dress is structured in true 50’s style. Tight at the waist and flowing to the floor, it’s the shoulder detail that really nails the design. Resting just off the collarbone, the straps veer off in structured and slanted detail and at the back, as though wings framed onto her shoulders. Effortlessly glamourous, it couldn’t be completed without the gloves, of course. Silver sequinned, they structure the outfit perfectly and require nothing more than a set of plain, silver earrings.
As the finale arrives at it’s merry ending, nobody does festive fashion by halves. Layered in red satin and fluffy white trim, the women’s costumes are perfection. With their men aptly decked in their christmas costumes and their ladies firmly by their sides, the merriness is full to the brim and reestablishing the happiness and cheer of the season. Now who said they hated Christmas films?
