Karl Lagerfeld’s The Tale of a Fairy (2011)
Films can be a source of inspiration and occasionally a mirror where we spot ourselves visually or emotionally. This week, Thailand Tatler‘s digital team muses on films that best represent our varying personal styles, from blockbuster hits to more niche titles.
Back To The Future (1985)
Mika Apichatsakol, editor: Aside from being one of my favourite movies of all time, Back To The Future is a film that pretty much sums up my ideal casual style: 80s’ Americana as modelled by Marty Mcfly. Pile on layers of the casual essentials—denim jacket, plaid button-down and a plain tee. Pair these with those blue jeans that always do you right, and finish off with a statement outerpiece. If there’s such thing as a jackethead, I am one and I’m not going to lie I do have a bunch of vintage 80s jackets in my wardrobe, as well as a red down vest.
Cinderella (2015)
Mika Apichatsakol, editor: When it comes to my style for formal occasions, I have quite a different film from which I draw inspiration. Cinderella, the 2015 live-action, stars Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother and that’s all you need to know. Every look she gives, whether it’s a sneer of jealousy at her step-daughter or the pleasure she takes in her own villany, is pure perfection. Beyond that, Cate’s costumes in the entire movie dare I say it outshines all others. I can only strive to be that intimidating at events.
The Tale Of A Fairy (2011)
Pichaya Petrachaianan, writer: Pause this Karl Lagerfeld movie at any random moment and it would make an editorial spread. The Tale Of A Fairy may not have the best plot or script or even acting, but when it comes to the visuals, it is apparent why Lagerfeld is such a respected figure in the fashion and design industry. From set to mise-en-scène, lighting to costume, everything is on point, chic and perfectly eccentric.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Mari Carmen Davila, social media: The rise of a smart and sensible recent journalism grad who lands a job “any girl would kill for” as the assistant of a powerful fashion magazine editor is a story that not only resonates with the career path I have a chosen but, visually, my sense of style as well. As the main character, Andy, progresses in her fast-paced career, she grows in maturity in her style and confidence by diving headfirst into new things, such as getting an edgy new hairstyle, wearing printed boots and running around town searching for an unreleased manuscript. Although the latter hasn’t quite happened to me yet, I am ready for anything!
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Kittipat Sooksee, graphic designer: Sometimes when you’re so close to something, you forget its value. Seeing a film like Crazy Rich Asians in the settings that we normally only see Western blockbusters puts into perspective the pride and love I do have for my quirky Asian heritage. My style, though subtle, is inherently influenced by my family and surroundings, and it’s not something I hide.
How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Anna Thong, writer: An empowering story of a fierce fashion writer reluctantly seducing a high-brow businessman, all for the sake of a perfect cover story. How to lose a guy in 10 days may be a cheesy, generic rom-com, but main character Andie Anderson exudes confidence and sophistication in all that she does. What resonates with me most as a young, budding writer is how compassionate she is about writing with a means to delve deeper. Never afraid to jump straight in, she’s fun and fabulous all whilst being successful at her job. Because of her I’ve learnt that sometimes, you have to be willing to do just about anything for the greater good of journalism. Try me.
Psycho (1960)
Nopparut, videographer: I’m not a psycho, I swear! This Alfred Hitchcock classic, however, has immensely influenced my appreciation for music in film, which of course is directly related to my work and passion. In Psycho, the violin plays a big role in affecting your emotions. For me, no other film has evoked tension by sound so well and this is what I love to experiment with in filmmaking.
La Grande Bellezza (2013)
Pichaya Petrachaianan, writer: Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grande Bellezza underneath its alluring visual charm may have touched many deep to the core of one’s existence. The film touched me both ways. After bathing in years of praise and extravagant parties the protagonist, also a writer, has come to question life and the beauty of it. Even if you do not care for such existential rumination you will still enjoy the elegant yet divergent Italian aesthetics and the lavish lifestyles of the characters so much you feel the need to buy a house in the Rione Monti. The stunning wardrobe, set and cinematography lubricate the deeper philosophical premise making the film a pleasure to watch. Who wouldn’t want to live life in tailored suits just because one can afford to?
(See also: Cinema Oasis Screens Jocelyne Saab)
