THE GRADUATE TURNS 50 BUT IT’S STYLE IS TIMELESS

THE GRADUATE

Since  The Graduate turns 50 this year it is now officially considered a classic .While darlings you may or may not know I am a film buff .Hence it is one of my objectives to make you appreciate great films and great film fashion.  Since the prominence of Netflix and my favorite TCM ( Turner Classic Movies ), classic films have grown in popularity.

Therefore The Graduate ,which launched the careers of director Mike Nichols ,actor Dustin Hoffman and the musical duo Simon & Garfunkle is popular today,This film is a true classic and a personal favorite. Moreover in 1996 The Graduate was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry. Above all else it was recognized as culturally and aesthetically significant. First of all it was recognized for it's unprecedented plot. Especially relevant to me were the costumes designed by Patricia Zipprodts. Arguably the costumes made a huge impression on me and American Society. The costumes are also derserving of the term classic.

THE GRADUATE; THE UNPRECEDENTED PLOT

Since the 60s gave birth to the sexual revolution, it's not surprising that the highest grossing film of 1967 had a sexual theme. Therefore the film follows 21 year old  Benjamin Braddock (Hoffman). Since graduating  he  is contemplating the best way to  start his post college life. Consequently Braddock returns to his family’s suburban home in California.

Still uncertain about his future, he flails headlong into a life crisis and is seduced by a bored housewife —a woman twice his age—Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft). Hence he goes on to spend his summer days floating around his parents’ backyard swimming pool. Meanwhile  his nights are spent bedding Mrs. Robinson at the Taft Hotel. In the meantime the Robinsons’ daughter, Elaine (Katharine Ross), comes home from Berkeley for a visit, In addition after a rocky start, she and Benjamin fall for each other, creating an uncomfortable mother-daughter love triangle.

THE GRADUATE ; THE COSTUMES

Since this blog post is primarily concerned with fashion , let's examine that in this film.Therefore as a costume designer myself let me tell you fashion and costumes although not the same are interdependent. Since the costume functions as a way to inform the audience about the character one of those elements is fashion. Moreover the costume tells you the characters social status, gender, economic class, time and place. The costume is much like the clothes you choose each day.

In fact the costumes of Mrs. Robinson are these subtly sexy dresses (reminiscent of lacy lingerie). In addition Mrs Robinson's character is further revealed by her on-the-prowl animal-print patterns. Moreover her signature panty hose are scene stealing. Mrs Robinson's costumes are set up brilliantly against Elaine’s. Elaines fresh-faced and pure looks are supported by her A-line shift-dresses . Elaines  sixties co-ed. look is jutaposed her mothers overtly sexual attrie.

THE GRADUATE: THE STYLE

Everything from Mrs. Robinson’s tan lines to the tumblers in which she serves bourbon were chosen for their stylistic implications.  Since the release of this film till today The Graduate film is an example of  sophisistication and refinement.  

 Therefore  made in 1967, The Gradaute exists in the grey area between sixties mod and seventies refinement. From Anne Bancroft's cougar-printed looks to Dustin Hoffman's overgrown schoolboythis film has style . Hence the style in the film is kooky , oddball and chic, and perfect for a 2017 revival. To help you adopt the film's pannache and fashion sense, I've selected some items that evoke the same feel, get inspired. I give The Graduate the credit it is due. Here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson.

graduate

ELAINE - THE GRADUATE

Elaine( Katherine Ross) epitomises the archetypal West Coast college girl, complete with a sugar pink 1960s bedroom and a preppy wardrobe to boot. 

graduate

graduate

graduate

Stella McCartney - Kasey blazer- This is a great 2017 , version of the preppy blazer.
Farfetch $1,165 | 60% off $466

graduate

White linen-silk blend Nessa jacket from Isabel Marant featuring a double breasted 
Farfetch $675 | 25% off $507

graduate

Light brown cotton flared cropped trousers from MSGM
Farfetch $246 | 30% off $172

graduate

Alessandro Michele revamps the maison of Gucci's equestrian heritage with these white leather Horsebit loafers from Gucci.
Farfetch $695

Brown leather and cotton Portia 70 sandals from Jimmy Choo
Farfetch $550 | 30% off $385

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MRS. ROBINSON-THE GRADUATE

 

“Mrs. Robinson, are you trying to seduce me?” Film costumes have hardly ever been more character-defining than the clothes of glamorous, elegant cougar Anne Bancroft . Her intentions are clearly outlined by her clothes .The sixties were the time when animal print was considered the height of chic. And there is no one who has worn it more fiercely, yet ladylike, than Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson.

the graduate

the graduate

the graduate

Dolce & Gabbana's Spring/Summer 2017 Tropico Italiano show featured holiday inspired motifs from Naples and Sicily with signature prints such as this leopard print peplum dress.
Farfetch $2595

the graduate

Simone Rocha - sheer flared dress , reminiscent of lingerie is a perfect sexy LBD.
Farfetch $1,025 | 40% off $615

THE GRADUATE

Ivory and neon yellow camisole slip dress from Jason Wu. As a costume designer this is my choice for  a 2017 Mrs Robinson
Farfetch $1,695 | 60% off $678

the graduate

Black leopard lace tank from Fleur du Ma
Farfetch $178

Sam Edelman - 'Hazel' leopard print pumps.
Farfetch $140

THE GRADUATE ; IN CONCLUSION

Since the The Graduate first came out in 1967 it has won an Oscar and alot of acclaim. I really hope that any of you who have not seen this great film seek it out. I am excited to present my collection  for this article. Please shop this post , everything  in the post comes from Farfetch . We are having a huge sale at Farfetch so use the links and save . Ciao for now Jandrew

 

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