Shades of GREEN
Green has many meanings in cinema and literature. It conjures up intense emotion, feelings of guilt, envy, and longing. This week we are looking at a few films that remind us of the magic and the power of the Green
“The Birds” , 1963. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Starring Tippi Hedren , Costumes by Edith Head is a classic thriller. The film revolves around a series of sudden and unexplained violent bird attacks in Bodega Bay, California. As the attacks become more frequent and aggressive, the townspeople find themselves in a desperate struggle for survival against the relentless and inexplicable bird onslaught. The film's eerie atmosphere and suspenseful storytelling have made it a beloved and enduring classic in the thriller genre.
Alfred Hitchcock and costume designer Edith Head collaborated on eleven films together. Hitchcock had planned to use a great deal of green in the picture. For “The Birds”, six identical green tailored suits were made for Tippi Hedren's character. Hitchcock personally chose the outfit because he felt that constant exposure to the acerbic, artificial green would whip up the right sense of discomfort and apprehension in the viewer. Hedren wears this costume throughout the entire film. Green was chosen to set her apart from the townspeople, who don muted shades of brown and beige. “Green to Hitchcock evoked a chaste, cool quality, setting Melanie apart from the Bodega Bay residents”. Edith Head used another one of her designs, the eau de nil suit worn by Grace Kelly in Rear Window, as inspiration for Tippi’s green suit, only this time with a structure more akin to a Chanel suit. The costume designer kept the lines very simple because she wanted to be sure her designs would stand the test of time.
“Great Expectations” is a 1998 film directed by Alfonso Cuarón, a modern adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel. The movie follows the story of Finn, a young artist played by Ethan Hawke, who falls in love with the beautiful but cold-hearted Estella, portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow. The film explores themes of love, ambition, and the consequences of choices made in youth. The most striking part of the film are the costumes, designed by Judianna Makovsky, who dedicates the entire costume color palette to green. In Latin traditions, the color green means hope, and the Spanish title assigned for this production was “Grandes Esperanzas.” All of Estella’s extraordinary New York wardrobe came from Donna Karan.
“Vertigo”(1958) another amazing film directed by Alfred Hitchcock starred James Stewart and Kim Novak. The costumes by Edith Head use the color green to represent Judy’s envy of her doppelgänger Madeleine. This envy leads to an obsession with being loved by a man who sees her as a replacement for his former lover. Judy wears green outfits to symbolize this envy and obsession throughout the film.
“Rear Window”(1954) also Hitchcock, starred James Stewart and Grace Kelly. Costume Design by Edith Head. The film follows a photographer, L.B. "Jeff" Jeffries, who is confined to his apartment with a broken leg. During his recovery, he becomes an active observer of his neighbors' lives through the rear window of his apartment. He begins to suspect that one of them, Lars Thorwald (played by Raymond Burr) has murdered his wife and taken her body out in pieces. With the help of his girlfriend, Lisa Fremont he tries to solve the crime. In "Rear Window," Grace Kelly's iconic pistachio green suit, similar in shade to that of "The Birds," became a symbol of elegance and sophistication. The use of green in both films seems to carry a sense of mystery and allure, adding depth to the characters and the overall atmosphere of the stories.
In the romantic war film “Atonement” (2007) directed by Joe Wright and based on the novel by Ian McEwan, the story is set in England during the 1930s and 1940s. It follows the lives of a young girl named Briony Tallis and her older sister Cecilia. One of the most iconic costumes in the film is Keira Knightley’s green dress. The film is sometimes referred to as the one with THAT green dress. Joe Wright asked that the famous dress includes three criteria: lightness, length, and shade of green. With the scene set on the hottest day of summer, the outfit had to be revealing, delicate and subtle all at the same time. The consistent green motif within the film, found in the setting of the manorial house and the English countryside, is reflected in the intense emerald green color of the dress. The dress exudes a combination of mystery and temptation, suggesting both sexual power and the potential for emotional damage. The garment was created by costume designer Jacqueline Durran. It became a cult hit and has often been replicated.
“The Birds,“ 1963.
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Starring Tippi Hedren. Costume Design by Edith Head
Tippi Hedren in “The Birds,” 1963.
Max Mara Green Jacket, Khaite Wire Frame Sunglasses, Max Mara Overcoat, Max Mara Green Turtle Neck, The Row White Loafers.
Tippi Hedren in “The Birds,” 1963.
Double Breasted Leather Trench, Cortana Green Tulle Turtleneck, Margiela Vest, Guilivan Heritage Green Blazer, Celine White Sunglasses, Guilivan Heritage Green Slacks.
“Great Expectations,” 1998.
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Starring Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow and Anne Bancroft. Costume Design by Judianna Makovsky
Anne Bancroft in “Great Expectations,” 1998
Malachite and Plated Gold Ring, Rabanne Gold Chain Bracelet, Totem Green Cashmere Sweater, Max Mara Green Dress, Dries Van Noten Striped Poplin Shirt, Marni Woven Tote
Dries Van Noten Mint Green Shirt, The Attico Green Sunglasses, Vintage Hermes Lime Green Bag, Dries Van Noten Green Patterned Skirt, Acne Green Blazer, Jimmy Choo Strapy Heels.
Anne Bancroft, Ethan Hawk and Gwyneth Paltrow in “Great Expectations,” 1998
Complete Works Chalcedony Beaded Necklace, Complete Works Drop Earrings, Adidas Leather Trim Sneakers, Green Belted Sweater, Plan C Green Wool Skirt, Bottega Sunglasses, Green Ferragamo Bag.
Bottega Veneta Green Sunglasses, Vintage Sequin Kenzo Top, Yellow Gold Chrysoprase Earrings, Gucci Horsebit Shearling Chain shoulder bag, Dries Van Noten Printed Georgette Dress, Dries Van Noten Sequin Dress, Manolo Blahnik Green Suede Shoes
Ethan Hawk and Gwyneth Paltrow in “Great Expectations,” 1998
St.Agni Green Leather Skirt, Jacquemes Green Cardigan, Khaite Gold Chain Necklace, Sophie Buhai Gold Hoops, Vintage Gold Metal Evening Bag
Bode Crochet Top, Vintage Gianfranco Lotti Firenze Forest Green Handbag, Sophie Buhai Beaded Jade Necklace, Green Usuki Silk-Satin Pareo, Alberta Ferretti Silk Halter Dress, The Row Leather Bucket Bag, Manolo Blahnik Green Suede Heels.
Gwyneth Paltrow in “Great Expectations,” 1998
Green Trento Knotted Midi Skirt, Tom Ford Metallic ribbed-knit shirt, Dorothee Shumacher Snake-Print Leather Midi Skirt, 1930’s Deco Velvet Clutch.
N.31 Green Cashmere Sweater, The Row Green Sandals, Loewe Silk Blend Polo Shirt, Frankie Shop Green Shorts, Destree Green Taffeta Pants, Sophie Buhai Gold Hoops, Bottega Veneta Sequin Clutch, 1980s Ungaro Green and Black Bag
Anne Bancroft in “Great Expectations,” 1998
Carolina Herrera Two Toned Silk Gown, Oscar De La Renta Tulle Lame Gown , Taller Marmo Fringe Crepe Off the Shoulder Dress
Loewe Silk Layered Shirt, Manolo Blahnik Pom Pom Flats, Bottega Venetta Green Hoops, Loren Stewart Jade Signet Ring, Suzie Kondi Green Terry Cloth T-shirt , Bottega Green Sunglasses, Manolo Blahnik Green Suede Flats, Gucci Cotton Floral Skirt.
Gwyneth Paltrow in “Great Expectations,” 1998
Calle De- Marre Knit Cardigan Top, Jill Sander Icy Green Knit Top, Simone Rochas Tulle Midi Skirt, Vintage Hermes Scarf Bag, Blue Satin Pumps, 1980s Vintage Sequin Top, Light Green Manolo Blahnik Suede Heels
“Great Expectations,” 1998
Lime Green Knitted Dress, Bode Green Crochet Tassel Dress, Bode Green Tank with Embroidery, 1960s Vintage Shell Wicker Handbag, Missoni Green Knit Skirt, Marni Green Sandals, Bode Viscose Green Dress
Anne Bancroft in “Great Expectations,” 1998
1960s Green Knit Ostrich Feather Dress Joseph Magnin, 1960s Silk Cocktail Dress, 16 Arlington Sequin Dress
“Rear Window,” 1954.
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly. Costume Design by Edith Head
James Stewart and Grace Kelly in “Rear Window,” 1954.
Mint Green Knitted Dress, Gabriela Hearst Green Pointelle Tank Top , The Row White Leather Mules, Givenchy Satin Mules, Bernadette Striped Taffeta Dress, Sophie Buhai Silver and Pearl Earrings, Manolo Blahnik Mint green and Crystal Pumps, Heru Leather Braided Sandals
Grace Kelly in “Rear Window,” 1954.
1950s Green Silk Shantung Beaded Crystal Couture Sleeveless Blouse Top, Bernard Green Taffeta Maxi Skirt, Light Blue & Green Balenciaga Silk Top, Msmg Green Asymmetrical Top
Acne Green Cable Knit Sweater, Totem Green Pumps, Vince Green Tencel Skirt, Max Mara Cable Knit Top, Ferragamo Satin Top, Saint Laurent Sunglasses, Max Mara White Cashmere Beret, Vintage Gucci Grey- Green Suede Cross Body Bag
“Vertigo,” 1958
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. Costumes by Edith Head.
Kim Novak in “Vertigo,”1958
1960s Lime Green Polka Dot Sleeveless Dress, Gabriela Hearst Pointelle-Knit Cashmere-Silk Cardigan, Prada Satin Heels, Dries Van Noten Green Lace Skirt, Vintage Christian Lacroix Green Belt, Emilia Wickstead Draped Crepe Midi Dress
Kim Novak and James Stewart in “Vertigo,”1958
Vintage 1950’s Coral Seashell Bag, Bottega Veneta Off-shoulder BodySuit, Alaia Gold and Leather Trimmed Belt, Giambattista Valli Printed Poplin Skirt, Maison Margiela Pcoat, Co Double-breasted Green Wool-Blend Blazer, Vintage Christian Dior Green Velvet Sleeveless Bodysuit
James Stewart in “Vertigo,”1958
Totem Green V-neck Sweater, The Row White Leather Loafers, Jean Paul-Gaultier 1980S Green Quilted Satin Coat, Veronica Beard Green Trousers, Khaite Green Raffia Handbag, Bode Poplin Bow Clip
“Atonement,” 2007.
Directed by Joe Wright. Starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightley. Costume Design by Jacqueline Durran
Keira Knightley in “Atonement,” 2007
Chloé Green Silk Dress. Hunting Season Evening Bag, Manolo Blahnik Green Suede Heels, Rodarte Lace and Silk Dress
Green with envy! I want every outfit 💚💚