Fashion in Film: The Neon Demon
“Beauty isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.”
The Neon Demon is an indie horror film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. (He also directed Drive (2011) and Only God Forgives (2013), both starring the delightfully handsome Ryan Gosling.)
The film is about a young girl named Jesse, played by Elle Fanning, who just wants to make it big in the modeling industry. During Jesse’s rise to fame, she meets a bunch of women who will stop at nothing to get what she has. The film is jaw-dropping, not only because of its stunning visuals, but because of the unconventional methods it uses to get its message across.
The Neon Demon is like nothing I’ve ever seen before and it’s possibly one of the most shocking films I’ve viewed in the last couple of years. But most importantly, it’s a film about the fashion industry, which is why this week I’m going to show you three outfits inspired by some very key scenes in The Neon Demon:
Jesse Moves to LA
At the start of the film, we meet sixteen-year-old Jesse. She’s just moved from a small town in Georgia to Los Angeles and longs to be a famous model. She is quickly signed by an agent and immediately thrust into the limelight as everyone around her is taken aback by her beauty, her youth, and most importantly, her innocence.
Jesse’s wardrobe towards the beginning of the film is important in understanding the kind of person she is. We don’t get much background on her situation back at home, but we know she’s young, bright eyed and eager to become famous. A lot of what she wears consists of pale pink, purple, and white floral dresses that show off her youthful, innocent nature.
Products: Top – Charlotte Russe, Skirt – Forever 21, Shoes – Modcloth, Necklace – ASOS, Earrings – Belk
I decided to mix it up with a floral skirt and a pale pink off-the-shoulder shirt combo. Throw on a black-strapped block heel to make the look a little more adult. A dainty, golden rose necklace and a pair of white pearl earrings tie everything together for a look that’s both sweet and chic for any model in the making.
Jesse on the Runway
At this point in the film, Jesse has been put through the ringer with multiple photo shoots, castings and run-ins with psychotic models, but here she is walking the runway for the first time. With flashes of dark blues and blacks pulsating, this scene is like a hypnotic light show.
However, it also represents the point of no return for Jesse. The sweet, innocent girl we once knew is gone. The scene represents her embracing her vain, narcissistic side as she literally kisses her own reflection.
Products: Dress – Nasty Gal, Choker – Boohoo, Boots – GoJane, Fedora – ASOS, Lipstick – Target
Everything about this scene is overtly dark and over-the-top, so to replicate this dramatic sequence, throw on a long, black velvet dress that’s sure to turn heads on any occasion. This particular dress is ironically called, “Just Watch Me.”
Throw on a pair of thigh-high boots to accentuate that high slit and add a velvet cord choker to draw attention to the plunging neckline. A wide brim fedora is essential to tying together this look, along with a deep blue liquid lipstick—a nod to Refn’s color scheme in this particular sequence.
The End
In order to keep this post spoiler-free, I’m not going to go in-depth about this particular scene, but this is a still from the end of the film. Here we have one of the beauty-obsessed models looking over the other after a rather gruesome event. She’s rigid, tall and cold because she believes she that she’s now got “it”… even though her model counterpart can’t handle whatever “it” is.
Products: Culottes – Boohoo, Top – Urban Outfitters, Shoes – ASOS, Necklace – Macy’s, Sunglasses – Forever 21
For a high-fashion ensemble that’s both comfortable and chic, reach for bright red culottes and a blue cropped muscle tee. These two pieces complement each other, not only with their sleek, put-together fit, but in their color scheme, too, as they pay homage to Refn’s vibrant cinematography.
High heels are a must in the world of modeling, as evidenced in not only this particular scene, but throughout the film, so sky-high platform heels are the perfect choice. Any model has to accessorize, so top everything off with a round gold pendant and cat-eye sunglasses for a look worthy enough for any runway.
What do you think?
How did you like The Neon Demon? Was it scary, or have you seen better? Did you love it or was it not your cup of tea? If not, let me know some of your favorite films in the comments!
Source: #Fashionblogger #fashiontrends