You know that scene in Lost in Translation, when Bill Murray stands in the marbled bathroom of Scarlett Johansson's suite, and puts his very tight orange camo T-shirt on inside out? It's such a moment, isn't it? But that's just what Sofia Coppola does. She makes even the most mundane sartorial happenings — the application of some cheap lipstick, or the tearing of some tights, earn cult status. Primarily this is because her bored, listless characters, leading insanely privileged and meandering lifestyles are achingly — like hand on hip, cigarette in mouth, failed acting career — cool; so cool, in fact, that they can make a cheesy dance leotard look better than Saint Laurent, or a vintage prom dress feel cooler than Vetements.Just last week, it was announced that Coppola would be reuniting with her long-term muse Kirsten Dunst, as well as Somewhere’s Elle Fanning (and potentially Nicole Kidman) for a remake of Clint Eastwood’s The Beguiled. But before we start speculating how good the costumes are going to be — the '70s original is set in confederate America at an all-girls school (yeah, yeah, we know) — let's take a moment to revisit the Coppola characters whose style changed our wardrobes forever. Click on to see who made the cut.
The Virgin Suicides
For her directorial feature debut, Coppola chose Jeffrey Eugenides’ story of the young, mysterious Lisbon sisters and the local boys obsessed with them. There are two factors affecting the outfit choices here: First, it’s set in the '70s, meaning the girls sport some brilliantly colorful bandeau tops and over-the-knee socks; Second, the girls go to a strict religious school, resulting in some very chic Catholic uniforms.
The Virgin Suicides
Their strict mother is so disturbed by the idea of the girls going to the school prom that she makes all their dresses incredibly dowdy, or “four identical sacks," as they are referred to. Lux (Kirsten Dunst) is even forced to sex up her floral prairie-style number by writing her date’s name on her underwear. Still, the Lisbon sisters had the last laugh. The “sacks” became the inspiration for a Rodarte collection.
Lost in Translation
For the film's iconic opening scene, Scarlett Johansson's semi-visible bum, in some practically see-through pink panties, made the cut. Apparently, Coppola was inspired by painter John Kacere, who frequently depicts lingerie clad women. Only Johansson, though, could make granny pants look so jaw-droopingly good.
Lost in Translation
Johansson plays newlywed Charlotte, who, while lost and lonely in Tokyo, befriends an older (just as jaded) actor, played by Bill Murray; they quickly form an undeniable bond. The karaoke scene in which Murray gives a definitive rendition of Roxy Music's More Than This, sees a pink-wigged Johansson giving us the sexiest song choice of all time: "Brass In Pocket" by The Pretenders. Pink hair has never looked this good.
Marie Antoinette
The 2006 indie-meets-18th century flick became our favorite coming-of-age film, ever. The corseted period costumes juxtaposed with the New Wave '80s soundtrack? Heavenly. And Dunst's outfits are as lush, rebellious, and girly as Marie Antoinette's lifestyle. From her head-to-toe pitch-black masquerade ball look to her white gowns that were so embellished, detailed, and fussy, the movie basically demanded we watch it twice.
Marie Antoinette
When Antoinette finally takes her lover, Axel von Fersen, to the beat of some raucous drums, she sports nothing but over-the-knee white socks, a single feather, and a deftly placed fan.
Somewhere
For the story of a terrible father (played by Stephen Dorff) and his relationship with his estranged daughter (Elle Fanning), Coppola put the latter in plenty of girlish sundresses. The audience is supposed to be appalled at his treatment of his cute-as-a-button daughter, and she is definitely dressed for the part.
Somewhere
Here, Fanning looks like the picture of innocence while ice skating in a sparkly blue one-piece (how Tara Lipinski) to the sound of Gwen Stefani's "Cool."
Somewhere
We're pretty sure it was wearing these geeky glasses that landed Elle Fanning that Miu Miu eyewear campaign.
The Bling Ring
What do you get if you mix a gaggle of dissatisfied youths with loads of cash and greed? Sofia Coppola's The Bling Ring, of course, and Emma Watson's fiercest on-screen look ever (see: her intense lip gloss application). Based on the true story of a thieving teenage collective —the Hollywood Hills Burglar Bunch—costume designer Stacey Battat took full advantage of the noughties backdrop and name-dropped all our favorite brands from the era: Dior, Juicy, Supra...
The Bling Ring
Case in point: Emma Watson's pink Juicy Couture tracksuit, cropped Uggs, and small dog. Game. Set. Match.
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