This film looks like it has a lot going for it: Jean-Luc Godard in the prime of French New Wave Cinema, a romance meets danger storyline, and the iconic beauty Anna Karina all set against a cheery nautical color palette. Just added it to my list of films to watch after spotting it on Criterion.

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1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

The Graduate has been imitated and written about endlessly since it’s debut over forty years ago. Most are captivated by the familiar feelings associated with youth’s confusion and rebellion against the establishment. Many also love the character of Mrs. Robinson with her eternal sex appeal, the comedic script, Simon and Garfunkel’s haunting soundtrack, and of course the costumes and set decoration.

Early in the film we are introduced to Mrs. Robinson’s house when Benjamin drives her home, and she orchestrates the famous seduction scene. You cannot help but notice she is dressed in a tiger print dress and luring Benjamin into her bungalow style sun porch that is more like a glamourous jungle cat lair.

The animal prints she wears throughout the film, and the sun porch decor in particular were inspired by Henry James’ novella The Beast in the Jungle. Director Mike Nichols’ vision was based on the idea that Dustin Hoffman’s character, Benjamin Braddock, was being stalked. Nichols says: “We talked about it being a jungle, and it was a jungle. There were all these plants and the Beverly Hills garden behind the glass that surrounded the sun porch. And we talked about her being the tiger in the jungle and she had a tiger-striped dress on and it was all built to be a trap, a tender trap. We wanted to find a way to express the fact that she was being provocative.”

The fact that it’s summer has me thinking about drinking cocktails surrounded by palm trees, and if I had a sun porch to decorate, Mrs. Robinson’s style would be a good place to start. It’s no secret that this well-established look has been inspiring designers since it lit up the big screen, and became the second wave of Hollywood Regency style. I have always loved that crisp black and white striped awning against the black tufted leather, white barstools, the accessories (notice the bar details while watching the clip) and the sleek chrome and gold finishes.

1. Gilded wood screen | 2. Palm Leaves wallpaper | 3. Brass table lamp | 4. Onion table lamp | 5. Vintage Atomic Tom Collins glasses | 6. Cabana bar set | 7. Barcelona couch | 8. Zebra ottoman | 9. Bamboo bar cart | 10. Tufted leather footstool | 11. White leather bar stool | 12. Mercer golden white tray

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Images: Benjamin in front of fish tank | Benjamin unbuttoning Mrs. Robinson’s dress | Katherine Ross | All others via IMDB

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Flipping through the channels the other night, I got a glimpse of the famous white pants and camel turtleneck outfit worn by Faye Dunaway in The Thomas Crown Affair (1968). Directed by Norman Jewison and starring Dunaway and Steve McQueen, this 60′s bank heist movie is filmed around Boston and the Massachusetts coastline with costumes designed by Theadora Van Runkle. While the 1999 remake is more watchable in terms of the acting/script/plot, it certainly cannot compete with the original in terms of iconic style. White pants never looked so good.

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Images via IMDB and connect.in

Last weekend, I saw the new film Black Swan when it opened in theatres, and almost one week later I am still haunted. It’s deep, dark, and disturbing; a dichotomy of both the beautiful and tragic, set against the backdrop of the New York ballet world. This terrifying tour de force features gorgeous costumes designed by the talented sisters of Rodarte.

Rodarte’s original sketches on Stylecaster via WWD

Fashion is already seeing many feather and ballerina influences based on the film in both haute couture and ready to wear. White Swan vs. Black Swan Whistles Evangeline Feather Dress $603.40 and Tory Burch Ceres Dress $450

I have always loved the Dance Studio look as well.

1. Feather Yarn Neck Ring Scarf | 2. Merlin Ballet Flat | 3. Preen Wrap Shoulder Shrug | 4. Ballerina Jewelry Chest | 5. Boucle Leg Warmers | 6. Porcelain Swan Salt cellar | 7. Cashmere arm warmers | 8. Feather headband | 9. Off the shoulder stretch top | 10. Swarovski Swan Pendant

Loved finding these limited edition silkscreen posters on Empire, especially the one on the right. No information is available yet about where to buy these.

{Movie stills via Black Swan official site}

Sadly, I have other plans this evening, so I’ll be missing Bonnie and Clyde in Bryant Park tonight. An eternally classic movie and totally chic style from Faye Dunaway. Hopefully the weather holds out for everyone.