The Vampire’s Wife: For the '40s Femme Fatale
Founded by designer and model Susie Cave, The Vampire's Wife perfectly captures a dark, romantic glamour that feels straight out of a 1940s mystery. The brand is known for its structured silhouettes, puff sleeves, and a distinctive blend of English sensibility
with a gothic edge. Think of the sharp-shouldered, impeccably tailored dresses worn by Lauren Bacall or the dangerous elegance of Rita Hayworth in "Gilda." The dresses often feature jewel-toned velvets and metallic fabrics, creating a look that’s both nostalgic and fiercely modern. It’s the brand for anyone who believes a great dress should have as much drama and character as the person wearing it, combining a vintage feel with a modern, almost cult-like appeal.
Rodarte: For the Cinematic Dreamer
Sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte are less designers and more storytellers who use clothing as their medium. Their approach is deeply cinematic, drawing inspiration from art, poetry, and, most notably, film. Their collections often feel like wearable movie scenes, whether evoking the sun-drenched horror of "Picnic at Hanging Rock" or the dreamy sci-fi of "Star Wars." This isn't about replicating a single decade; it's about capturing a mood. Rodarte’s ethereal, layered, and often deconstructed pieces speak to a love for film as an art form. Their work on the costumes for "Black Swan" is a perfect example of their ability to translate psychological depth into fashion. Wearing Rodarte is like wearing a piece of a film that hasn't been made yet.
Christy Dawn: For the '70s Prairie Romantic
Christy Dawn's signature is the prairie-inspired dress, a style that evokes the sun-drenched, rustic nostalgia of films like "Days of Heaven." The brand's focus on vintage-inspired silhouettes, often crafted from deadstock or regenerative fabrics, gives each piece a timeless, heirloom quality. With their flowing lines, delicate floral prints, and comfortable designs, these dresses channel the gentle, free-spirited femininity of early 1970s cinema. It’s a softer side of Hollywood history, reminiscent of the folk-inspired styles that signaled a move away from the high glamour of the studio era toward something more personal and grounded. The brand offers a romantic ease that feels both stylish and sustainable.
Doen: For the Laurel Canyon Cool Girl
Inspired by a nostalgic vision of California's past, Doen has perfected the art of bohemian elegance. The brand, run by a female collective, channels the effortless, sun-soaked style of 1970s Laurel Canyon—a look synonymous with the era's musicians and movie stars. Their collections are filled with romantic blouses, flowing dresses, and vintage-inspired prints that feel both sophisticated and endlessly wearable. Think of the free-spirited wardrobes of Faye Dunaway or Joni Mitchell, where comfort and personal expression reigned supreme. Doen captures this specific slice of Hollywood-adjacent life with pieces that feel like treasures discovered in a vintage store, but with a modern, flattering fit.
Ulla Johnson: For the Global Bohemian Star
Ulla Johnson's aesthetic is a rich tapestry of influences, blending a '70s bohemian vibe with artisanal details from around the globe. Her designs feel like something a worldly movie star from that decade might have collected on her travels. The collections are defined by intricate embroidery, rich textures, and feminine silhouettes that are both powerful and relaxed. Johnson often draws inspiration from folk art, resulting in unique prints and patterns that give the clothes a handmade, yet luxurious quality. This isn't a direct copy of a single Hollywood look, but rather the embodiment of a worldly, eclectic spirit that defined many of the era's most interesting style icons.
Reformation: For the Modern Screen Siren
Reformation’s genius lies in its ability to take classic, vintage-inspired silhouettes and make them feel completely current. The brand is a go-to for designs that nod to different eras—from 1940s-style tea dresses and '90s slip dresses to flirty '50s-esque tops—all produced with a focus on sustainability. This approach makes Hollywood glamour accessible for everyday life. It’s the modern equivalent of a studio wardrobe department, offering up perfect, flattering versions of iconic styles. By repurposing vintage clothing and using deadstock fabrics, Reformation gives a second life to timeless looks, proving that the best styles never really fade.
