Amanda: Embracing "Quiet Luxury"
Cameron Diaz as Amanda Woods in "The Holiday" showcases a character who is a "strong, independent, creative woman" with a lot of self-confidence. Her closet is fit for a Hollywood film mogul with taste. The idea was to create a look that was both luxurious and fun. At that time, even 20 years ago, it was about what women wear to work and how that was changing. Her clothing, including custom hats and cashmere sweaters, embodied wealth without flaunting it - what we might now call "quiet luxury". She could afford beautiful pieces as she was doing quite well, and the costumes adhered to the idea of saving money for good quality. In addition to one-of-a-kind pieces, Stewart also sourced designer items like the Dior coat that makes a memorable appearance when Amanda arrives in England. It felt luxurious yet practical, with her being able to take it off and wrap it around her waist, adding a feminine and gorgeous touch.Amanda's wardrobe was a perfect example of how style can be both sophisticated and understated. It showed that one doesn't need to be overly flashy to make a statement. The attention to detail in each piece contributed to her overall look and made her a fashion icon even in a relatively simple palette.
The choice of clothing for Amanda was a reflection of her personality and her place in the story. It added depth to her character and made her wardrobe a standout feature of the film.
Jude Law: Navigating Challenging Outfit Changes
Contrary to what one might expect, Jude Law's wardrobe of sweaters and trousers required some effort during the quick changes. He had a little dressing room in the pub in Guildford, which was a practical set. Jude was truly a sport, going into what was a men's room and changing clothes 10 times to find the perfect look. It shows his dedication to his role and his ability to bring the character to life through his wardrobe choices.Changing outfits quickly on set is no easy feat, but Jude Law's commitment to getting it right added another layer of authenticity to his performance. His wardrobe became an integral part of his character development and added to the overall charm of the film.
The challenges faced by Jude Law in changing outfits also highlight the importance of costume design in enhancing a character. It's not just about looking good but also about being able to convey a story through clothing.
How Barbie Inspired Amanda's Date-Night Look
At a certain point in the movie, Amanda arrives at Graham's cottage expecting a romantic night, only to have it turn into a playdate with his two young daughters. One of the girls remarks, "You look like my Barbie." This was a significant discussion as it was 20 years before the Barbie movie came out. The concept of Barbie aligned with Amanda's "aspirational dressing" as it was something she admired and that spoke to her.The reference to Barbie added a touch of playfulness and lightness to Amanda's date-night look. It showed that even in a romantic setting, there was an element of fun and fantasy. The choice of clothing became a symbol of her aspirations and her ability to adapt to different situations.
The connection between Amanda's look and the idea of Barbie demonstrated the power of fashion in evoking emotions and creating memorable moments. It showed how a simple outfit can have a profound impact on a story.
Some of Iris' Wardrobe from Zara
Kate Winslet as Iris in "The Holiday" portrays a very serious actress. Her character's clothes had to reflect what someone would wear for a newspaper. From London to Los Angeles, where she stays after the house swap with Amanda, Iris' clothes remained "under the radar" and functional. Many of her pieces were pastel and athleisure wear.Stewart sourced some of Iris' clothes from Zara, which added a touch of realism to her character. It showed that even in a film, characters wear everyday clothing that is accessible and relatable.
The choice of Zara items for Iris' wardrobe helped to establish her character and her lifestyle. It gave her a certain authenticity and made her more relatable to the audience.