Reading 7b: Film Stars as Fashion Icons

For decades, the public has always exhibited a deep interest in Hollywood stars, whether it is a wish to imitate their style or to know as much as possible about their private lives. However, the particular focus of that interest has shifted in the 21^st century. As the public continues to pay close attention to Hollywood stars, there is a growing interest on what the stars are wearing off screen. Furthermore, many celebrities are now seen as fashion icons rather than film stars, and the commercial success of these stars are becoming more and more irrelevant as compared to what they are wearing. They are constantly being photographed and the photos are appearing in fashion magazines.

There is a strong link between Hollywood and consumer culture and the obsession with celebrities started with the emergence of cinema. During that period of time, the traditional role of film star was simply a style icon. For instance, we had seen the strength of Audrey Hepburn in influencing mainstream fashion even until today. In the past, when fans admire a star’s style, they would be referring to what the star wore on screen. Hence, this had prompted many designers to use films to show off their clothes. In addition, film had also helped to democratize fashion in the past. Since post war, the fashionable styles and Hollywood looks were copied by women of all social classes, even reaching the mass market. It was unquestionably that as the film industry developed, the stars of Hollywood films did help to sell anything and everything.

On the other hand, today, it is what the star wears off screen that is relevant and influences contemporary fashion. The films themselves are now arguably less important than press and Internet coverage of the stars’ outfits and their commercial deployment. Many fashion magazines are starting to use celebrities rather than models on front covers because they attract more attention. Therefore, the desire to sell fashion through celebrity is growing immensely in today’s world where people are constantly bombarded by the media with images of celebrities.

Shu Wei Wong

4.7.13