'American Hustle' a portrait of swank '70s fashion

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- From Christian Bale's burgundy velour blazer to Amy Adams' plunging sequin halter dress, "American Hustle" is a cinematic romp through the over-the-top styles of the 1970s.

Set in New York and New Jersey in 1978, the film tells the story of a pair of con artists (Bale and Adams) forced to work for a cocky FBI agent (Bradley Cooper) bent on bringing down powerbrokers and politicians. This decadent world of power, crime and big money comes to life through ostentatious fashions and outrageous hairdos. All the characters are reinventing themselves, and it shows in their clothes.

"They had ideas, they lived large and they took risks," costume designer Michael Wilkinson said of the '70s styles that inspired his designs. "Clothes were less structured, had less underpinnings -- it was like people didn't give a damn."

Though the Australian-born Wilkinson said his childhood was drenched in American pop culture, "I approached this as a research project, just like you would study about the Greek ruins or outer galaxy."

He scoured Cosmopolitan magazine, along with advertisements, movies and TV shows of the era. "Goodfellas" and "Atlantic City" were particularly influential films.

"And 'Saturday Night Fever' from 1977," Wilkinson added. "(That) had the most pertinence to Bradley Cooper's character. He's a guy from the Bronx, and he lived life as a black-and-white moral shooter working for the FBI, and wears a cheap polyester suit that doesn't fit him so well."

The character ups his fashion game after meeting the dapper con-couple.

"He ends up in a silk shirt and silk scarf, which are pop-culture references," Wilkinson said. "And then he wears a leather jacket to the FBI."

The designer relished in Halston's vintage vault, to which he was granted access for the film, and he dressed Adams in authentic pieces from the '70s.

"The lines (of clothing silhouettes) of the late '70s, with designers like Halston, were reinventing the wardrobe of women," he said. "It was about being comfortable in your skin and walking tall."

Hair is so prominent in "American Hustle," it's practically another character. Lead hairstylist Kathrine Gordon studied old issues of Playboy and high-school yearbooks from the '70s for inspiration.

She and Bale worked together to create his character's elaborate comb-over, complete with fuzzy, glue-on hairpiece. The film opens with a scene of its careful construction.

"I came up with this idea to stuff it," Gordon said of the comb-over she cut into Bale's real hair. "And then (director) David (O'Russell) rewrote the script, and I taught Christian how to do it on camera."

Adams wears styles reminiscent of disco parties, Studio 54 and "the Breck girl" ads of the era. Jeremy Renner, who plays a New Jersey politician, has a fluffy bouffant. Jennifer Lawrence, an unhappy wife in the film, wears bouncy, sex-kitten updos whether she's going out or not. And Cooper rocks a tight perm: He's shown wearing curling rods in one scene.

Wilkinson, whose film credits include "Man of Steel," ''Tron: Legacy" and "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part II," said he especially loved playing with fabrics, colors and prints for Bale's charming con-man.

"I'm really proud of Christian Bale," the designer said. "It shows the possibility of an expression of personality in menswear. He explores his character in his clothes and he's a man of the world. He mixes prints

‘Hunger Games’ designer finds high-fashion muse in Katniss Everdeen

LOS ANGELES - Katniss Everdeen not only wields the bow and arrow of hope in "Catching Fire," the second installment of "The Hunger Games" film franchise, she is also the muse of a new high-fashion line that carries the film's fictional world of the Capitol beyond the screen.

"Catching Fire" costume designer Trish Summerville's 16-piece collection was launched on Monday for luxury online retailer Net-A-Porter, aptly labeled Capitol Couture.

The collection of clothes and accessories are drawn from Summerville's designs for Katniss, the stoic heroine played by Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence. The designer also hopes Capitol Couture will attract the website's high-fashion clientele to the series of young adult films.

"For a Net-A-Porter client that is interested in our line, it piques their interest if they don't know the film, they'll go then see the film," the designer said.

"Catching Fire," out in theaters last week, sees Katniss become a symbol of revolution against the oppressive Capitol government ruling the fictional world of Panem, and has already stormed the box office with more than $307 million worldwide.

Hollywood films have often partnered with big brands to promote new releases. "Catching Fire" distributor Lions Gate spent roughly $55 million on marketing for the film, including deals with Subway fast-food restaurants and Procter & Gamble Co's CoverGirl cosmetics.

But films such as "Hunger Games" that are aimed at a teen and young adult audience are not the likeliest showcases for high fashion, which generally draws an older female clientele with the additional income to spend.

Summerville hopes her collection, priced between $75 for T-shirts to $995 for a laser-cut patent leather dress inspired by Katniss' chariot outfit, will accommodate all budgets.

"It was important for me to have things that the fans could relate to and also that appealed to the Net-A-Porter clientele," Summerville said.

"This isn't particularly for the 'Catching Fire' fan base, it's just a venture we went out upon to try and exhibit some of the fashion in the film," she added.

Fans attune to high fashion

High fashion and film have enjoyed a long relationship, taken to a new level in the 1990s by HBO television series "Sex and the City," which showcased latest collections by designers on the characters. Patricia Field, the stylist of the show and its subsequent films, also designed a "Sex and the City" inspired collection for UK retailer Marks & Spencer.

Earlier this year, Baz Luhrmann's big screen adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" saw its leading actress, Carey Mulligan, channeling Daisy Buchanan in striking Prada designs created for the film by costume designer Catherine Martin, who drew straight from the Prada archives.

Summerville, who also created actress Rooney Mara's edgy transformation in 2011's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," said she turned to "Hunger Games" fan sites when designing the aesthetic of the second film, and found high-fashion looks suggested for both Katniss and Effie Trinket, the film's outrageously dressed Capitol spokeswoman.

Lions Gate also created a Capitol Couture website, an online magazine set in the fictional world of Panem, that showcased the styles explored in the film, from the Districts to the Capitol.

Actress Elizabeth Banks, who plays Effie, said her character's high-fashion looks represented a bigger picture of the film's theme of revolution.

"We don't wear the clothes because they're cool-looking, we wear the clothes because they represent the excess and the power of the Capitol. It's always meant to be a juxtaposition of what's going on in the districts," Banks said.

One look that Summerville said she was proud of curating for Effie was a fitted dress adorned with hundreds of feathers painted to look like Monarch butterflies, taken straight from the Alexander McQueen spring/summer runway. Banks wore the dress with high heels and a butterfly hair piece.

"Everything is uncomfortable, everything is constricted, and that's also a really strong reminder of the society they live in. Their only freedoms come in the form of personal adornment, they don't have true freedom yet," Banks said.

Looking after For Your Style Jeweler and Outfit Jewelry

For most women, dressed in style jeweler is an easy way to try clean new looks or to improve your current clothing collection. Keeping your jeweler looking its best will help keep you look your best too. Fashion jeweler, also known as outfit jeweler is generally created from less expensive materials and ornamented with cup, plastic or artificial rocks. Compared with superb that can be renovated to like new situation, products of style jeweler that drops into a condition of disrepair cannot always be renewed. Looking after for your components consistently and understanding what to prevent will allow you to enjoy your awesome classic item or your clean new pendant, wristbands, band or set of ear-rings longer.

Taking break once a month to proper take good care of your components will keep it in excellent shape. Basically clean with a smooth pure cotton fabric to eliminate any surface area dirt. Use an extra smooth tooth brush to eliminate any dirt or waste that might be concealing in cracks or clasps, don't forget to check between pellets if your product has them. Then, just use the fabric to enhance the areas. This may be all you need to do to keep your components fit.

If your product is more seriously dirtier use light plate detergent and a smooth cloth or sponge or fabric to properly clean it. Try to prevent dipping your jeweler completely. Wetness can cause corrosion or sets to type so the less moisture your jeweler is revealed to the better. Don't use ultra-sonic cleaning solutions with your style jeweler as they are too severe. Be sure to dry well with a smooth fabric and touch up your item by properly improving with a smooth fabric.

There is also jeweler cleaning solutions available for outfit jeweler. If you choose to use these be sure that they specifically condition that they are for use on style jeweler. Fashion jeweler cannot hold up against some of the substances used to clean superb so make sure you know what your better is created of before use. As long as you follow the guidelines given by the maker you will be able to clean your items without problems.

You can also increase the durability of your style jeweler clothing collection by understanding what to prevent. Avoid ammonia, therapy, acidity and alcohol as these will rust your jeweler quickly to a non-repairable situation. Some more common ingredients to keep away from your jeweler are fragrance, hairspray and cream as they can quickly change the complete of your style jeweler. An excellent principle is to put on your jeweler after you get yourself ready in the morning and then eliminate it as soon as you get home. If you practice this you can quickly keep contact with ingredients such as these to a lowest. To keep style jewelry in excellent shape always eliminates them before cleaning your hands and/or implementing hand cream. Keep in mind that moisture can cause corrosion or sets to type on your jeweler so make sure to never wear style jeweler during a shower or shower or while diving.

Once you have eliminated your jeweler it is also important to put it away properly. Costume jeweler can quickly be scraped or broken by holding other jeweler or hard areas. Shop your style ear-rings, wristbands, pendants and jewelry independently in smooth pockets or containers. A segmented jeweler box would also be a great place to keep them if you have enough room to keep them individual.

Fashion jeweler is not intended to last permanently. Even with the best good care, eventually the complete will start to tarnish and the shine of the rocks will begin to reduce. There are plenty of new looks for you to try and because the prices are affordable you will not have to hurt your wallet in order to do it.

Style Guidelines for All Forms and Sizes

Prepare to have your mind blown. You don't must be a tall, pencil-slight measure 4 to find incredible, polished apparel and look your best. Mold comes in all shapes and sizes. You can no longer utilization "But I'm short and tubby" as a reason for not upgrading your style uneducated wardrobe.

When you can begin on this excursion of patching up your whole storage room to begin resembling an angel, you possess to first figure out how to acknowledge your physique as it may be. Most ladies have an affection disdain association with their figures and are unvaryingly contrasting themselves and other ladies. Quit analyzing and begin tolerating! When you're there--or regardless headed straight toward "there"--you can begin studying how to dress stylishly in way that compliments your physique sort, and that makes you look and feel magnetic and even spellbinding.

The trap for victory here is picking extraordinary looking and brilliant garments that highlights your exceptional characteristics and camouflages you’re not-so charming ones. Tall, meager ladies ordinarily have it most straightforward, as they can wear best anything and not just escape with it however look incredible.

Yet you might have the exemplary pear shape, for instance, with wide hips, a plentiful honey, and adjust thighs. Pick attire than downplay your more level half and parade your restricted waist, slimmer upper form, and spellbinding arms and shoulders. Samples incorporate A-line skirts; contraband cut pants, and fitted stretch tees. As a general guideline, keep to darker tones on the lowest part and lighter or more vivid on top, and generally speaking, stay clear of too-shapeless or too-tight numbers.

Numerous ladies are fruit formed, with a thicker waist, softer center, a liberal cheast, and narrower hips with thin legs. Apparel that compliments the fruit molded lady highlight her legs and cleavage. Wardrobe cases incorporate V-neck, flat cut, and turtleneck best that develop well past the waistline, short skirts or shorts, and five-pocket pants or pants.

Regardless of your size or shape, provided that you sit down for a bit to get to know and like your physique and study what looks extraordinary on you, you will set out away with another style that not just makes you look attractive, and yet feel enchanting.

Style Guidelines For the Plus Dimension Teen

A plus dimension teenager can look GOOD. It means understanding what your system shape is and purchasing for outfits that are right for you. Here are some common tips that will work regardless of what your system shape.

1) Say bye, bye to loose outfits. While a lot of plus dimension girls use loose outfits as a way to cover up the pounds, all that is really achieved is making you look bigger than you really are. No issue what dimension you are, you have something positive to show. Don't cover up it under loose outfits. Instead, buy outfits in your proper dimension or, at most, one dimension bigger.

2) Take an excellent look at yourself and figure out what your best features are. If you are too judgmental, ask a close friend to help you out. Think about your advantages and emphasize them. Do you have slim legs? Then don't think twice to put on a short dress. Have a large, wonderful break line? Wear that V or scooped throat T.

3) Bring interest to the best parts of your system by using vivid shades and strong styles. If amazing shades aren't for you, go with more modest shades such as wine red, teal and plum. Stand out. There is no more any need to combination into the backdrop.

4) Decorate. Decorate. Decorate. Don't give up on yourself and do nothing. You can be strong. You can be fashionable. Check out the newest hair-styles with your hairstylist. Get a free transformation at the cosmetics reverse and choose a few items to use daily. Pay interest to your footwear. Dressed in pants? If you are top large, you can use large clog-type footwear to balance out your overall look. Dressed in a dress with your slimmer legs? Highlight them with attractive shoes.

5) Store where you are relaxed. Women who shop where they are not relaxed usually shop in a rush. They usually pick up outfits off the holder, toss them on in the putting on a costume space, and head house with what is 'OK'. That is not more here we are at you. When you are relaxed purchasing you take your some time to energy and effort looking through the shelves, looking at what styles and shades are right for you. You take some period of time in the putting on a costume space, looking this way and that. And you go house with outfits that will make you a stand apart.

Teenager Style Guidelines for Girls: For a Look That Gets Noticed!

Up until the time you're in your pre-teens, it's most likely that Mom has done much of your outfits purchasing. Many ladies, when they hit their teenagers, normally want to start selecting their own styles, but in many situations, all you've got to go on is what the relax of the ladies are dressed in, in marked comparison to Mothers flavor.

You want to fit in with the times, but a deficiency of purchasing encounter may cause you to a somewhat excessive leaving from 'kids' outfits, leading to outfits bought that eat up too much of your price range, or products that create Mom shriek! Most ladies need a few teenager style guidelines, to create the most of your purchasing money and style quotient! Here, we've got the information on teenager style guidelines, for ladies just like you.

You potentially are prepared to create a style declaration of your own, but may not know where to start. Your first phase, before going purchasing, is to consider your price range. These days, very few of us have an endless price range. That's the bad information. However, there's some excellent news: a well organized purchasing and style objectives can almost remove that down part.

Teen style guidelines are only as excellent as they are useful, right? Here's where to start developing a fantastic clothing collection that doesn't hurt your wallet. Go through some of the teenager publications and cut out webpages of particular outfits you love. The product may be of a cut or shade you discover attractive, or have detail, such as ribbons or pleats that you prefer completely. Don't ignore to video webpages with footwear, purses and jewellery you'd like to have. Lay these photos out on your table and see how many of your preferred choices might be used with another product. For example, that lace-trimmed bravo pure cotton shirt could look great with anchored denims, or with a elegant suede dress. Based on where you stay, that suede dress may be used in summer time, with high-heeled shoes, or during the cold months months season, with shoes. To review the first of our teenager style guidelines, look for outfits that can be joined with several other products in your clothing collection.

The best teenager style guidelines allow you to create the most of your price range, without looking like that was your purpose. Shopping the revenue is one way to achieve this objective. This implies you'll want to have some money in source for those shock two-day only type revenue, so don't invest your money all in one purchasing. Another strategy is to regular the second hand shops?you never know when you'll discover that one-of-a-kind product at a inexpensive price. Besides outfits, look for jewellery and footwear as well. These stores also bring vintage products, if you're into that area of style. Moment issues too?you'll look for the best choice of drop outfits in delayed summer time. Swimsuits start reaching the shelves in mid-spring. Jewelry is a year-round event.

Our record of teenager style guidelines wouldn't be finish if we didn't discuss fit. Many teens?and mature women?are still into the attitude of hoping they were a dimension 7 instead of a dimension 9 and buy small sized dimension just to action their ego, so to talk. Bad mistake! Too-tight outfits does not a style queen make! Go for outfits that suits comfortably?this prevents getting the looks you don't want from the people and is also weight losing and more perfect to your determine.

Style and Teenagers

The Young Decades signify the conversion interval into maturity. Teenagers start to create their freedom and exclusive views about the world's problems. The design pattern has modified quite a bit from the periods when Indians set up camp tents in the U. s. Declares of The united states. When it comes to purchasing, teens like to select their own outfits along with at this time of their life. Sometimes teens and mother and father believe the fact which outfits to buy, sometimes they don't believe the fact.

Teenage years may be known as "Acne Years". These years can change into problems which many periods proceed into maturity. Many items are available without providing the preferred outcomes. We have the items that will remove these problems.

Helpful in creating identity

Some teenager claims of design are going to be insane but they might be tolerable. If you come upon something that actually includes them, create sure you give them a excellent eye move. That might motivate them to put on that design. You might think it looks insane, but at least they are protected. That should be your primary priority. You can lay down the law when you see teenager design that seems to be too exposing, but you may be motivating them in that route.

Though teenager design comes and goes and you can anticipate the primary objective of these designs is to create sure they outfit nothing like their mother and father. Teenagers have a powerful need to set their own design, and determine what their own identification is aside from their mother and father. That's a completely component of increasing up, and if a mother or father does not move their sight just a little when the see teenager designs, those teens are going to be puzzled and they may try something else. That might be a best part to keep in thoughts.

Teens have a higher choice of outfits than ever. From operating trousers and trousers and coats, juniors designs, and denims, teenager outfits and effective use is a great way to stay your youngsters.