Now, if you've seen some of my other posts, you may have noticed that I am a fan of most musical theatre... I mean, it is my major after all. So naturally, I had been dying to see the Les Miserables movie adaptation for months before it was released on Christmas Day. Somehow, I managed to survive until last Wednesday at 3:10.
In addition to being stuck by the beauty of the acting, song, and story, I was also in love with the set and costumes that really truly were the glue that held all of the various elements of the production together and made it even more beautiful. To honor the movie, I've decided to write--what else?-- an inspired-by fashion post!!
Who Am I?
The movie centers primarily around the life and times of Jean Valjean, played by the brilliant Hugh Jackman. Valjean is an ex-convict living in France during the early-1800s. After a priest inspires a spiritual epiphany, Valjean disposes of his former identity by breaking his parole and turns his life around, becoming the successful and respected mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer. However, when he learns that a man bearing his face is going to be arrested as the missing ex-con, Jean Valjean, his conscience forces him to turn himself in, thus erasing all of the life-changes that he has made over the past eight years. Luckily, he manages to evade recapture and adopts Cosette. The two of them live on the run in order to keep Valjean out of prison once more.
Give Valjean's 1800's neutrals a feminine twist by layering a studded collar blouse under a black sweater emblazoned with a metallic cross, an allusion of Valjean's deep faith. Layer a statement necklace with charms shaped as crosses under the blouse's collar for added interest and a pop of purple color. Olive green skinnies and black androgynous smoking slipper style flats add to the neutral theme, and the black peacoat helps to keep warm yet classy in the winter chill. Finally, add a touch of whimsy with this fun peanut butter and jelly ring that alludes to the story's inciting incident.
I Dreamed a Dream
Fantine (played by Anne Hathaway) is a worker in a factory which Valjean-as-Mayor owns. After being fired from her position, she attempts to make her way on the streets, dedicating every penny she earns to her illegitimate daughter Cosette who is being cared for by nearby innkeepers. Fantine grows more and more desperate, selling her hair for money and eventually sinking to prostitution as a last resort.
Get a Fantine-inspired look with this simple pink dress, the color that Fantine is wearing when we are initially introduced to her in the film. A loose-fitting waterfall cardigan is a stylish allusion to the rags that she eventually wears, just as this double buckle belt subtly alludes to her corset during her time as a prostitute. Keep warm but practical in these thick knit knee socks paired with rugged combat boots. Accessorize with this pretty, embellished choker necklace (Fantine is rarely seen without a choker in the stage version!).
I Am the Law
Inspector Javert (played by Russell Crowe) begins as Valjean's prison guard who grants him his release from jail after the 19 year sentence. He has a very strong sense of right and wrong and adheres to the letter of the law. After learning that Valjean has broken parole and disappeared, he dedicates his life to finding and re-capturing Valjean, to Javert, will always be "a fugitive running, fallen from God, fallen from grace".
Get Javert's no-nonsense look with this sheer button down layered over a bright red camisole. Add a military inspired navy blazer, as it is Javert's signature piece. Khaki cords and black riding boots are clean-cut, warm, and classic. Accessorize with fleur de lis earrings (Javert is the symbol of French law, after all), and add this unique jewel-encrusted brooch to your blazer to give off an air of authority.
A Heart Full of Love
Cosette (played by Isabelle Allen and Amanda Seyfried) is Fantine's illegitimate daughter who is housed by an innkeeper family when her mother is no longer able to care for her. She lives a Cinderella-esque existence; the innkeepers treat her as a servant while their daughter Eponine is treated like a princess. Upon her mother's demise, Valjean rescues Cosette from her cruel life and takes her with him as he evades Javert and seeks sanctuary in various churches, convents, and moves from home to home every so often. Inside the gate of one of those homes, Cosette meets and falls in love with a young student revolutionary named Marius Pontmercy. However, after Valjean and she leave that home after a home invasion, she fears that she will never see Marius again. Cosette serves as a symbol of quiet love and strength throughout the film.
Cosette is probably the most feminine character, so start this look off with this gorgeous light blue Modcloth dress. Add trendy chunky lace up booties and opaque black tights to keep your look simple, period-appropriate, yet still trendy. To keep warm, add this cape-style cardigan, similar to the cape that Cosette wears while traveling. Accessorize with a unique pendant necklace that references young Cosette's iconic dream song, Castle on a Cloud. Add a few rings; this heart shaped one references her romantic nature and the butterfly alludes to the butterfly that was sitting on the gate during her duet with Marius (did that distract anyone else?). Finally, add this beautiful lace and floral headband to your hair, an allusion to her final costume from the film...
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
Marius Pontmercy is a student revolutionary who, though he comes from wealth, sympathizes with the plight of the poor and fights for them. He falls in love with Cosette, and when he realizes that his revolting could cause his death and thus separate the lovers, he is faced with a conflict of his head and heart. He is also pined after by a grown-up Eponine; however, he is completely oblivious to her affections, seeing the poor street urchin as merely a sister.
Get Marius's simple look with a royal blue pussy bow blouse (the bow is similar to Marius's intricately styled scarves) layered under a tweed blazer that boasts the colors of the rebellion. Black skinny jeans and flat booties keep your look no-nonsense and ready to fight (the pop of blue on the sole of the shoe both matches the shirt and gives the look a trendy touch). Add a beautiful black and gold ring that is similar to Marius's family heirloom which serves as a big plot device. Get in touch with Marius's romantic side by painting your nails in the color Je T'aime (which means "I love you" in French) and adding this simple cord bracelet with a pretty gold heart charm.
Masters of the House
The Thenardiers (Madame and Monsieur) are the innkeepers who are charged with Cosette's care. They are awful guardians, as they are nothing but thieves, con-artists, and common criminals. They keep every penny of Fantine's money for themselves, just as they steal from all of their inn's visitors. The conniving duo provides the comedic relief that is much needed in such a dark film, and Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen keep the audience in stitches.
Steal the eccentric duo's fashion with this daring look. Mix prints and textures by matching these paisley printed jeans with a sheer black polka dot blouse layered over a gold sequin bandeau top. Add a blue velvet blazer with royal blue "power heel" booties. Next, layer on the accessories! Pile on bangles, rings, and necklaces of all shapes, sizes, and metals; more is more when you're the master of the house!! Don't forget an on trend oversized clutch in order to store all of the money and bling that you've stolen from your customers!
For even more inspiration, check out CollegeFashion.net's post on fashion inspiration taken from Eponine, Enjolras, Gavroche, and the Friends of the ABC. And if you haven't seen the film yet, hurry up and get to your nearest theater as soon as possible (don't forget your tissues)!!
Have you seen the film yet?? What did you think of it?? Did you like these more modern interpretations of the movie's fashion?? Let me know!!
Love, Leaza
Great outfit interpretation!
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