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“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby.
Despite a significant delay in the release date of ‘The Great Gatsby’, there is much anticipation building towards the latest adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic American tale of splendour, drama and romance which will be shown in cinemas this July. The first cinematic version of the tantalising Twenties tale in thirteen years features a cast full of Hollywood heavyweights, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire. Directed by Baz Luhrmann of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Moulin Rouge’ fame, the film is set to be a visually delightful feast, as liquor and romance flow strongly through the veins of Jay Gatsby’s legendary parties.
For those unfamiliar with the plot, Fitzgerald’s best-known piece of fiction takes place in 1922, when post World War America was prosperous and peaceful. First published in April of 1925, the novel encapsulates the roaring Twenties in full swing. Yale graduate Nick Carraway narrates the events following his move to New York as a war veteran, as he is drawn into the world of Jay Gatsby, his neighbour who throws exquisite events in his mansion next door. It soon transpires that Gatsby has gained his lavish lifestyle in the hope of winning back his first and only love, Daisy Buchanan. After a tragic and complicated accident, a fabulous and enticing series of events follows which is sure to make for captivating cinematic viewing.
With flapper girl fashion ready to return for the warmer months, ‘The Great Gatsby’ should be regarded as the ultimate source of style inspiration when adopting the Twenties trend next season. Costume designer Catherine Martin has collaborated with fashion legend Miuccia Prada, as forty dresses from both the Prada and Miu Miu archives have been adapted for the production of the film. It will equally be impossible not to notice the female roles dripping with diamonds, supplied by none other than Tiffany and Co.
Despite the impressive fashion credentials already called upon, don’t doubt that the males of the film have been in any way overlooked. The men’s costumes have been created by New York’s own Brooks Brothers, the first American ready-to-wear brand, a family run company launched in 1818. Ralph Lauren started his career working for the Brooks Brothers, and was later involved in a high profile lawsuit when the company took legal action against their previous employee. As a result the Brooks Brothers successfully fought for the right to the original polo button-down collar shirt, regardless of Lauren’s famous Polo trademark.
Prepare for a whole host of scandals in a society overflowing with fantastic parties set in jaw dropping properties, alongside glamorous garments to lust over, as emotions and extravagance run high. Come summertime, it can only be hoped that the on-screen adaption of The Great Gatsby’ will prove to be capable of recreating the overwhelming feeling of awe that the novel infects readers with upon first encounter, mirroring naïve Nick Carraway’s bedazzlement with the infamous Jay Gatsby as he is swept into the heart of the Jazz Age.
“I like large parties, they’re so intimate. At small parties, there isn’t any privacy.” F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby.
Watch the trailer here
By Sophie Seymour
