Eclectic scripts, dreamy vignettes and big helpings of whimsy are the hallmarks of a Wes Anderson film. From Anderson’s recognisable cinematography to visual theatrics (think: symmetry and sequence meshed with a high-fashion aesthetic), Anderson’s characters dish up eccentricity and covetable style codes in equal measure.
Known for his decadence and vintage sensibility, the “Wes Anderson aesthetic” has graced high-fashion runways, from Alessandro Michele leaning into “Moonrise Kingdom” at Gucci, to Bally and Lacoste dipping into Margot and Richie Tenenbaum’s country club wardrobes (courtesy of “The Royal Tenenbaums”).
And in his brand new film “The Phoenecian Scheme”, which screens in Australia from May 29, Anderson has continued the high-fashion remit, calling on Cartier to craft a 78.5cm bejewelled rosary.
From the Louis Vuitton luggage sported by Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzmann and Owen Wilson in “The Darjeeling Limited” to Gwyneth Paltrow’s iconic Fendi mink in “The Royal Tenenbaums” and custom-made Prada spotted at “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, here are Wes Anderson’s most iconic on-screen fashion moments.
Image courtesy of Disney Plus.
The Phoenician Scheme
Co-written by Roman Coppola and Anderson, the latest addition to Anderson’s silver screen playbook draws on a pastoral spirit with a bespoke rosary. Inspired by the Cartier Collection’s 19th century cross pendants, Anderson’s cinematic version brings geometry and scale into balance. Crafted from a 78.5cm white gold chain (5.5cm larger than the original) and set in opulence — with emerald beads, rose, briolette and square-cut diamonds and five ruby cabochons.
The French Dispatch
The newsrooms of “The New Yorker” gave this film its inspiration. Filmed in the south-west French city of Angoulême, where the charentaise slipper (a reverse-stitched, felt or wool slipper traditionally worn by valets) are handcrafted. Anderson tapped mens suiting, officewear, and sharp tailoring for his lead characters, while the classic French slipper was spotted on the soles of the prisoners.
The Royal Tenenbaums
Fendi and Hermes were the design stars of “The Royal Tenenbaums”. Set to the backdrop of a maximalist New York City townhouse, here, Anderson delivers elite and chic. With her room outfitted with objets, a vintage telephone and zebra-print wallpaper, Margot Tenenbaum’s (Gwyneth Paltrow) chi-chi aesthetic continues in her wardrobe. Think: a custom-made Fendi mink coat, Hermes Birkin and a tennis club outfit courtesy of Lacoste.
Image courtesy of Disney Plus.
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The Darjeeling Limited
Set within a lush Indian dreamscape and Anderson’s own custom Belmond train carriage, the monogrammed Louis Vuitton trunks and overnight bags carried by the three protagonists (Brody, Schwartzmann and Wilson) were gloriously crafted in soft brown leather and embossed with safari animals. Luxurious sarees and the tailored train conductor uniforms were also first-class features.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Adidas was behind the low-profile, classic sneaker silhouette worn by Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) and his crew. In this film, Anderson delivers high-fashion escapism by way of submarine with Jacques Cousteau-inspired seafoam jumpsuits and bright red beanies.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Art Nouveau luxury and a European ski sensibility are behind Anderson’s style choices in “The Grand Budapest Hotel”. Hotel porters were outfitted in dreamy pastel tailored uniforms, Prada designed the 21-piece custom-made luggage set (taking its inspiration from 1920s and 1930s-era splendour), and the luxurious black nappa leather coat that made its on-screen debut courtesy of J.G. Jopling (Willem Dafoe).
