Currently Channeling Tim Burton
Autumn is always a bewitching time of the year. We love the sudden, somehow always unexpected, chill in the air, picking out the coolest new school supplies (a bookworm’s Christmas!), and watching the leaves transition from a summery green to warm orange, golden yellow, and deep crimson. Aside from the fresh pencils and leaf peeping, there is, of course, another reason we adore fall: the fashion.
This season, we found ourselves truly transfixed by how many of our favorite shows featured a very spooky aesthetic. We spotted zipper-accented and stud-embellished leather pieces, corsets festooned with straps, buckles and chains, and lots of gothic beauty looks (think: powdery pale skin worn with black lipstick). When we put all of the above together, we suddenly realized this the darkly delightful trend seems to be inspired by an unlikely fashion icon—Tim Burton.
On the off chance that you’re not quite as familiar with Burton’s oeuvre as we are, it’s important to know that all of his amazing films have gloomy glamour in spades. Burton’s characters inhabit a darkly elegant world that is both threatening and docile. They creep through fog-ridden cities lit only by moonlight, dressed in relentlessly formal garb, and many seem to have lost a limb—or more—along the way. In place of the phantom body part, Burton equips his stars (both earthly and animated) with menacing objects like scissors, jack-o-lanterns, and bones. They’re also outfitted with other edgy elements, such as oversized sooty eyes, skinny pinstripe suits, and gothic black lace, resulting in a shadowy sophistication.
We were quite amused (and pleased) to note that many of the season’s best head-to-toe looks could have been pulled directly from Burton’s costume department. At Lanvin, Alber Elbaz showed black-and-white striped frocks and ghostly-pale faces—two of Burton’s signatures—that echoed the director’s cinematic stylings. The color palette at Comme des Garcons was similarly austere and seemed to reference Edward Scissorhands via the bondage-style straps on dresses and pants. We particularly loved the way Roberto Cavalli gave his models high collared-dresses and top hats fit for a post-mortem gala, a la Corpse Bride. The final proof that our Tim Burton theory was correct came when we saw the divine Rodarte show, where the Sisters Mulleavy showed cobweb tights paired with spike-encrusted heels (so Beetle Juice).
With these designers and our director in mind, we looked high (Fleet Street) and low (Halloweentown) in search of the perfect bone-chilling Burtonesque products for you. We began with this Ostrich Feather Bolero ($125) from Topshop to bring you warmth on those chilly autumn evenings. Next, we chose French Connection’s Tudor Silk Dress ($198), which is ideal for gallivanting with friendly ghosts and spirits. Jean-Michel Cazabat’s gray rosette-covered Floral Mouna Flats ($455) and Devotte’s corset-like Lace Up Boot ($475) will allow you to remain stylish at all times—even while fleeing from headless horsemen. We couldn’t resist adding the Large Stone Ring ($133) by Yves Saint Laurent because it gives an eerily glamorous touch to any finger (be it skeletal or flesh). Finally, for a hint of formality so necessary for a Burton-inspired look, we found Chapeau Claudette’s Multi Flower Top Hat ($46.50, on sale) from ASOS. —Madison Robbins
Runway images courtesy of FirstView.
This season, we found ourselves truly transfixed by how many of our favorite shows featured a very spooky aesthetic. We spotted zipper-accented and stud-embellished leather pieces, corsets festooned with straps, buckles and chains, and lots of gothic beauty looks (think: powdery pale skin worn with black lipstick). When we put all of the above together, we suddenly realized this the darkly delightful trend seems to be inspired by an unlikely fashion icon—Tim Burton.
On the off chance that you’re not quite as familiar with Burton’s oeuvre as we are, it’s important to know that all of his amazing films have gloomy glamour in spades. Burton’s characters inhabit a darkly elegant world that is both threatening and docile. They creep through fog-ridden cities lit only by moonlight, dressed in relentlessly formal garb, and many seem to have lost a limb—or more—along the way. In place of the phantom body part, Burton equips his stars (both earthly and animated) with menacing objects like scissors, jack-o-lanterns, and bones. They’re also outfitted with other edgy elements, such as oversized sooty eyes, skinny pinstripe suits, and gothic black lace, resulting in a shadowy sophistication.
We were quite amused (and pleased) to note that many of the season’s best head-to-toe looks could have been pulled directly from Burton’s costume department. At Lanvin, Alber Elbaz showed black-and-white striped frocks and ghostly-pale faces—two of Burton’s signatures—that echoed the director’s cinematic stylings. The color palette at Comme des Garcons was similarly austere and seemed to reference Edward Scissorhands via the bondage-style straps on dresses and pants. We particularly loved the way Roberto Cavalli gave his models high collared-dresses and top hats fit for a post-mortem gala, a la Corpse Bride. The final proof that our Tim Burton theory was correct came when we saw the divine Rodarte show, where the Sisters Mulleavy showed cobweb tights paired with spike-encrusted heels (so Beetle Juice).
With these designers and our director in mind, we looked high (Fleet Street) and low (Halloweentown) in search of the perfect bone-chilling Burtonesque products for you. We began with this Ostrich Feather Bolero ($125) from Topshop to bring you warmth on those chilly autumn evenings. Next, we chose French Connection’s Tudor Silk Dress ($198), which is ideal for gallivanting with friendly ghosts and spirits. Jean-Michel Cazabat’s gray rosette-covered Floral Mouna Flats ($455) and Devotte’s corset-like Lace Up Boot ($475) will allow you to remain stylish at all times—even while fleeing from headless horsemen. We couldn’t resist adding the Large Stone Ring ($133) by Yves Saint Laurent because it gives an eerily glamorous touch to any finger (be it skeletal or flesh). Finally, for a hint of formality so necessary for a Burton-inspired look, we found Chapeau Claudette’s Multi Flower Top Hat ($46.50, on sale) from ASOS. —Madison Robbins
Runway images courtesy of FirstView.
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28 post(s)
Ya know, you can find tights just like the Rodarte tights at GOELLE.NET There are more colors than black, too. And at a waaay lower price. Good luck!
Posted by: Frances | 2008-10-09 19:45:50
I found this website... they sell cute jackets with affordable price, like UK's ASOS Check it out... can anyone give me any suggestion if I should get the jacket below: http://www.fabcloset.com/fc-034.html
Posted by: Nancy | 2008-09-27 14:19:09
I was a little scared, but you guys pulled this together perfectly! Great theme/trend. check out my fashion blog at omowrites.blogspot.com. THANKS! xo, S.
Posted by: Samantha | 2008-09-12 09:54:02
to the person who can't cope with me describing this look , among other things, as 'holocaust', oh good grief get over yourself. i said it looked a bit that way 'for me', just an opinion, it's not a dirty word, i'm describing an aesthetic, therefore it's in context, for me. okay??and i am gown up, i'm nearly 40. no need to get all uppity and righteous.
Posted by: sarah | 2008-09-09 15:22:24
i love tim burtin, my favourite directers like ever! and im suprised ysl is only charging 133, i expected to be much more expensive
Posted by: diana | 2008-09-08 19:53:01
the tights are beautiful! great post! i was atually looking at the topshop piece it looks alot like what mark kate was wearing in ELLE magazine
Posted by: izzy | 2008-09-08 19:09:37
I totally agree that this fall is partially about what I call grunge meets motorcycle. I actually just bought these hot Marc by Marc Jacobs boots that fit the bill. As soon as I put them on, I thought this looks like something from Edward Scissorhands! http://www.eluxury.com/estore/browse/product_detail.jsp?id=11934984
Posted by: jen | 2008-09-08 17:21:12
I love this post and this entire look, I lust so badly for those Rodarte tights! I think the fact that this look is in fashion right now is great but I think its also even more special to those like myself who continually wear this look wether it is en vogue or not. But to the person below who finds the look "so holocaust" honestly grow up. What a completely inappropriate and out of context comment.
Posted by: Elle | 2008-09-08 16:55:39
i love this post!! great concept, and I love time burton! love the boots, bolero and ysl ring! good work!
Posted by: beth | 2008-09-08 16:54:19
independantly love some of these pieces, rodarte, ysl, esp the topshop...but am really not into a goth look, it's so post war, so holocaust, and TB movies creep me out....so 'dead'...but i do appreciate the post in general, nice concept. more of this s'il vous plait!!
Posted by: sarah | 2008-09-08 15:55:31
i want that boots!! <3 tim burton.
Posted by: lola | 2008-09-08 15:40:59
Those flats are GORGEOUS! Great post! Loved the Rodarte show :)
Posted by: Amy | 2008-09-08 13:54:39
Check out Zara's "Gothic Witch" collection too - very similar stuff!
Posted by: Madeleine | 2008-09-08 12:39:20
Fall has to be the best season for clothes. Summer you can't wear too much, winter can be too much, and spring is always the same; florals. Fall fashion is always a surprise, and this was surprise indeed! Looks like it's going to be Halloween early this year!
Posted by: mheflick | 2008-09-08 12:37:33
Oh gosh. I don't think I like any of this. Except for the Rodarte photo and the YSL jewelry. www.RunawayGallery.com
Posted by: Runaway Gallery | 2008-09-08 11:47:32
This is a great post! I love the YSL ring and topshop bolero. www.shinylittlethings.com
Posted by: julie | 2008-09-08 11:36:58
loving it!
Posted by: ...loveMaegan.c | 2008-09-08 11:13:17
this is an amazing post! from the clothing and tim burton pics to the writing..tres cool
Posted by: sara | 2008-09-08 10:39:24
My Style Blog ...* > fashionchalet.blogspot.com < *... Now, this is cool. I really like the concept behind it!! :)
Posted by: fashionchalet | 2008-09-08 09:45:12
Love the concept and originality of this post!
Posted by: fashi0nlover | 2008-09-08 09:43:49
I love the gothic look! I always wear darker colors in the fall and this is just awesome.
Posted by: taylor | 2008-09-08 07:51:57
Cool post! Completely unexpected- yet I adore the Burton/fashion juxtaposition. It would have also made the perfect halloween post! Eve- If you're going to critique something, it usually bears more weight when it's a grammatically sound sentence. i.e "were" and "!?"
Posted by: stephanie | 2008-09-08 07:42:38
I don't like this at all! The dress is pretty... I could see myself wearing that. The rest of it, not so much.
Posted by: Lauren | 2008-09-08 07:35:13
Cool post. Thanks for doing something different. I really like the Devotte boots !
Posted by: Elana | 2008-09-08 06:11:05
eve--chill
Posted by: fashionista | 2008-09-08 02:29:17
were are your fashion week insights !?
Posted by: eve | 2008-09-08 01:54:37
I love those shoes by cazabat! :D and i have a pair of crochet stockings by dkny that i love...
Posted by: lianna | 2008-09-08 00:54:38
i absolutly adore this! Tim Burton is one of my fav difrecotrs and i love this kinda erie fashion :) Hurry for it all! love the boots btw :D
Posted by: Michelle Curry | 2008-09-08 00:22:37