This, Madame, is Versailles.

Dear Readers,

Today's post is inspired by one of my favourite movies ever, 'Marie Antoinette', which happens to be directed by my third most favourite director, namely Sophia Coppola. I watched this movie for the nth time with one of my oldest friends yesterday, as we feasted on pizza and plenty of catching-up. This film, ladies and gentlemen, is nothing less than 'Marie Antoinette', starring Kirsten Dunst in the leading role. 

Many of us are familiar with the legendary character of Marie Antoinette, a symbol of decadence and expensive taste. Marie Antoinette is notoriously credited for having spent France into ruin, something which has earned her the title of 'Madame Deficit'. She was also attributed a number of extra-marital love affairs amongst the many other scandals and rumours that she had to deal with. However, in this film, Coppola managed to show us another side to Marie-Antoinette. She portrays her vulnerability, her loneliness, her tumultuous early marriage and the enormous pressures to provide France with an heir. 

Marie Antoinette and Fashion

This alternative picture of the last Queen of France is only one of the reasons why I'm in love with the movie. Well, my fascination with the court, especially the one of Versailles, is largely behind my affection for this film as well. But, as you might expect, the fashion element of this movie has made me watch it over and over again. Marie-Antoinette's love for fashion is widely acknowledged, so much so she's considered to be 'The Queen of Fashion'. The movie's costume designer, Milena Canonero, has done an extremely good job, pleasing our eyes with sensational gowns that are the epitome of the French court's class and style. Let's not forget that this film won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, just saying!

Might I also remind you that Kirsten Dunst, dressed as Marie Antoinette obviously, graced the cover of Vogue's September issue back in 2006. This was one of Vogue's best covers and editorials ever. I'm posting some of the images here below. Just stunning, right?

Marie Antoinette as a muse?

You know me, I'm always looking for fashion inspiration and style muses. Marie Antoinette and her big dresses can serve as inspiration, surprising as it may sound. I don't intend to convince you to wear one of these exquisite dresses to go to class or out to dinner. However, by analysing the defining traits of Marie Antoinette's style, we might translate her 18th century fashion to 21st century style.

Firstly, I start by observing her colour palette. There's nothing to get confused about here, because her colour choices are very limited and predictable. Marie Antoinette is always clad in pastel colours, ranging from baby pink, to pale yellow to baby blue. In terms of neutral colours, Marie-Antoinette opts for ivory, although we see her in black dresses when she mourns her mother's death and when she attends a lavish masquerade in Paris. So, want to emulate Marie-Antoinette's style? Then reach for pastels and ivory, my dearest. Oh, and never mind popular myths that say pastels are restricted to Spring. That's a lie. One big fat lie.

Moving on from colour to structure. Marie Antoinette's typical dresses at court consist of full-blown, hoop-style skirts skirts. Needless to say, don't try to buy one. Instead, for some true MA vibe, look for skirts that play with volume. You're bound to find plenty of such skirts in stores at the moments. Keep a close eye for ruffle skirts, they pretty much do the trick :)

Oh, speaking about ruffles, that brings me to another aspect we can observe: details. Marie Antoinette's style is all about details like pretty bows, ruffles, feathers, gems and tassels amongst many others. Such details handed down from one decade to another, so it's not impossible - quite easy actually - to find attire sporting these details in our modern day and age. You could also rely on accessories to add-on some more Marie Antoinette style details to your outfit. Trust me, you're spoilt for choice on this one.

Last but not least, a few words on textures and fabrics. Marie Antoinette's dresses are not exempt from frequent use of lace, brocade and silk. Fabrics tend to be very, very feminine, although rumour has it MA liked to male-inspired details as well. I can't say the latter aspect comes out in Coppola's movie though. A further feminine element in her style is the use of floral patterns, which feature quite often in her attire. There's no denying that florals are one of the most feminine motifs, and hey, there's not difficult to find so yay!

I highly recommend this movie to everyone! The soundtrack is also very good. Here's a little secret: it's been on repeat since last night! Call me obsessed.

With this little confession, I leave you readers to the final hours of September 11th. Before leaving I would spare a few words to honour all the victims of 9/11. May all the victims rest in peace.

-B