The 1960’s were a golden era for fashion and film alike. As cinema evolved into a more expressive and experimental medium, costume design became a crucial storytelling device—shaping trends, defining characters, and revolutionizing the way people dressed off screen. From the space-age futurism of Barbarella to the elegant minimalism of Belle de Jour, these films transcended cinema, becoming the blueprint for an entire generation’s aspirational style. To follow is a study of some of the most influential designers who crafted the cinematic style of the decade and how their work impacted fashion history.
Paco Rabanne – Barbarella (1968)
French designer Paco Rabanne was at the forefront of the 1960’s futuristic fashion movement, and Barbarella cemented his status as a visionary. Jane Fonda’s intergalactic heroine was outfitted in Rabanne’s signature metallic mini dresses, chainmail bodices, and sculptural designs. His work blurred the line between costume and high fashion, influencing designers who embraced space-age aesthetics, like Courrèges and Pierre Cardin.
(Jane Fonda, Barbarella)
(1969, ParisPhoto by REPORTERS ASSOCIES/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
(Paco Rabanne, Haute Couture, collection SS 1986. Photo by Daniel SIMON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Hubert de Givenchy – Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Perhaps one of the most iconic pieces of film fashion history – Audrey Hepburn’s black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Designed by Hubert de Givenchy, the sleek column gown paired with oversized sunglasses and pearls became the epitome of timeless elegance. Givenchy’s collaboration with Hepburn extended beyond the film, shaping her public image and cementing his legacy in both Hollywood and haute couture.
André Courrèges – Two for the Road (1967) and La Piscine (1969)
In 1950, André Courrèges was apprenticed to Cristóbal Balenciaga - who taught him that style was a harmony of technique and aesthetics. Courrèges is considered by many an architect of fashion design for the modern woman.
Courrèges’ designs for Audrey Hepburn in Two for the Road (1967) perfectly encapsulated the shift from early ‘60s primness to late ‘60s mod chic. His pieces featured structured silhouettes, crisp white go-go boots, and geometric cuts that defined the mod era. Courrèges' futuristic and youthful approach to fashion had a lasting impact, inspiring generations of designers.
La Piscine (1969), an undeniably chic and sexy French film starring Alain Delon, Romy Schneider, and Jane Birkin. While not officially credited to Courrèges, the film’s minimalist, but playful wardrobe reflects his signature aesthetic. In both the characters and their wardrobes, is a subtle arrogance, so hypnotic against the backdrop of the French Riviera.
Yves Saint Laurent – Belle de Jour (1967)
Catherine Deneuve’s wardrobe in Belle de Jour is one of the most sophisticated in film history, thanks to Yves Saint Laurent. The film’s mix of conservative daywear—structured coats, chic shift dresses, and bow-tie blouses—juxtaposed with sultry lingerie played with themes of duality, a concept YSL would explore throughout his career. His designs popularized Parisian minimalism, a style that remains coveted today.
Edith Head – The Birds (1963)
Edith Head, Hollywood’s most prolific costume designer, created Tippi Hedren’s impeccably tailored green suit in The Birds. The monochromatic look became an icon of suspense cinema and inspired a wave of sophisticated, color-coordinated ensembles in the mid-’60s. Head’s designs often prioritized both elegance and practicality, making her a go-to for defining classic Hollywood style.
Pierre Cardin – A Doppia Faccia (1969)
Pierre Cardin was a master of architectural fashion, and his futuristic designs found their way onto the big screen in films like A Doppia Faccia. His bold, avant-garde silhouettes, structured coats, and geometric patterns made a lasting impact on ‘60s fashion. Cardin’s space-age aesthetic, along with his innovative use of materials like vinyl and metallics, set the tone for the decade’s fascination with modernity and the future.
( A Doppia Faccia)
Why We Still Care
These designers weren’t just dressing characters; they were shaping the visual language of an era. Their cinematic influence extended far beyond the screen, influencing runways, fashion trends, and even modern interpretations of ‘60s aesthetics today. The fashion of the 60’s is a timeless muse - ever relevant, ever aspirational. It seems to linger like a perfect dream.
1 comment
This was a pleasure to view and read!
I lived through that era and know all of those films – but never realized the extent to which they influenced fashion! Show me MORE!