Certain fashion film moments are timeless, regardless of whether you’re a couture enthusiast. Vivien’s green curtain gown in ‘Gone with the Wind.’ Marilyn’s white v-neck dress in ‘The Seven-Year Itch.’ Audrey’s little black shift in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s.’

These iconic outfits are still inspiring fashion followers, but even their classic styles can get tired after a while. Thankfully, recent film and television hits showcase enough sartorial eye candy to satisfy even the pickiest of fashion film fanatics.

The runway is no longer the only authority in the fashion industry. Instead of dictating what television stylists and film costumers will prepare for their characters, fashion designers now draw inspiration from the screens they once influenced.

Period pieces are often heavy on dramatic costumes, inspiring yet unattainable. But two of TV’s most popular shows of late provide beautiful, wearable styles for the modern muse. The garments in PBS’ breakout Edwardian-era costume drama ‘Downton Abbey’ are nothing short of a visual feast. Think long, elegant silhouettes, luscious lace with stunning jewel tones and plenty of dapper men in suits.

Ralph Lauren drew heavily on this aesthetic for his fall 2012 collection, composed of tailored suits perfect for hunting in the English countryside and slim, beaded gowns appropriate for a stately mansion dinner. Lauren even used the ‘Downton Abbey’ theme song for his runway show as a nod to the series.

Moving forward 50 years, the more modern styles of the mid-20th century also made their way into the spotlight. This is thanks to ‘Mad Men,’ the ’50s to ’60s-era AMC drama that offers casual yet polished pieces. The show has me craving midi skirts, colorful shifts and the ability to pull my hair into a viable bouffant. And yes – it includes more handsome men rocking suits.

It’s no wonder that Nylon devoted its entire December/January 2012 issue to the ’60s aesthetic. Banana Republic even recently collaborated with ‘Mad Men’ costume designer Janie Bryant for two collections inspired by the show’s couture. Past episodes indicate that the the latest season, which premiered Sunday night on AMC, will deliver even more retro fashions for both vintage junkies and modern fashion mavens.

But it’s not just television. Movies are influencing the current fashion vocabulary just as much as their small-screen counterparts.

Last Friday, 2012’s much-anticipated ‘The Hunger Games’ adaptation hit the big screen. Despite the movie’s less-than-glamorous plot, viewers can garner fashion inspiration from the gaudily costumed cast. Leading the pack is character Effie Trinket, adorned in proportion-defying dresses, architectural Alexander McQueen heels, technicolor hair and bedazzled fingernails. For those looking to get Trinket’s style without the commitment, China Glaze recently released a Hunger Games-themed nail polish collection.

Plenty of last years’ movies got the costume drama treatment, too. French silent film ‘The Artist’ is filled with enough flapper fantasies to satisfy the most loyal F. Scott Fitzgerald devotee. Costume designer Mark Bridges won an Oscar for his efforts. Michelle Williams’ take on the title character in ‘My Week with Marilyn’ channeled midcentury Hollywood glamour – here’s hoping for a comeback of the headscarves-with-sunglasses look.

So what will the future hold? One can’t be too sure, but there will undoubtedly be a surge towards Jazz Age style when Baz Luhrmann’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ hits the screen this December. Expect lots of bobbed hair, skinny silhouettes and an abundance of fringe and beading when the sring 2013 season rolls around.

In the meantime, watch the original through Netflix. It never hurts to be ahead of the curve.

Julie Kosin is a sophomore magazine journalism major. Her column appears every other Monday. She can be reached at jkkosin@syr.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @juliekosin.

Published on March 25, 2012 at 12:00 pm