I'm so glad we rented it. In the film Frank Serpico (played by Al Pacino) has the best wardrobe. I can't believe I've never heard anyone reference this film for its fashion - it just blows me away. I mean, Serpico has more costume changes than Carrie Bradshaw!
Serpico's look is that of a 1960s laid-back, hippie New Yorker wearing long silver chains, beaded necklaces, aviators, leather vests, light cotton shirts, multiple rings on each hand, and wide-leg pants. The best (and most suprising) part is that Al Pacino totally rocks this look. I'm not much of a Pacino fan, but I have to admit that he looks great throughout the whole film - even when he's wearing a giant brown cape and hat (see top right picture above).
I love how the clothes look like real clothes and not costumes. Every item looks worn and nothing fits perfectly.
Frank Serpico wears a number of fantastic hats throughout the film. My favorite is the white bucket hat.
Even Serpico's apartment in the film is amazing. It looks like something Domino magazine would use for inspiration with its white-washed walls, non-matchy furniture, stacks of books, open shelves, and an abundance of plants.
For those of you who haven't seen this film, go rent it now! Even non-fashionistas will appreciate the great acting and scenery (filmed in over 100 locations around NYC).
CL
32 comments:
AL PACINO! AL PACINO! haha i love when inspiration comes from the most unexpected places. i'll add this one to my summer movie list :)
I will see if I can rent this out-I love 70s films and this one looks ace!!
Bravo, Asian Cajuns!
This is perhaps my favorite blog post of y'all's. The depth of explanation and examples have really sold me on Serpico.
Plus, I love that episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Plus, it just goes to show you that Wes Anderson knew what he was doing when he used Serpico as one of the plays in Rushmore.
I'm officially obsessed with that girl's look in the movie. Her sleek ponytail is casual, but pretty and that floral dress with ballet flats is so sweet! Good find!
Terren, definitely do! It is slower paced than current movies, but we were mesmerized! Tell us what you think once you see it!
Sharon Rose, it is- oh it is! You will absolutely love it!
Lain, why thank you! This is all Cath's very hard work and diligent attitude towards spreading fashion inspiration to all (who read our blog). When does Wes not know what he's doing- I'm sure he is a Serpico fashion fan.
C and C, us too! When we saw her in that perfect red boho dress we swooned! She wears a few other outfits in the movie so do rent it!
That does look great. I like films too where the wardrobe seems natural--like Lost in Translation. Scarlett's hair is never perfect, her clothes aren't amazing, but she seems so real.
I've been wanting to watch Serpico for awhile after reading the book!! thanks for the preview! another great movie for just staring at the sets and fashion is Butterfield 8! doesn't hurt that elizabeth taylor stars too. ;)
I LOVE posts that examine the fashions of a particular movie -- especially when it's a film like this, where you wouldn't immediately think of it as stylish.
You're totally right though! I'm a huge Paccino fan and I can't believe I never noticed it. That shot of him in the tight, delicately ribbed henley with the buttons undone, he looks like he's posing for a 70's Calvin Klein ad! This post is awesome. I'm totally bookmarking it so I can look back later.
al pacino is my fav!! serpico is an amazing movie too. =)
OMG, great screen grabs. Love all the looks.
I've gotta rent it!
Thanks for reminding me of Serpico--and since I saw it so long ago, I didn't remember the clothes, sets, or location sites. I'm definitely going to watch it again. And Stephan hasn't seen it.
By the way, did you guys ever see "Sea of Love" with Pacino and Ellen Barkin? I don't like her very much (although her ex-husband Gabriel Byrne and I were very sympatico--he rocks [and not just because he's Irish, he's all that and completely charming and disarming]), but I remember that I liked her wardrobe and modeled some of my work clothes after hers. I think it got me started on short skirts. Of course, you may look at the film and wince at her clothes, and they may be extremely dated, but I remember some suits that I loved...I need to see that movie again as well.
It looks really good!!! I think I am gonna try renting the show or something..
will rent it!
all outfits look vintage! love vintage!
I love this movie! One of my favourite 70s films and I don't usually love 70s that that much! I remember the first time I watched it, I was shocked that how effortlessly stylish they all look! Superb review! A fabulous job to point it out!
That is crazy! I want that FRIDGE! I know the hair is kinda hippie but I love it on a man. Kudos to you for renting old skool- I think I'm gonna go watch Tootsie!
Very cool post!
Lovely, The looks are soooo cool!
This will be in my netflix movie list!!
There are lots of reasons this movie is a classic, and style is definitely one of them.
I also like that the Beastie Boys got some influence from this film for their "Sabotage" video.
hot
where can i find a boy like him!? dresses great AND knows how to keep houseplants alive!
man.
you guys win.
<3
becca
definitely an inspriration!
This is the exact look Justin T is working in the Love Guru
that Mike Myers film that looks shit!
Oh I love thrifting, it's like a sport for me. In fact, if it were a sport I'd be a shoe in for the Olympics.
Thank you for the review. I will definately rent it...
I'm so glad to see there are so many Serpico fans out there - woot, woot!
Yes you all totally need to rent it and tell me which outfits/rooms inspired you.
Sounds like we should go rent Butterfield 8 and Sea of Love.
SEXY!!! & fashionable too;)
Good point about his wardrobe. I watched this movie last night for the first time, and Al Pacino was awesome. But I never really thought too hard about his clothes - other than that they were pretty weird. It is quite unique - and he totally pulls it off.
WOW....at last, someone else who see the 'genus' for the Serpico Wardrobe/ style....
GREAT film made in the moment for a moment!
Hey, you might all be interested in knowing that someone else loved the Serpico style. Check out this link and look for the Paco hat:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5852623
I have got to get me one!
Thanks for the link, Nicholas! I totally want a Paco hat!
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