A Most Violent Year’s Wardrobe Is Anything But
Photography by Roy Beeson
The release of American Gigolo in 1980 cemented Richard Gere’s sex appeal, no doubt aided by the Giorgio Armani clothes that his character wore throughout. It was also this film that launched Armani’s career in Hollywood and introduced a new loser, more relaxed silhouette that became the norm for menswear in the following years. Since then, Armani has provided his signature minimal clothes for a variety of actors in American and foreign films, including Brad Pitt in Inglorious Bastards, and Jodie Foster in Elysium.
For A Most Violent Year, Academy Award nominee J.C. Chandor’s newest film, out on December 31st, Giorgio Armani is once again bringing his magic touch to the big screen, providing the key looks for Jessica Chastain’s character Anna. The movie takes place in 1981 New York City, so it makes perfect sense that costume designer Kasia Walicka-Maimone and Chandor, sought to collaborate with the designer, who set the trends of the time. Walicka-Maimone worked with the Armani team to create a custom wardrobe for Chastain’s character, along with original pieces from their vintage archive. A selection of the film’s pieces is now on display on the third floor at the Giorgio Armani flagship (717 5th Avenue at 56th St), including a white coat with a wide lapel and matching thick, belt with an oval-shaped buckle, that will surely become one of the film’s iconic looks. A delicately embroidered bolero jacket, paired with an army green silk dress and gold trim belt, is the real showstopper.
The exhibit runs until Monday, December 8th at 7pm.
