cinematic fashion: Bonnie & Clyde

Bonnie & Clyde is the 1967 American crime film directed by Arthur Penn and starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway as the stars, Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. The film features Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman and Estelle Parsons, with Denver Pyle,Dub Taylor, Gene Wilder, Evans Evans and Mabel Cavitt.

The film follows a couple trying to make ends meet and make it big in the middle of the Great Depression. Clyde Barrow (Warren Beatty) and Bonnie Parker (Faye Dunaway) met when Clyde tries to steal Bonnie's mother's car. Bonnie, who is at a standstill in life and is completely bored by her job as a waitress, is intrigued with Clyde, and decides to take up with him and become his partner in crime. Together they do some holdups, but their amateur efforts, while exciting, are not profitable. Within time, the duo become full time successful bank robbers, murderers and criminals. Their love never dies but unfortunately, they do, after they are finally caught up with by the police after being on the run.

Bonnie & Clyde is considered a landmark film, and is highly respected and seen as one of the first films of the New Hollywood era, since it broke manytaboos and was popular with the younger generation. Its success motivated other filmmakers to be more forward about presenting sex and violence in their films. The overall styling of the film is beautiful and Bonnie & Clyde are depicted as this very in love, glamourous and sexy couple. They are doing horrible things but there is an attraction from the audience that is seen. There is an appeal about them.

Clyde's dapper clothing and Bonnie's put together chic look made people all over the country swoon and trends were built. Every woman wanted to be Faye Dunaway in Bonnie & Clyde and the style impact is still seen on the fashion industry today.

Here are some examples of Bonnie's impact on the fashion industry even up til this day: