STYLE & SUBSTANCE: When Cinema Meets Historical Fashion Moments
Darlings, as we settle into the winter season’s most anticipated cinematic offering, “September 5” isn’t just making waves for its gripping narrative – it’s serving us a masterclass in 1970s style that’s absolutely impossible to ignore. As your faithful fashion chronicler who’s spent countless hours analyzing the sartorial zeitgeist of every decade, I simply must dish about the exquisite attention to detail in this period piece that’s already generating serious Oscar buzz.
The film’s costume department has meticulously recreated the distinctive ABC newsroom aesthetic of 1972 – think impeccably tailored three-piece suits that would make Tom Ford swoon, paired with those gloriously wide lapels that we’re seeing reimagined on today’s runways (hello, Gucci Fall 2024!). The wardrobe choices speak volumes about that pivotal moment when sportswear met sophistication, and darling, it’s absolutely fascinating.
Peter Sarsgaard’s portrayal of Roone Arledge isn’t just compelling for its dramatic depth – his character’s wardrobe evolution throughout the film mirrors the transformation of broadcast television from mere entertainment to serious journalism. Those perfectly pressed Oxford shirts and precisely knotted ties are giving us major Ralph Lauren Purple Label energy, decades before it existed.
From a fashion perspective, what’s particularly intriguing is how the film captures the exact moment when European sophistication collided with American practicality. The Olympic Village scenes serve as a stunning backdrop for this cultural fusion, showcasing athletic wear that would later influence decades of streetwear trends. (And between us, some of those vintage Olympic uniforms are currently inspiring several major designers – I’ve seen the mood boards, darlings!)
The tension between the polished ABC control room and the gritty reality unfolding before them is brilliantly underscored by the contrast in styling – it’s giving us that high-low mix that we’re all obsessing over right now. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, style tells a story all its own.
For those eagerly awaiting its streaming debut on Paramount Plus (mark your calendars for early March, just before the Oscars), this isn’t just another historical drama – it’s a time capsule of an era when fashion was undergoing its own revolution, darling. And trust me, the influence of ’70s broadcast style is about to have a major moment again.
