It takes filmmakers months of in-depth research to produce a movie based on real events without watering historical accuracy. Both critics and movie buffs agree that historical accuracy is extremely important to creating a story that doesn’t misrepresent actual events or deceive the attentive audience who are already absorbing information like a sponge.
The costume is one of the most important parts of historical movies. It not only shows a glimpse of the past but helps viewers feel transported back to the time the film is portraying. Many iconic outfits are remade to the most exact details and some of them even won an Academy award.
Keep scrolling down to see the difference between the inspiration and the masterpiece.
#1 Billie Holiday’s floral ensemble in The United States vs. Billie Holiday
Source: © Album Online/East News, © Album Online/East News
Billie Holiday’s one-night-only dresses become iconic. With the help of the fashion powerhouse Prada, the costume designers of “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” Created copies of Billie’s concert dresses for Andra Day.
#2 Freddie Mercury’s Live Aid get-up in Bohemian Rhapsody
Source: Georges De Keerle
Source: © Bohemian Rhapsody/20th Century Studios
We can see plain Freddie Mercury’s look during the Live Aid concert. Moreover, Rami Malek’s precise choreography brought us back to the iconic event in 1985.
#3 Selena Quintanilla’s iconic purple jumpsuit from Selena, the movie and series
Source: © Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection/ East News, © Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection/East News
Christian Serratos portrayed Selena in the movie “Selena: The Series”. The actress wore dazzling outfits that express the character and among 50 costumes, the purple jumpsuit stood out the most. The iconic piece has been so ingrained in the memories of Selena fans that all who attempted to copy the look have exuded the star power of the late singer.
#4 Elton John’s highly decorated wardrobe in Rocketman
Source: George Wilkes Archive / Getty Images
Source: © David Appleby/Everett Collection/East News
Taron Egerton appeared as Elton in “Rocketman”. He wore intricate costumes, expressing the wildness of Elton’s imagination. The costume designers used a million crystals in Taron’s costumes to portray his extravagance throughout the film.
#5 Anne Boleyn decked in jewels in The Other Boleyn Girl
Source: © Portrait of Anne Boleyn/National Portrait Gallery/Wikimedia Commons, © Public Domain Mark 1.0, © Allpix Press/East News
Anne Boleyn is remembered because of her taste for expensive fashion. The costume designers for “The Other Boleyn Girl” created exactly her costume, from the bejeweled Cranach gowns to the veiled headpieces and down to the classic “B” pendant.
#6 Pamela Anderson’s infamous black latex top in Pam and Tommy
Source: © Wren Maloney/Dark Horse/Polygram/Kobal/Shutterstock.com, © Album Online/East News
It seems that there is no difference between Pamela and Lily James when the latter appeared as Pamela Anderson in the movie “Pam and Tommy”. The costume and makeup team depicted exactly the blonde bombshell’s most iconic looks.
#7 Jackie Kennedy’s colorfully tailored dresses in Jackie
Source: Bettmann
Source: © Fox Searchlight/Everett Collection/EAST NEWS
Natalie Portman embodied Jackie Kennedy, a former first play of the United States of America in “Jackie”. The actress pulled off most of Jackie’s icon looks, putting on similar versions of the tailored matching blouses and skirts the designer made.
#8 Mr. Rogers’ dapper look in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Source: © Everett Collection/East News, © TriStar Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection/ East News
The viewers had a sense of nostalgia thanks to the iconic cardigan, shirt and tie, and sneakers. To make the character as realistic as possible, the designers borrowed inspiration from some of Mr.Rogers’ old clothes.
#9 Catherine the Great’s intricate ballgowns in The Great
Source: © Mrlopez2681/Empress Catherine The Great circa 1845 (George Christoph Grooth)/Hermitage Museum/Wikimedia Commons, © Public Domain Mark 1.0, © The Great/MRC Entertainment
Many were impressed with Catherine the Great’s glamorous ballgowns that were French-inspired during the 18th century. The Hulu series “The Great”, starring Elle Fanning, portrayed the late monarch’s flashy fashion. the costumes expressed court elegance from the sashes to the petticoats and embroidery.
#10 Frida Kahlo’s floral ensemble in Frida
Source: © Khubbard nti/Frida Digital Colorization/Wikimedia Commons, © CC BY-SA 4.0, © New Yorker Films/Courtesy Everett Collection/East News
The eccentric painter used
animals, plants, and flowers in her masterpieces. In the movie “Frida”, designer Julie Weiss created costumes that combine flowers and bold colors.
#11 Princess Diana’s black evening gown in Diana
Source: © Tim Rooke/Shutterstock.com, © bauergriffinonline.com/East News
Princess Diana’s fashionable moments were recreated in the movie “Diana”. One of the most notable gowns is the embellished black one she wore on her 36th birthday and the designers made a great job when creating its replica. And Naomi Watts luckily put on this dress.