Dressing the Wolkenbruch Way: ‘The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch (2018)’

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Image Source: FreeImages

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## Introduction to ‘The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch (2018)’

Let’s dive into the world of the Swiss-German film, ‘The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch’ (2018), a delightful coming-of-age movie that beautifully blends cultural norms with an unconventional love story. Set in the heart of Zurich’s Orthodox Jewish community, the film is a fashion goldmine, showcasing unique ensembles that are as integral to the narrative as the characters wearing them. The character’s outfits offer a rich visual narrative, giving us a glimpse into their personalities, ideologies, and the cultural milieu they inhabit.

Overview of ‘The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch (2018)’ Aesthetic

The aesthetic of ‘The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch’ (2018) is deeply rooted in the Orthodox Jewish tradition, but with a modern twist. The film oscillates between traditional Jewish attire and contemporary fashion, creating a unique blend of old and new that characterizes the characters’ styles.

• Traditional Attire: The men are often seen in black suits, white shirts, and black hats, while the women wear modest dresses and head coverings. These outfits reflect their strong adherence to traditional Jewish customs.
• Contemporary Fashion: Amidst the traditional attire, there are instances of modern fashion, particularly with the characters Motti Wolkenbruch and Laura, illustrating their break from tradition and yearning for personal freedom.
• Cinematic Aesthetic: The film’s high-contrast color palette, with its deep blacks and vibrant colors, further accentuates the characters’ outfits, adding a cinematic flair to their looks.

Joel Basman as Motti Wolkenbruch

Joel Basman’s character, Motti Wolkenbruch, undergoes a significant transformation throughout the film, which is evident in his evolving style.

• Early Motti: In the beginning, Motti is seen in traditional Orthodox Jewish attire, similar to his peers, symbolizing his conformity to societal norms.
• Transformed Motti: As Motti begins to question his traditional lifestyle, his style evolves. We see him in contemporary clothing – jeans, t-shirts, and jackets, reflecting his desire for change and individuality.
• Key Elements: His transition is marked by his switch from black and white clothing to colorful outfits, his preference for casual wear over formal attire, and his willingness to experiment with different looks.

Noémie Schmidt as Laura

Noémie Schmidt’s character, Laura, is a free spirit, and her style reflects this.

• Laura’s Style: Laura’s outfits are eclectic and bohemian, with a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. She isn’t afraid to play with colors and patterns, which reflects her vibrant personality.
• Key Elements: Her style is characterized by colorful dresses, chunky jewelry, oversized sunglasses, and a variety of headgear, adding a chic edge to her bohemian look.

Udo Samel as Tate Moishe Wolkenbruch

Udo Samel portrays Tate Moishe Wolkenbruch, Motti’s conservative father. His style is a reflection of his deep-seated beliefs and traditions.

• Tate Moishe’s Style: He is often seen in traditional Jewish attire – a black suit, white shirt, and black hat, representing his strict adherence to Orthodox Jewish customs.
• Key Elements: His outfits are simple yet elegant, with minimal accessories, except for a pair of spectacles and a watch, reflecting his no-nonsense personality.

Sunnyi Melles as Frau Silberzweig

Frau Silberzweig, played by the phenomenal Sunnyi Melles, exudes sophistication and grace in her every appearance. Her character, as a classy lady of high society, is reflected brilliantly through her wardrobe.

• Silk Scarves: Frau Silberzweig is often seen sporting silk scarves, adding an element of luxury to her outfits. Silk scarves are versatile and can be worn in numerous ways to elevate your look.
• Statement Jewelry: Her love for statement jewelry, particularly chunky necklaces and brooches, is evident. These pieces add a pop of color and personality to her outfits.
• Monochromatic Outfits: She is often seen in monochromatic outfits, which exude elegance and sophistication. These outfits can be easily recreated by pairing items of the same color.

Inge Maux as Mame Judith Wolkenbruch

Inge Maux’s portrayal of Mame Judith Wolkenbruch is that of a traditional Jewish matriarch, reflected in her attire. Her style is rooted in her culture, yet exudes a timeless charm.

• Traditional Attire: Mame Judith is often seen in traditional attire, reflecting her strong cultural roots. This includes long skirts, headscarves, and modest blouses.
• Layering: Her outfits often involve layering, which not only adds depth to her looks but also lends a cozy, comfortable vibe.
• Warm, Earthy Tones: Her wardrobe consists mainly of warm, earthy tones that resonate with her nurturing, motherly character.

Lena Kalisch as Michal Süskind

Michal Süskind, played by Lena Kalisch, is a character full of vitality and free-spiritedness. Her style is youthful and dynamic, reflecting her lively personality.

• Denim: Michal’s love for denim is evident, whether it’s jackets, jeans, or skirts. Denim is a versatile fabric that can effortlessly add a casual, youthful vibe to any outfit.
• Bright Colors and Bold Prints: She’s not afraid to experiment with bright colors and bold prints, which add a fun, playful element to her style.
• Comfortable Footwear: Michal’s footwear choices lean towards comfort, with sneakers and flats being her go-to options.

Aaron Arens as Yossi

Aaron Arens’s character, Yossi, is a traditional, disciplined man. His attire reflects his character’s stern yet compassionate nature.

• Traditional Attire: Yossi is often seen in traditional attire, which includes black coats, hats, and trousers. This reflects his deep-rooted cultural beliefs and disciplined lifestyle.
• Minimalistic Approach: His style is minimalistic, often sporting monochromatic outfits with little to no accessories. This simplicity speaks volumes of his straightforward, no-nonsense character.
• Well-Maintained Beard: Yossi’s well-maintained beard is a significant part of his look, symbolizing his maturity and wisdom.

Styling Tips for Different Occasions

• Formal Occasions: Opt for a classic black suit, white shirt, and a black hat, echoing the traditional attire of the Orthodox Jewish community.
• Casual Occasions: Embrace the contemporary fashion seen in the film by pairing jeans with a comfortable t-shirt or a bright-colored top.
• Bohemian Chic: To achieve Laura’s bohemian style, mix and match vintage and contemporary pieces, play with colors and patterns, and don’t shy away from chunky jewelry and unique headgear.

Get the look: Summary of outfits and where to buy them

Achieving the Wolkenbruch look is easier than you think. Here’s a simple guide to help you get the look:

• Traditional Attire: Black suits and white shirts are readily available in menswear stores. For the black hat, try a specialty hat store or an online marketplace like Amazon.
• Contemporary Outfits: For Motti’s casual look, check out stores like H&M, Zara, or Asos. They offer a wide range of jeans, t-shirts, and jackets at affordable prices.
• Bohemian Style: For Laura’s eclectic style, thrift stores and vintage shops are your best friends. Look for bright, patterned dresses, oversized sunglasses, and chunky jewelry.

How to include elements of ‘The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch (2018)’ in your personal style

Incorporating elements from ‘The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch’ into your personal style is all about balance.

• Blend Tradition and Modernity: Just like the characters in the movie, balance traditional and contemporary elements in your outfits. Pair a traditional piece with a modern one for a unique look.
• Experiment with Color: Don’t be afraid to incorporate color into your wardrobe. Whether it’s a bright top or a colorful accessory, it can add a pop of personality to your look.
• Play with Accessories: Accessories can make or break an outfit. Experiment with different types of hats, jewelry, and sunglasses to find what works best for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ‘The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch’ offers a treasure trove of fashion inspiration. The characters’ outfits not only reflect their personalities and cultural backgrounds but also their personal journeys and transformations. By incorporating elements from the film into your personal style, you can create a unique look that is both traditional and modern, just like the characters in the film.

Now, it’s your turn to experiment with these styles and make them your own. Share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!