In 2017, the cinematic world was graced by a film that was not only a masterpiece in storytelling, but also in its sartorial display. ‘Call Me by Your Name’, directed by Luca Guadagnino, captured hearts with its poignant tale of summer love in 1980s Italy. However, as a fashion enthusiast, what caught my eye, was the meticulous detail and thought put into the characters’ wardrobes. The film’s costume designer, Giulia Piersanti, was in charge of curating the iconic outfits that have since been ingrained in our memory.
From the carefree summer attire to the more formal dinner ensembles, each outfit was a testament to the characters’ personalities, their emotional state, and their evolution throughout the film. The fashion in ‘Call Me by Your Name’ is not just about looking good, it’s about feeling, emoting, and living through the characters. This is why I believe it’s worth taking a deep dive into the style and character analysis of this timeless film.
The Significance of Fashion in Character Development
Fashion is not a frivolous aspect of cinema. It plays a vital role in the development of characters and their narrative arcs. In ‘Call Me by Your Name’, the characters’ wardrobes are an extension of their personalities, highlighting their individuality while subtly hinting at their inner turmoil or joy.
In this film, clothing serves as a non-verbal form of communication, allowing the audience to understand the characters better. For instance, Oliver’s American casual style contrasts with Elio’s more European, eclectic wardrobe, creating a visual dichotomy that reflects their cultural differences and their initial emotional distance. As the film progresses and their relationship deepens, we see this divide blur, mirroring their growing intimacy.
Armie Hammer as Oliver
- American Casual: Oliver’s style is quintessentially American – simple, comfortable and functional. He sports classic pieces like denim shorts, polo shirts, and Converse sneakers.
- Bold Colors: Oliver is often seen in bold, vibrant colors that reflect his outgoing and confident personality.
- Star of David Necklace: One of Oliver’s most significant accessories is the Star of David necklace, symbolizing his hidden Jewish heritage and his internal struggle with identity.
Armie Hammer’s portrayal of Oliver is as much about his commanding presence as it is about his wardrobe. His style is uncomplicated yet effective, mirroring his straightforward and assertive nature.
Timothée Chalamet as Elio
- Eclectic and Expressive: Elio’s style is an eclectic mix of casual and formal pieces, reflecting his fluidity and his exploration of his identity.
- Music Inspired: As a talented musician, Elio’s style often mirrors his love for music, with band tees and vintage pieces making frequent appearances.
- Symbolic Accessories: Elio’s wristwatch and glasses are notable accessories, serving as symbols of his intellectual pursuits and his passage of time.
Timothée Chalamet’s Elio is a character of many layers, and his wardrobe is a testament to his complexity. His style evolution throughout the film subtly hints at his emotional growth and self-discovery.
Michael Stuhlbarg as Mr. Perlman
- Relaxed and Intellectual: As an archeologist, Mr. Perlman’s style is relaxed yet scholarly, with earth-toned pieces and comfortable footwear.
- Classic and Timeless: His wardrobe consists of classic pieces like linen shirts and slacks, reflecting his mature and grounded personality.
- Symbolic Accessories: Mr. Perlman often wears an archeologist’s tool belt, symbolizing his passion for history and knowledge.
Michael Stuhlbarg’s Mr. Perlman is a character of wisdom and compassion, and his wardrobe reflects his intellectual pursuits and his nurturing nature.
Amira Casar as Annella Perlman
- Elegance with a Bohemian Twist: Amira Casar’s Annella Perlman, Elio’s mother, is the epitome of sophistication. Her style is a blend of classic elegance and bohemian whimsy, with flowing dresses, intricate patterns, and delicate jewelry.
- Color Palette: Her outfits predominantly consist of earthy browns, deep blues, and pops of red, mirroring her grounded and nurturing personality.
- Signature Style Elements: Annella’s look is characterized by loose, flowing garments, intricate prints, and layered jewelry.
Annella’s style is a reflection of her character – nurturing, sophisticated, and deeply connected to her environment. It’s a style that speaks of maturity and confidence, yet with a bohemian flair that hints at her artistic and intellectual pursuits.
Esther Garrel as Marzia
- Effortlessly Chic: Esther Garrel’s Marzia is effortlessly chic, embodying the laid-back, youthful vibe of the Italian summer.
- Color Palette: Her wardrobe is a sun-drenched palette of light blues, whites, and yellows, reflecting her sunny and vivacious personality.
- Signature Style Elements: Key elements of Marzia’s style include sundresses, high-waisted shorts, and simple, dainty jewelry.
Marzia’s style is a perfect encapsulation of youthful elegance and casual chic, a testament to her free-spirited and outgoing personality. It’s a style that’s as refreshing as it is timeless, a perfect blend of youthful exuberance and understated sophistication.
Victoire Du Bois as Chiara
- Boho-Glam: Victoire Du Bois’ Chiara oozes boho-glam with her vibrant outfits and statement pieces.
- Color Palette: Her wardrobe is dominated by bold hues like oranges, pinks, and purples, echoing her extroverted and vivacious personality.
- Signature Style Elements: Chiara’s style is characterized by bold prints, colorful accessories, and oversized sunglasses.
Chiara’s style is as bold and vibrant as her personality. It’s a style that’s unapologetically flamboyant, reflecting her confidence and zest for life.
Vanda Capriolo as Mafalda
- Simple and Practical: Vanda Capriolo’s Mafalda, the Perlman’s housekeeper, has a simple and practical style.
- Color Palette: Her wardrobe mainly consists of neutral tones, reflecting her down-to-earth and reliable nature.
- Signature Style Elements: Mafalda’s style revolves around functional pieces like aprons, simple dresses, and comfortable footwear.
Mafalda’s style is uncomplicated and pragmatic, mirroring her diligent and dependable character. It’s a style grounded in functionality, reflecting the simplicity of her everyday routines.
Overview of ‘Call Me by Your Name (2017)’ Aesthetic
The film’s aesthetic is a nostalgic homage to the languid, sun-soaked Italian summers of the 1980s. The characters’ wardrobes are an integral part of this aesthetic, helping to establish the film’s temporal and geographical setting. The outfits are a mix of classic Italian elegance, understated glamour, and youthful exuberance, reflecting the inherent charm and allure of the Italian countryside.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions: How to dress like the characters
To emulate the characters’ styles:
- Elio: Opt for vintage-inspired pieces like high-waisted shorts, loose shirts, and retro sneakers. Don’t forget to add a touch of youthful rebellion with band tees and worn-out denim.
- Oliver: Embrace classic American casual with polo shirts, khaki shorts, and Converse sneakers. Keep it simple and effortless, embodying Oliver’s laid-back charm.
- Annella: Experiment with bohemian-inspired pieces like flowing dresses, patterned scarves, and layered jewelry. Stick to a warm, earthy color palette to echo Annella’s grounded personality.
- Marzia: Opt for chic, summer-friendly pieces like sundresses, high-waisted shorts, and strappy sandals. Stick to a light, sunny color palette to reflect Marzia’s vivacious personality.
- Chiara: Embrace bold, vibrant pieces like colorful mini dresses, statement accessories, and oversized sunglasses. Don’t shy away from bold prints and bright colors, embodying Chiara’s extroverted personality.
- Mafalda: Opt for simple, functional pieces like aprons, simple dresses, and comfortable footwear. Stick to a neutral color palette to reflect Mafalda’s down-to-earth personality.
Where to buy the key elements of their outfits
You can replicate the characters’ styles by shopping at vintage stores, thrift shops, and online retailers like ASOS, Urban Outfitters, and Free People. For more upscale pieces, brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada offer Italian elegance reminiscent of the film’s aesthetic.
How to incorporate ‘Call Me by Your Name (2017)’ style into your everyday outfits
Incorporating the film’s style into your everyday outfits is all about embracing its key elements: vintage-inspired pieces, earthy tones, bold prints, and a relaxed, effortless vibe. Add a touch of Italian elegance with classic pieces, or channel your inner bohemian with flowing dresses and layered jewelry.
Conclusion: The lasting impact of ‘Call Me by Your Name (2017)’ on fashion
‘Call Me by Your Name (2017)’ has left an indelible mark on fashion, inspiring a renewed interest in 1980s style and Italian elegance. Its characters’ wardrobes serve as a sartorial blueprint, offering endless inspiration for those looking to incorporate a touch of cinematic glamour into their everyday style.
Why not take a leaf from their book and start your own fashion journey today? And remember, fashion is all about self-expression, so don’t be afraid to add your own twist to these styles. After all, as the film beautifully illustrates, it’s the personal touches that truly make an outfit.
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