Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a cinematic triumph. Not only it is a Golden Globe winner for Best Motion Picture; but Penelope Cruz’s outstanding performance as the crazy Marie Elena earned her both an Oscar and Bafta for Best Supporting Actress. Here is how to channel some of Marie Elena’s sultry Spanish style into your summer wardrobe.
The key here is sensuality, with an air of umpredictability. The character has a wild nature but is undeniable feminine and all of these aspects should be incorporated.
image courtesy of www.blindie.com
image from http://seul-le-cinema.blogspot.co.uk
Set in Barcelona, the scorching sun means light, floating skirts and dresses such as the pieces pictured here from the ‘Southern’ collection at French Connection are absolute essentials.
Marie Elena’s clothes are simple with neutral tones (lots of white flowing dresses), remember when she goes blackberry picking with Cristina and Juan. Examples of appropriate highstreet alternatives include these found in River Island.
The darker side of this enigmatic character is depicted in her choice to wear black, seen when we first meet her following her suicide attempt, when she argues with her husband in the street and also when she shoots at Vicky and Juan.
image courtesy of www.fanpop.com
Though we never see her in the colour, Marie Elena’s passionate, fiery nature owes itself well to the colour red. These examples of suitable dresses were found on the ASOS website.
To complete all of these looks, think tousled, slightly unkempt hair and heavily kohl-lined eyes. Accessorize with a black boater and a leather satchel. Marie Elena is also rarely seen without a camera and a cigarette but obviously those are optional. x x x