Focus Fashion Notes

Mannish style or the boyfriend trend keeps going around and around. It began its journey in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s but really made its mark in the 1977 movie ‘Annie Hall’ starring Dianne Keaton who breathed fresh air into the menswear as womenswear mode. White Shirt, monochrome tie, black waistcoat and khaki baggy trousers was then and still is a hit with celebrities and fashionistas. Bowler hat and brogues completed the outfit. My sketches are inspired by the photos from the movie promotions. In another shot Annie is seen with a mix and match girly midi skirt, white shirt with collar up accessorised this time with a monochrome scarf and layered with a traditional oversized male tweed sports jacket. The outfit topped off with a complementary coloured Bowler with ankle boots completing the outfit. Apparently this was how the women in Manhattan, New York dressed in those days and the style is very much in vogue again today. This was a pivotal role for Diane Keaton, earning her an Acad...

Mannish style first burst onto the society scene in the 1920s, when liberated women finally flung away their corsets, unbridled their breasts, cropped their hair and embraced the flatter, straighter styles. An androgynous vogue, slicked backed hair and men’s tuxedo jackets and trousers were an alternative to girly flapper frocks. In the 1930s, the German born, American actress and singer Marlena Deitrich epitomised this look in an iconic scene in the film 'Morocco'. Fast forward to 1993 and the look is adopted by Mother of Reinvention, Madonna, for her burlesque-inspired, VMA performance of "Bye Bye Baby”. Another screen goddess who broke the mould was Hollywood actress, Katharine Hepburn whose style was defined by smart tailored pieces and those much copied high-waisted, wide-legged trousers. She in turn inspired film actress Dianne Keaton, who won an Oscar for her role in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall in 1977. Her cookie mannish style has endured and her most notable wardrob...