Presented by eBay
Monday, May 21, 2012

FASHION

Cinematic Style: "The Graduate"

Actress Anne Bancroft playing "Mrs.Robinson" in the film "The Graduate" (Photo by Popperfoto/Getty Images)

If sweltering temperatures are inspiring little else in you but flip flops and a cold beer we’re here to remind you that there is glamour to be found in the dogs days of summer. In search of inspiration we’ve turned to three classic films dripping in style that still resonates today: the California mid century cool of “The Graduate”, the pastel soaked Southern romance of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and the playfully glamorous French Riviera chic of “To Catch A Thief."

We begin with “The Graduate”, a film that launched a thousand animal print interiors and prompted women of all ages to get their lingerie collections in order thanks to Anne Bancroft’s Mrs. Robinson and her impeccable sense of style. We spend the majority of the film with the aimless post-university Benjamin Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman, as he clumsily navigates his way though an affair with the married Mrs. Robinson, his love for her daughter and the numbing pressure from his parents to attend graduate school once he is finished with a couple weeks spent lazing around the pool and cruising in his graduation present an engine red Alpha Romeo. Benjamin’s world is one of suburban California privilege where women, straight from the salon, turn out in brocade cocktail dresses and diamonds for a poolside party. Dad is buttoned up in a suit and tie or, for weekends, a polo and khakis accessorized with his Rolex, wraparound shades and a permanent country club tan. Sun porches are worthy of sophisticated décor including the must-have social centerpiece: the bar, stocked with scotch or bourbon served from decanters and ice buckets that never seem to need replenishing.

Today, the aesthetic of “The Graduate” inspires countless designers including lifestyle authority Jonathan Adler and the fashion of Tory Burch. The never-ending demand for original, or reproduced Mid Century and Hollywood Regency pieces have kept costs high and originals difficult to find. But if it’s 60s California cool that you crave, we saved you some hunting and found original and inspired pieces in archival condition, with some prices that harken back to mid-century days.

Roll over items for details
Wood Bar Stools
((from $39.99))
Crystal Rod Sciolari Chandlier
((buy it now price, $2,350))
NEW Gilded Wood Screen
((buy it now price, $1,199))
Rhinstone Clip On Earrings
((starting bid, $29.99))
NEW Dior Leopard Clutch
((buy it now price, $429.99))
NEW Ralph Lauren Sunglasses
((buy it now price, $130))
NEW Ceramic Zebra Garden Stool
((buy it now price, $249))
Jere Metal Tree Sculpture
((buy it now price, $499.99))
Mallin Patio Chaise
((buy it now price, $1800))
Vintage Brocade Dress
((buy it now price, $69))
Bar Set with Bottles
((buy it now price, $9.99))
1967 Rolex Oyster
((buy it now price, $2,699))
1959 Alpha Romeo Spider Restored
((starting bid, $28,000))
Fratelli Glass Bowl
((buy it now price, $50))
Cinematic Style:

Tags:
Share

Related Posts

Comments

Add a Comment

  • Terms:
    By contacting The Inside Source and/or submitting any comments or content, you accept the Inside Source Privacy Policy and agree to be legally bound by the Terms of Service. Need to hyperlink both the privacy policy and terms of service.
    Please see our Comment Policy

  • Please provide all fields including a valid email address.

Close

Insider Weekly

You have been successfully added to the Insider Weekly email list and will receive a confirmation email shortly.

There was a problem submitting your form. Please try again.

We've unearthed the most stylish stuff on eBay according to the week's hottest trends.

Â