Summary
THE WAGES OF FEAR ” (HENRI-GEORGES CLOUZOT, 1953)It is precisely a pair of this type that we discover in "The Wages of Fear" by Henri-Georges Clouzot. As you will see, the associated outfit is rather to be sought on the side of the register HELLO, SADNESS " (OTTO PREMINGER, 1958)
Nowadays, espadrilles are mostly associated with vacations. Just by mentioning their name, you might already think of the sun, the Mediterranean coast and the chic and casual wardrobe of a certain Côte d'Azur .
In cinema, this could be translated by the outfits of Anthony Minghella's " Talented Mr Ripley ". There are moccasins and knitted shirts like those in René Clément's " Plein Soleil " today. Often copied, this film alone condenses a certain idea of summer style: white pants, espadrilles or moccasins, blazers and light pants, and of course shirts . We talk about it here:
For other references, we can for example look at Otto Preminger and his adaptation of "Bonjour, Tristesse" . The director of "The River of No Return" brings together David Niven, Deborah Kerr and Jean Seberg on the Côte d'Azur, in a pretty villa with a view of the sea.
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Jean Seberg and David Niven, still in "Bonjour, Tristesse". Espadrilles and swimming shorts, what else?
It's about father-daughter relationships and adolescence, alternating feelings, places and colours. Paris in black, white and melancholy. The South in idleness mode and all in colours. We discover a sort of holiday feel in the wardrobe of the gentleman David Niven: swimming shorts, a chambray shirt tied at the waist and... espadrilles .
This is perhaps more familiar territory than in "The Wages of Fear": espadrilles, relaxation, afternoons spent on deckchairs, walks by the sea and mild summer evenings.
In this spirit, we can also find inspiration in Patrick Bauchau in Eric Rohmer's " La Collectionneuse " in 1967 or more recently in Luca Guadagnino's " Call me by your name " in 2017 - two beautiful summer films. Otherwise, a sure bet, here off the sets, with Lauren Bacall to whom we will return a little later:
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Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart in sneakers in the 40s. Note that even the dog has style!
Yes, that's Humphrey Bogart you see above, and he's having a pretty good time. In fact, it's pretty much the same kind of outfit David Niven wears in "Hello, Sadness." For Niven, it's a pair of loose, sand-colored pleated pants paired with a coral-colored open-neck shirt . The materials are breathable. It's most likely linen .
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Jean Seberg, Deborah Kerr and David Niven in "Bonjour, Tristesse." Linen shirt and espadrilles, perfect for a beach break.
On the feet, the espadrilles are still there. But what is remarkable in David Niven's outfits is both the association of colors and the palpable ease of the clothes .
If there is one thing to remember about David Niven from "Bonjour Tristesse", it is his elegant nonchalance and his right relationship with volumes. If you want to breathe in summer, choose the path of ease like him. As for espadrilles, rest assured, we will see a few other ways to wear them.
3. ESPADRILLES AND DRESS CLOTHES
“ CONTEMPT ” (JEAN-LUC GODARD, 1963)
Another film, another example. For once, we're going to cheat a little, or more precisely, alternate between the image on the screen and the backstage. Because to be completely honest, you won't find any espadrilles on Michel Piccoli's feet in "Le Mépris" - one of Jean-Luc Godard's most beautiful and famous films.
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Michel Piccoli in espadrilles, here with Brigitte Bardot on the set of “Contempt” in 1963.
On the other hand, you will find some in this photo from the shoot above, with hat, shirt and light pants . Does this mean that Michel Piccoli preferred them off-camera to the shoes in the film? Some explanations are necessary. Let's start by situating the action.
"Le Mépris" is an adaptation of a novel by Alberto Moravia. It stars Michel Piccoli, Brigitte Bardot, Fritz Lang and Jack Palance. The story is a film within a film: we are watching a work in the making, and not just any work since it is an adaptation of Homer's "Odyssey". Jordan was talking about it in his own villa Malaparte way: the sets and images of "Le Mépris" are magnificent. You have probably already heard its great music . It is certainly the most beautiful film ever shot with the icon of the sixties Brigitte Bardot. What's more, Jean-Luc Godard slips in something of his own history and his vision of cinema. Several levels of reading, therefore, and style to spare - for men and women.
Look at the main character, for example. Michel Piccoli dresses in the style of Godard. It even seems that these are the filmmaker's own clothes. Which would only be half surprising: the films of the New Wave were often composed with the personal wardrobe of those who acted in them. For Michel Piccoli, what does that give?
Something both casual and dressy, inspired by the 40s and 50s: light grey or sand beige suits, with trousers that are often loose and rather high-waisted, white or sky blue shirts with or without a tie, a hat and... black shoes .
Black leather shoes in summer? We are definitely at the movies. No one here would recommend such a track for hot days. Michel Piccoli is not mistaken.
Just take a look at the big blue sky or better at the sun that shines throughout the film. It's hot in "Le Mépris". This pair of espadrilles worn away from the camera therefore appears as an oasis. It's also a more suitable solution for the beach than shoes.
What if we went further and replaced the shoes from the film with the sneakers from backstage? We would get a nice summery and dressy outfit, with a hint of nonchalance .
Note that this sleight of hand could just as well work with the equally summery and very " Un été brûle " style by Philippe Garrel with Monica Bellucci and Louis Garrel. Finally, for another dressy outfit with espadrilles, we can also take a look at Don Johnson in the late 80s, for example by crossing his work in cinema and television.
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Don Johnson, here with Jennifer Connelly in "Hot Spot" in 1990: a dressy and deliciously retro outfit.
Take for example the cute retro outfits he wears in Dennis Hopper's 1990 film " Hot Spot ": stylish shirts and ties, lightweight suit jackets and pleated trousers, with volume . Among the other successes of the film: its steamy atmosphere and its " Miami Vice " right down to the outfits he wears in "Hot Spot" - that would have style, and it would work in the same way as Michel Piccoli above.
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Don Johnson and the team of the American series "Miami Vice": suits, sneakers, loafers or shirts, everything is cult!
If you've forgotten "Miami Vice," let's just remember that the hit series of the 80s is a celebration of white, pastels and bright colors: pink henleys, white suits, Hawaiian shirts, slip-ons, loafers and other espadrilles .
Not everything is necessarily worth taking. But there are in the first two seasons at least some solid (and very dark) episodes as well as some outfits that are still worth watching today.
4. ESPADRILLES AND ADVENTURE OUTFITS
" GOLDFINGER " (GUY HAMILTON, 1964) & " THUNDERBALL " (TERENCE YOUNG, 1965)
He is one of Bobine's recurring characters: not that we are particularly attached to his morals or his sense of human relations, but we must recognize that there is always something to take from here in terms of style and clothing.
Of course, you have to dare. While this dangerous piece is definitely not for everyone, you can safely take inspiration from the outfit worn in the next film, "Thunderball." Much more summery than its predecessor, the style deployed here gives pride of place to camp collar shirts, shorts and light outfits .
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Sean Connery on the right, or the magic of espadrilles and a shirt in "Thunderball" in 1965.
In this case, James Bond's new outfit with blue espadrilles consists of a very beautiful salmon-colored shirt and swimming shorts . It is a beach outfit of disarming simplicity. The shirt acts as a strong piece: it carries the outfit on its own, discreetly accompanied by the shorts and espadrilles.
If you're ever wondering how to do well with little, this is an option within reach. It's also, who knows, the promise of many adventures. For more tips on summer outfits, Benoit has just the video you need here:
We discover small and large everyday things, an almost documentary approach and a Bernard Menez who gives another meaning to the shawl collar cardigan : have you ever seen someone wearing it with the collar up?
He also wears espadrilles on the beach, with bleached jeans or navy trousers, a red shirt or white T-shirt, and sometimes even a sweater cleverly tied around his neck.
We can prefer the example (in the city) of Mel Ferrer, here alongside Audrey Hepburn: espadrilles, light trousers, a shirt over a sweater . It doesn't take much more. A flower pot, perhaps?
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Mel Ferrer and his vision of espadrille style, here with Audrey Hepburn in 1956.
For those who are curious, you can find the actor in "The Angel of the Damned" by Fritz Lang or "Lili Marleen" by RW Fassbinder. But he has of course worked with many other great filmmakers.
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Albert Finney and Audrey Hepburn in "A Journey for Two" in 1967: a love story, desert boots and espadrilles.
As for Audrey Hepburn, she is no stranger to espadrilles either. Take a look at Stanley Donen's beautiful " A Journey for Two " in 1967: Paco Rabanne or Mary Quant costumes , and in this image above , espadrilles for her and desert boots for him . Love, shoes, love of shoes?! Come on, one last point for the road!
5. ESPADRILLES AND WOMEN'S OUTFIT
“ KEY LARGO ” (JOHN HUSTON, 1948)
Obviously, espadrilles are not the preserve of men. They are quite logically found in the cinema in the women's wardrobe. That of Audrey Hepburn as mentioned above, and more generally on a large number of actresses, from Grace Kelly to Penélope Cruz.
"Key Largo" is not Humphrey Bogart's greatest film, but it is certainly one of my favorites. For once, beyond the filmmaking talents of its director John Huston, my affection for this film is largely linked to the way Bogart wears his tie - almost an obsession. Take a look:
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Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in the movie "Key Largo" in 1948. It's hard to miss this tie!
"Key Largo" is a closed-door drama set in a Florida hotel. The atmosphere is sticky and stifling. We discover a gang of gangsters, hostages, an approaching hurricane and the wonderful duo formed by Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
The latter's outfit is a model of elegance: white oversized shirt, midi-length skirt gathered at the waist, lace-up espadrilles on her feet . The belt adds an extra touch of style and character.
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American class: Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, on the set of "Key Largo", directed by John Huston in 1948.
To note in a corner of our mind: we should, if possible, investigate, find out how style was organized within the most legendary couple in Hollywood . Did they influence each other? Did they choose their outfits together? Or was all this just a personal pleasure that magically found an echo in each of them?
In the meantime, you will find all sorts of exciting summer inspiration in Lauren Bacall, as well as in the actresses mentioned above (Jean Seberg, Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn).
Have we already covered it all? Obviously not. You will certainly find other espadrilles at the cinema with other ways to wear them. I invite you of course to share your discoveries in the comments.
As for the famous question of the relative comfort of espadrilles, note that many brands have tried to provide answers. You will definitely find shoes that fit your feet.
To go further:
