Tuesday, February 22, 2011

WILD TARGET: IS IT CRIMINAL TO BE SO STYLISH?



I'm not the hugest fan of crime comedies unless they involve Audrey Hepburn, but I thought UK film Wild Target was kind of cute, and I'm certain it had something to do with costume designer Sheena Napier.

Synopsis: Victor Maynard (Bill Nighy) is an assassin whose professional killing routine is interrupted when he becomes drawn to his intended victim, Rose (Emily Blunt). He unexpectedly picks up Tony (Rupert Grint of, yes, the Harry Potter series) on the way, sparing Rose's life humourously. With two new companions by his side, Victor attempts to hinder the murderous attentions of his client.

For a crime comedy, Wild Target stands out for its very English styling of Rose, an airy, convincing, sassy character with manipulation, seduction, and clumsiness up her sleeves. Her style is edgy, mixed up, loud, and bright. Her clothing communicates something about her character, making the movie more interesting by default. And she is never without at least three accessories.


Red coat by Yumi, Blue fringe dress by Kate Moss for TopShop


What is English fashion, anyway? London Fashion Week, occurring this week, might tell you. Caroline Cox's "The Englishness of English Dress" will definitely tell you. TopShop might give some hints on styling, and E4's Skins will inspire you to dress like an experimental teenager again. Taking cues from all these sources, Rose's style strikes me as contemporary English because it is not afraid to take chances. Young women will be taking some inspiration from her.


Wild Target was released on DVD on February 8, 2011 and is distributed by eOne Entertainment in Canada.

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