Wednesday 9 September 2009

Every other day my whole dress code switch

Deciding what you're going to wear on set is invariably hard - especially as the decision is often made at 5.30am, 15 minutes before your Addison Lee is due to pick you up and drive you to the shoot. You haven't had coffee. You haven't smoked. Your hair's still wet. And your lucky pants are in the washing machine. Celly starts ringing. Fuck. Hello. I know the driver's waiting outside. I got the text. What are you funny now? Look, another slug of Red Bull's not gonna hurt him. Gimme 5 minutes. Fuck.

If you're shooting outside on location in November in England then the decision is pretty much taken out of your hands. Wet weather gear. Thermals. And a balaclava. But what if you're filming in the relative warmth of Ile Noire Studios in September? Well that's a whole different story.

Thankfully the In Your Face fashion editor, Jeffrey De Winter, has identified a few key crew looks that might act as inspiration and help you to arrive on set feeling good about your steez this autumn.

Rigger, grip, best boy bum bum chic:


This is definitely one of my favourite looks for this season. Steel toe-capped safety boots, heavy woolen socks rolled down, khaki combat shorts belted high and a threadbare, blue Arri Media T-shirt. Accessorize with a '95 limited edition 007 'GoldenEye' insignia bomber jacket. I think this ensemble works really well on plus size guys, but it also suits butch lesbians.

Rudeboy spark bruv:


Again this is a really versatile fall look. Box fresh white Stan Smiths - throw them away if they get scuffed - straight leg Armani jeans and a lairy Ralph polo shirt with a Stone Island jacket thrown on top. You might want to accent this with a box cutter in your back pocket. This look is perfect if you're also interested in drug dealing and football hooliganism.

Camera department baller:


Now this look just screams authority and aplomb. Nike Airmax, re-issue big E Levis with turn-ups and a white Haines T-shirt, preferably V-neck. Your top layer needs to be all about North Face. North Face windcheater. North Face neck gaiter. North Face ear warmer. North Face hair. Do North Face make Mag-Lites? If so get one. This look is guaranteed to get you laid at the Take 2 Christmas party.

Ball breaking producer:


This is a timeless classic. Ugg boots, J Brand jeans and a cashmere sweater or a little something from Top Shop. If you wanna take it back to 2001 you could also sling on a body warmer. Wear your hair up and accessorize with a MacBook Pro, open on an excel spreadsheet of your budget actuals. While this can be a unisex look, it's worth pointing out that Ugg boots on men can attract the wrong kind of attention.

Partizan runner:


Very hot right now, particularly amongst younger crew members. Elf shoes, spray on Dick Whittington stretch jeans, vintage T-shirt and a black leather French exchange jacket, sourced from a thrift store in New York. Best worn with a wide-eyed look of enthusiasm - the streets of London really are paved with gold. Don't attempt this look if you're a fatty boom boom though. There's nothing worse than a beer gut hanging over your jean leggings. Irregular meals and cocaine abuse can help with weight control.

Record company ding dong:


If you've ever shopped in Whole Foods on Kensington High Street, then you'll already know all about this look. Sperry boat shoes, Nudie jeans, button down shirt and a Barbour jacket. Swing a Billingham bag over your shoulder and you're ready to roll. A Blackberry is as essential as a clutch with this one; you'll need to be able to update your Facebook status while pretending to work. Big willy player.

Second AD D-bag:


This is definitely a more conservative look for those lacking a little in self-esteem. Caterpillar boots, baggy G-star jeans, firetrap T-shirt and a Diesel zip up hoodie. The great thing about this style is that it's so indistinct that no one will actually notice you - perfect if your job entails telling people to be quiet on set.

In the end my advice is just have fun with it. And do what works for you. Who cares what people think?

Jeffrey will be back next week with more fashion tips for y'all.

5 comments:

  1. Your observational talents put Attenborough to shame. And I cried with laughter again. Thank you! ps screw fix do a wonderful version of the steel toe 'ugg boot' for the departmentally challenged x

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  2. Oh damn... on point as ever.

    North Face face.

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  3. No joke:

    Producer Barbie:
    http://tinyurl.com/of3bu4

    Metallic outfit? 90s producer Barbie?

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  4. hahaha it's funny cos it's true! I just love box cutting those ball breaking producers..

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  5. i can't afford Ugg Boots, budgets are too shit house!

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