Fashion Forward Films Steal Spotlight at 63rd New York Film Festival

The Most Stylish, Fashion Forward Films At New York Film Festival 2025 The 63rd annual New York Film Festival closed on September 28, 2025, with a showcase of the most powerful films from the year. Among them were several films that stood out for their notable costume design, which went beyond mere aesthetics to explore cultural trends and social issues. Fashion Takes Center Stage According to Nadja Sayej, contributor to Forbes, fashion played a key role in many of the festival's films. "This year's NYFF features iconic films like Bradley Cooper's midlife crisis comedy 'Is This Thing On' and Jim Jarmusch's film 'Father Mother Sister Brother,' but it's the costume design that really steals the show," Sayej said. One such film is Luca Guadagnino's "After the Hunt," which served as the centerpiece of the festival. The film's costume designer, Giulia Pivetta, drew inspiration from 1970s Italian fashion to create a visually stunning and thought-provoking narrative. "I wanted to explore the relationship between fashion and identity, particularly for women," Pivetta explained. Fashion as a Reflection of Society The use of fashion in these films is not just about aesthetics; it's also a reflection of societal trends and issues. In "Is This Thing On," Cooper's character struggles with midlife crises, which is reflected in his wardrobe choices. The film's costume designer, Mark Bridges, said, "We wanted to show how fashion can be both a source of comfort and anxiety." Similarly, in "Father Mother Sister Brother," Jarmusch explores the complexities of family relationships through the characters' clothing choices. Costume designer, Carol Spier, noted, "Fashion is often used as a way to communicate with others without saying a word." Background and Context The New York Film Festival has been showcasing the most powerful films from around the world for over six decades. This year's festival featured a diverse range of films, including documentaries, dramas, and comedies. Additional Perspectives Fashion critic and historian, Valerie Steele, observed that the use of fashion in these films is not just about aesthetics but also about exploring cultural trends and social issues. "Fashion has always been a reflection of society," Steele said. "These films are using fashion to comment on the world we live in." Current Status and Next Developments The New York Film Festival has come to a close, but the impact of these films will be felt for months to come. As the film industry continues to evolve, it's clear that costume design will play an increasingly important role in storytelling. In conclusion, the 63rd annual New York Film Festival showcased some of the most stylish and fashion-forward films of the year. Through their use of costume design, these films explored cultural trends and social issues, providing a thought-provoking commentary on our world today. *Reporting by Forbes.*