Altaira & Co. from The Forbidden Planet (1956)

Proof of fashion in heavy rotation can arguably be found in the old futuristic science fiction movie, probably second to none other than War of the Worlds (1953), The Forbidden Planet (1965). It is based on the Tempest, and suspenseful at every turn. The synthetic sounds add to an undercurrent of entrancing discomfort, crossfading into the silence of outer space and clinical, serious dialogue.

Anne Francis handles the role as the daughter of a self-exiled hermit and closet megalomaniac with aplomb. Her performance as the otherworldly Altaira is beguiling. Her pet robot processes her orders to make clothes with precious green emeralds out of thin air. Is that not a dream? One wonders if she has alien DNA; her actions are unsettling; graceful, childlike, and unknowing. Interestingly, the outfits she wears, once portrayed as fantastical and absurdly short costumery, are now being placed on a pedestal in the fashion world. As special effects are becomingly increasingly digitized, with the art of frame by frame drawings and paintings rapidly disappearing, the ones employed in this movie at times seem cheesy, yet surprisingly sophisticated. A visual and ponderable feast that is sure to fulfill your geeky needs, and exceedingly in that respect, many times over. Watch it at YouTube.

Sequins, mi lady?

Balmain? That's so millenia ago.

No wait, gold rivets. Wait. Gold still exists?

He didn't notice my collar!

We're talking about synchrony - hot uniforms. Pressed to be dressed.

Your necklace caught my attention.

Yes, that was the intention. I'm glad you've finally taken notice.

We must find this Gareth Pugh character, and question him.

But question is really a euphemism for interrogation.

Hear ye, hear ye, the all-white wrap dress

That looks like it could transform into a jumpsuit or resort maxi dress.

I like my bow/tie to match in more ways than one.

The bow/tie needs no tying too.

*Shell-shocked expressions*

*Nodding in agreement*

The new posse.

This is a black tie EVENT!

He secretly loves our simple caps with the logo and our multifunctional belts. And by multifunctional, I mean they can carry more than one object, especially act as a holster for our ray guns. You got me? Take care of your guns! I know he digs 'em.

I can't stand the drapery,

or that sheerness, your plunging V-neck line-

Or that flouncy skirt!

Don't be alarmed, the man wears a cape!

Altaira, we give up, how can we beat your perfectly cinched waist?

But wait! Is there a worthy opponent?

I shouldn't have worn this greyish-blue! It was too much for him to bear!

It's alright, it defeated that monster of an outfit.

In the future, what's a girl to do when no one can tell what's Winter or Spring anymore!

Hold your horses, Little Blue Riding Hood.

That robot's gonna be the next big thing.

Ah. How I long to be in an era like that. In case you aren't wondering, which I am guessing you still aren't wondering, that dashing James Bond lookalike is actually Mr. Magoo, aka Leslie Nielsen.

-Miss C.