Fashion in film: A Bigger Splash

Fashion writer, Isabella Minns, lends a style-keen eye on the age-old classic, A Big Splash.

Film: A Bigger Splash

A remake of the 1969 French film La Piscine, A Bigger Splash is set in the backdrop of an idyllic Italian island as ageing rock star, Marianne (Tilda Swindon), recovers from a vocal operation with her film-maker lover, Paul (Matthias Schoenaerts). However, Marianne’s complicated rock ’n’ roll past is brought to light when her record producer ex-lover Harry (Ralph Fines) turns up on the island with his sex-symbol daughter (Dakota Johnson). 

Marianne finds herself caught between her nostalgia for Harry and their wild rock ’n’ roll lifestyle and her gentle sweet love for Paul. With a storyline almost entirely unrelated to fashion, you may be confused as to why this film has made the list. Besides the beautiful filmography and absorbing acting, the costume design of A Bigger Splash cements it’s rock star artsy glamour. Designed by Raf Simons, as the Creative-Director of Dior, Marianne’s effortless glamour resonates the iconic brand. Featuring an elegant black silk body paired with a floating white silk skirt, a subtle white silk jumpsuit and a white and blue striped cotton shirt dress teamed with a basket bag, the film’s French origins resonate through the French brand’s classic costumes. 

Isabella Minns