Cleopatra - Cleopatra (1963)
The Look: As is befitting a frighteningly expensive, multi award-winning movie, Elizabeth Taylor’s Egyptian queen screams decadence with every costume change. And yet, for all the outrageous outfits, it’s Taylor’s extravagant make-up and hair dos that have had the longest lasting impact.
Key Garment: The heavily made-up eyes have been copied a thousand times.
Lieutenant Bromhead - Zulu (1964)
The Look: Michael Caine's portrayal of the young, privileged officer thrown into the battle of his life in Zulu is a nuanced, beautifully balanced performance, in which Bromhead's pristine uniform is shredded along with his assumptions.
Key Garment: It takes a real man to pull off a pith helmet, and Caine does so in style.
Honey Ryder - Dr No (1962)
The Look: Proving that simple is often best, Ursula Andress emerging from the sea in her white bikini and knife combo remains the most devastatingly effective introduction to any Bond girl. 1962 was a long time ago and 007 has had many, many outings since, but there’s yet to be a Bond girl that tops Andress.
Key Garment: The white belt transforms an outfit usually associated with sunbathing into something altogether more interesting.
V - V For Vendetta (2005)
The Look: With his flat-topped hat, distinctive Guy Fawkes mask, cape, and stiletto knives, V cuts quite the dash in V For Vendetta . In fact, he's probably the best dressed anti-hero in cinematic history, something that hasn't been lost on all manner of protestors around the world who have adopted his look.
Key Garment: The Guy Fawkes face mask is a think of stark beauty.
The Bride - Kill Bill (2003)
The Look: The sight of Uma Thurman’s bumblebee bodysuit - based on Bruce Lee’s outfit from The Game Of Death - streaking across the screen leaving a trail of bloody revenge in its wake is the defining image of Tarantino’s Kill Bill . Leisurewear really shouldn’t look this good.
Key Garment: The entire tracksuit demands your attention.
The Joker - The Dark Knight (2008)
The Look: Heath Ledger’s barnstorming performance as Batman’s deadliest foe in The Dark Knight is already the stuff of legend, and his twitchy, unhinged performance was perfectly complemented by his outrageous garb. Echoing earlier movie and comic incarnations of the Joker, the purple suit and waistcoat walk the line between artful and insane.
Key Garment: No one else could pull off a purple jacket like that.
Holly Golightly - Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961)
The Look: Audrey Hepburn’s most memorable role, Holly Golightly is arguably one of the most stylish women ever to grace the big screen. Simple, elegant and beautiful, the combination of slinky black Givenchy dress, over-sized cigarette holder, pearl necklace and huge sunglasses is timeless, and continues to influence classy ladies to this day.
Key Garment: That dress, without a doubt.
The Dude - The Big Lebowski (1998)
The Look: Comfy pants, loose knitwear and a v-neck t-shirt, with a White Russian and a set of shades to accessorise: these are the things that make an icon. The Big Lebowski has passed beyond the realms of cult classic into something bordering on a religion, with The Dude inspiring legions of fans to follow in his flip-flopped footsteps.
Key Garment: The Dude’s just-got-out-of-bed t-shirt is the gentleman’s choice of day-wear.
Princess Leia - Return of the Jedi (1983)
The Look: It’s not easy being a slave, but in Return Of The Jedi Carrie Fisher made being one of Jabba’s handmaidens look good, instantly vaulting into the fantasies of geeks around the world. The force has remained strong with Leia ever since.
Key Garment: The bikini remains one of the most loved – and copied – costumes ever.
Indiana Jones - Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
The Look: How do you make an archaeology professor look cool? How about giving him a whip, some well worn leathers and a fedora? It works wonders for Harrison Ford, after all, whose Indiana Jones is one of the most instantly recognisable icons ever to hit the big screen.
Key Garment: It’s got to be that fedora, probably the most famous hat in Hollywood and easily the most stylish, even in the most fraught of international treasure hunting situations.
