Lolita (1997)

Lolita is a film adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov’s book, following a middle-aged academic that falls in love with a 14-year-old girl and his subsequent descent into madness, detailing his pursuit of her from his point of view.

Adrian Lyne’s adaptation is the second, following Stanley Kubrick, aiming to capture the essence of the 1955 cult classic. Many criticised the film for its detours from the original storyline, as well as a skewed portrayal of Lolita as a seductress.

Set in America in the late 50s, the film’s styling stayed true to the time period, showcasing classic silhouettes, including cinched waistlines and full skirts, with an abundance of floral patterns.

Each character’s individual wardrobe aimed to highlight their role in the storyline, with Dolores sporting short, matching sets featuring bows, lace, and accessories like heart-shaped sunglasses to emphasise her youthfulness. Meanwhile, her mother was styled in elegant, long dresses, often with elaborate accessories like silk gloves, hats, and statement earrings, to highlight her maturity.

Their hair and makeup followed suit, with the deliberate contrast of the messiness of Dolores’s hair and usual lack of makeup next to her mother’s tight curls, with red lipstick and nail polish.

Humbert Humbert, the narrator, is dressed in classic suits and button-downs, emblematic of male fashion in the 1950s. His mature, professional attire features exclusively muted colours, creating a stark contrast against Lolita’s girlish, brightly coloured clothes in shared scenes.

By Masha Gasynska, a student on the BA Journalism course at London College of Communication