Movie Messages
In 1985, Desperately Seeking Susan created a style eruption. If you missed it, you’re in for a treat. Madonna was a complete unknown when cast to play the part of Susan, a grifting, downtown, New York City girl who shops street markets for stagey outfits that show off her assets. She excels at unorthodox combinations of vintage bling, sexy booties, torn stockings, lots of skin. But it is her cheeky attitude that puts it all across. In this sweet screwball comedy, such freedom in dress symbolizes awakening in a way that nothing else could. Susan’s counterpart, a frustrated New Jersey housewife played by Rosanna Arquette, loses her sadness the moment she puts on Susan’s castoff jacket. Viewers went home and shook up their wardrobes. Show a little lace? Why not? We’re still feeling it today when we flaunt one of JV’s joyful bra sets!
A key element of “Desperately” is Susan and her boyfriend’s teasing messages in the Personal Ads of a newspaper–remember those? Their game is to signal a destination, somewhere around the country, for a quick romantic meeting. Then on to the next. Sounds like fun. Keeps the flame burning. What might we wear for such a date? In the spirit of the movie, it would have to start with a “plunge” bra, let’s say Emma Harris’s Amelie Shaped Plunge Set in black. Then the Clara Silk Smoking Jacket in deep purple with shimmering black floral lace appliqué (so hip, so nostalgic). Wrap it up or leave it open over your favorite tight capris.
The great thing about this movie is that it lets you dream. What would it be like to run off and get a job as a magician’s assistant in an old New York nightclub? With a rail of flouncy costumes to choose from? Dreaming is so important. Jane’s Vanity also believes in dreams. You’ll feel it when you slip into Gilda & Pearl’s RSVP Embroidered Top, its sheer black netting shimmering with gold designs. Where will it take you?
“Desperately” ends, most appropriately, in a movie theater. Here, “journeys end in lovers meeting,” complete with popcorn. We wish you happy summer viewing too. Perhaps in the new silk and cotton loungewear from Karma on the Rocks. Or, for a steamier effect, the Jardin de la Lune Gown Set from Gilda & Pearl.
Personal Ad from JV: “Meet us at the movies, dressed for dreaming. Mwah!”