Grease: How did the cult film impact today’s fashion ?

The cult film released in 1978 never ceases to move people, and if the fashion of the late 70s no longer resembles that of today, some codes are taken up by the new generations.

The news came this morning, the actress Olivia Newton-John, star of the film Grease, died at 73 years, announced her husband in a statement posted on social networks. The actress “passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends.” She had been battling breast cancer for 30 years.

She played the role of Sandy in the mythical film that marked generations, as much for its songs as for its cult dances, but also for its extravagant, rock and sexy looks. The young woman reveals herself through her outfits, going from the very classic style in midi skirt and pastel cardigan, to the femme fatale in tight pants, conquering the heart of Danny Zuko, played by John Travolta.

On the frenzied rhythm of “You’re The One That I Want“, Olivia Newton-John twirls, sways and electrifies with a look a completely conquered John Travolta. To highlight the evolution of the character, costume designer Albert Wolsky wanted to create a striking contrast: while Sandy is dressed in pastels throughout the film, by adopting the style of her new boyfriend, she stands out. In the extremely colorful world of the carnival in which the couple finds itself, the two dark silhouettes that clash and seduce each other mark the spirits and create the gap.

Today, elements of the actors’ looks in the film are found in real life, like the varsity jacket. By the 1930s, wool jackets were outfitted with a thick lining and often leather sleeves. This model was adopted by high schools and universities all over the United States, but also by pop stars and actors, especially in Grease. Worn everywhere since then, it has even been reinterpreted by Hedi Slimane for Saint Laurent, who updated it with a sleeker, tighter jacket.

Sandy’s look can be interpreted in a modern way with high-waisted pants that mark the waist, accompanied by a crop top and a pair of mules, very popular this summer. As for the perfecto, it remains a cult piece of the wardrobe, whether you are a man or a woman. To adopt without delay!

Hélène Cougot

Passionnée depuis son plus jeune âge par l’art et la mode, Hélène s’oriente vers une école de stylisme, l’Atelier Chardon-Savard à Paris, avec une option Communication. Afin d’ajouter des cordes à son arc, elle décide de compléter sa formation par un MBA en Management du Luxe et Marketing Expérientiel à l’Institut Supérieur de Gestion à Paris dont elle sort diplômée en 2020. Elle a notamment écrit des articles lifestyle et beauté pour le magazine Do it in Paris et se spécialise en rédaction d’articles concernant le luxe, l’art et la mode au sein du magazine Luxus Plus.********** [EN] Passionate about art and fashion from a young age, Hélène went to a fashion design school, Atelier Chardon-Savard in Paris, with a Communication option. In order to add more strings to her bow, she decided to complete her education with an MBA in Luxury Management and Experiential Marketing at the Institut Supérieur de Gestion in Paris from which she graduated in 2020. She has written lifestyle and beauty articles for Do it in Paris magazine and specializes in writing articles about luxury, art and fashion for Luxus Plus magazine.