Inspiration: Hitchcock's Leading Ladies

The Hitchcock blonde - perhaps one of the most iconic characters of his films. In this list, I've probably shown five of the most notable Hitchcock Blondes - the leading ladies who graced the silver screen. Grace Kelly is the ultimate Hitchcock Blonde - arguably the most beautiful. Ingrid Bergman was the better actress of them all. I adore Hitchcock's films, particularly how meticulous Hitchcock is to the details in his films. Combine that with Edith Head's artistry in costume design, it's no wonder that some of these films are the better known of his classics (Notorious, Rear Window, To Catch a Thief, Vertigo and The Birds).

Notorious (1946) 

Ingrid Bergman as Alicia Huberman

This is the only Hitchcock film I have watched that features Ingrid Bergman as the leading lady. I should probably catch up on the other two she had made. I loved the wardrobe in the film because there were elements of androgyny from 40s fashion. Also I love how the dresses at the time would drape over the body.

Rear Window (1954)

Grace Kelly as Lisa Carol Fremont

This is perhaps my favourite Hitchcock film for a lot of reasons but concerning the wardrobe of Lisa Fremont, I loved the classic 50s silhouette and the floral patterns.

Dial M for Murder (1954)

Grace Kelly as Margot Mary Wendice

Colour symbolism was used in Margot's wardrobe. I admired how the colours of her clothing transition from vibrant in the beginning, to drab at the end, which help to support the story. I also loved the burgundy handbag.

To Catch a Thief (1955)

Grace Kelly as Frances Stevens

I loved the scenery in this film. I'd say this film was loaded with pastels and also, Kelly as Frances wore a black turban, which became one of the iconic accessories we associate with her, other than the Hermes Kelly bag.

Vertigo (1958)

Kim Novak as Madeleine Elster/Judy Barton

Vertigo is probably one of the more twisted Hitchcock films I've seen. Nevertheless, I loved the wardrobe, particularly the green dress in the middle above.

Psycho (1960)

Janet Leigh as Marion Crane

Psycho is perhaps Hitchcock's most famous film because it sprouted a whole franchise with a remake, a few sequels, a TV movie spin-off and a TV series after his death. Arguably the greatest Hitchcock film ever made. Although Janet Leigh was the star of the show (can't argue with the death scene and the use of a string orchestra), I'd still want to give an honourable mention to Lila.

Vera Miles as Lila Crane

The Birds (1963)

Tippi Hedren as Melanie Daniels

Bad special effects aside and the ridiculous idea of "killer birds", I really enjoyed this film. For the majority of duration of the film, Melanie Daniels wore one outfit only. That fur overcoat was worn over her green suit. Why green? Well, they drew parallels to the lovebirds. I'm assuming the birds' attack is like a prank, just like how Melanie enjoys a good prank or two. The suit was a classic boxy Chanel-esque one -- a timeless piece.

Marnie (1964)

Tippi Hedren as Marnie Edgar

The only film in which I have mixed feelings for -- I cannot tell if I love it or hate it. Why else am I writing about it? I love the concept of it: a sexually disturbed thief blackmailed into marriage. Freud. Sean Connery as the lead man. Everything's pretty good and I'd agree that it's one of Hitchcock's most underrated works. Yet something still falls short and I can't pinpoint it. I'm more curious about what's going in the mind of Connery's character. After seeing this film, I would dare to say Hedren rivals Kelly as the icy blonde.

Marnie's wardrobe once married was so beautiful. My favourite being the yellow dress. I also loved the nude pink lipstick she had on.