(Replicant #1: Sean Young. Monique Lhuillier model during NYC Fashion Week)
I realize we referenced this last month during New York’s Fashion Week for Monique Lhuillier, but considering the looks spotted on Paris runways last week, I think it’s definitely worth a mention to revisit some bigger picture themes.
(Sean Young. A Christian Lacroix model backstage in Paris)
Most people remember Bladerunner as some vague eye-candy. If you rent it again, you’ll see a much deeper narrative of sophisticated women fighting for a bigger cause. In short, characters such as Sean Young and Darryl Hannah were part of a family of “replicants” — or machines — the government built, in order to be shipped off to other planets to fight wars and perform dirty and unsafe labor. The replicants all developed human feelings and begun to fought back.
Since their new aim on earth was to kill the evil corporate king that created them, the sentimental robots were ordered for swift execution. Enter killer cop Harrison Ford who’s hired to “retire” them. Turns out, he falls in love with one. Apparently, not only did the elegant “freedom fighters” develop a soul, but they seemed to have developed an insane sense of style.
And so begins our voyage to the recently introduced luxurious replicants on Parisian runways a few days ago….
(Christian Lacroix, Autumn and Winter 2008/09, Paris)
(Christian Lacroix, Autumn and Winter 2008/09, Paris)
The 2nd replicant was played by a fine actress called Joanna Cassidy. Although her screen time was short, she did hold the torch for kinky latex outfits and knee high leather boots while evading her assassination.
(Replicant #2: Joanna Cassidy)
(Balenciaga, Autumn and Winter 2008/09, Paris)
The last Bladerunner lady (and probably my favorite) was the acrobatic machine known for snapping your neck in between her legs if you got too close. Daryl’s replicant outfit is simply one of those cinematic staples in costume design history.
(Replicant #3: Daryl Hannah)
Yves St. Laurent created a more updated army of playful killers
(Yves St. Laurent backstage, Paris)
The raccoon eyes were replaced by “Matrix-Agent-ish” dark shades, the hair bob cut a little sleeker, and the make-up was paled-out-powder for that artificial intelligence feeling… and voila, a modern day secret agent killing machine.
(Yves St. Laurent backstage, Paris)
(Yves St. Laurent, Autumn and Winter 2008/09, Paris)
If you haven’t seen the masterpiece yet, skip the original and go buy the latest version released in 2007 — a geeked out goldmine — the 25th Anniversary digitally remastered definitive Final Cut by Ridley Scott (there was previously 7 versions made for different markets). In addition to all the relevant themes such as globalization, genetic engineering, and climate change, now you can enjoy the futuristic female protesters in all their high-fashion glory.
Amazon. Purchase Bladerunner Final Cut.
More photos from these collections on Vogue UK
