Style Icon: Chloe Sevigny - Last Days of Disco

Whit Stillman's 1998 film The Last Days of Disco has always been a closet favourite of mine but I could never fully explain why. It's really a 'love it or hate it' kind of film, or more likely a 'never heard of it' one. It's the type of film that's heavy on dialogue and character but short on plot, so if you like it (or love it) it probably has more to do with the tone and mood than the actual story. 

Chloe Sevigny and Kate Beckinsale star as two young college graduates who work bottom-rung publishing jobs by day and party in the uber-exclusive disco clubs at night. Oh did I mention it's set in New York in the early 1980s - my favourite era. That would explain the disco. But the title is misleading, as disco is not so much the focus of the movie, but rather the backdrop to the social world the characters are immersed in and constantly over-analyze.

Kate Beckinsale's Charlotte is self-centered, bitchy and never stops talking down to Chloe Sevigny's Alice - explaining to her in a painfully condescending way how the world works. Chloe plays the more demure, self aware, intelligent and infinitely more likable character, who we come to sympathize with. As in, why do you keep hanging out with this girl? We sympathize with you, she's really awful.

On paper it sounds like a terrible movie, but like Whit Stillman's other films, it's the witty dialogue and great performances that make it watchable. And for me as well, it's the way he captures the feel of New York in the early 80s.

Chloe looks fantastic throughout the film (does she ever not?), in pared-down preppy secretary-wear by day and little black sequin numbers by night. I want her entire wardrobe from this movie, scroll down for more examples of her understated perfection.

Images via Tumblr

And if my description hasen't put you off entirely, you can have a look at the trailer below. Extra points if you can spot Imitation of Christ designer Tara Subkoff. Remember that line? Whatever happened to it..?