No matter your politics, we’ve all been on news overload the last two weeks. Like me, perhaps you need a break. The other night I found a wonderful distraction in re-watching one of my favorite movies, “The Thomas Crown Affair,” with Pierce Brosnan & Rene Russo—now celebrating its 25th anniversary.
I like pretty girls in pretty dresses in pretty places! This movie delivers to perfection. Rene Russo’s Michael Kors wardrobe remains the gold standard for fierce glamour. As stunning now as then, each item still gorgeous—& totally wearable—25 years later.
WONDERFUL & WEARABLE, THEN & NOW: “Catherine Banning”/Rene Russo in Michael Kors Collection cashmere turtleneck & jacket from Fall ’98; black cashmere sweater, jacket & lace skirt; banker’s grey cashmere sweater, asymmetrical skirt & calf boots, all from this year’s collection at michaelkors.com
A classic fashionista, “Catherine Banning”/Rene Russo’s wardrobe truly becomes a character in the film. Chic & sophisticated. Playing an international insurance investigator hired to nail art thief “Thomas Crown”/Pierce Brosnan, designer Michael Kors underscores Russo’s smart coolness every time she changes her clothes. In those days, I had a lot of those outfits—I wish I still did—there’s not one that I wouldn’t wear today!
SO “THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR-ISH!” One of my favorite outfits, Michael Kors Collection black lace pants from neimanmarcus.com
Though other designers have become more “in,” Kors’ clothes always were, always will be, both beautiful & easy to wear. Real clothes for real women with real lives! I own pieces that are years old—but often what I reach for first. (Don’t you wish you knew what those pieces would be when you bought them?)
SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE! Rene Russo in Michael Kors at the 1999 “Thomas Crown Affair” premiere, Fall 2024 Collection black turtleneck high-slit dress at michaelkors.com
The story goes, that though Russo wears Kors’ designs in almost every scene, he was only called in at the last minute. They were socially friendly & she asked if he’d like to dress her for the part—a former model, at 45 Rene still had her figure (she’s still magnificent!) & easily wears his samples in every scene. Most everything is from the Michael Kors Fall 1998 collection & debut line for Celine, where he was also creative director at the time.
FOREVER FABULOUS: “Catherine Banning”/Rene Russo in Michael Kors black sequin cocktail dress & this year’s version at nordstrom.com; dancing with “Thomas Crown”/Pierce Brosnan in a sheer, beaded evening gown (it was lined in the stores); one-shoulder jumpsuit at michaelkors.com
Kors describes Catherine Banning as “the woman in control of the room. She likes to make an entrance.” Boy, does she ever! She loves coats—grey with a chinchilla collar, white cashmere, on & on. She loves cashmere sweaters—mostly neutrals or ice-y blue. She loves sheath dresses & pearls, also one of my favorite looks. Then of course, there’s the famous beaded see-through gown—which she wears like a T-shirt.
THE MEANING OF “QUIET LUXURY:” “Catherine Banning” in one of many Kors cashmere sweaters; Michael Kors Collection black leather belted moto jacket & white cashmere sweater, skirt & faux fur collared coat at nordstrom.com
What is Catherine Banning’s fashion motto? Quiet luxury. What is the fashion motto for Fall 2024? Quiet luxury! Not minimal, but not over-the-top. Great, elegant clothes you reach for again & again. True 25 years ago, true today. Other than having Pierce Brosnan on your arm, I cannot think of anything chicer. Enjoy every gorgeous moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft
ps. Speaking of stars I have loved forever, I also adore the new Diane Keaton + Hudson Grace homeware collection from hudsongrace.com. Perfect to update your Thanksgiving table or for a hostess gift. Like Rene Russo, gorgeous then & now—some thing never change!
Chic at 60ish! 
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