Ryan Gosling's mesmerizing presence in Damien Chazelle's "La La Land" left audiences worldwide spellbound. From the moment he graced the screen as Sebastian Wilder, the film's charm quotient escalated exponentially. Gosling's suit game in this musical romantic-drama played a significant role in this escalation, enhancing his character's persona and complementing the film's overall aesthetic.
The precision in Gosling's suiting echoed throughout the film, embodying the story's themes of ambition, nostalgia, and love. Here, we delve into the world of Gosling's suiting in "La La Land", exploring its role in character portrayal and cinematic storytelling, and its enduring impact on men's fashion.
The Charm of Classic Tailoring
Gosling's suits in "La La Land" epitomized classic, timeless menswear. Costume designer Mary Zophres, known for her meticulous craft, chose a refined palette of blues, greys, and blacks to accentuate Sebastian's character arc from struggling jazz pianist to successful band leader.
Gosling's suits were a mix of two-piece and three-piece numbers, all faithful to the traditional construction. They featured elegant notched lapels, soft shoulder lines, and functional buttonholes, making them a sartorial nod to a bygone era, perfectly congruent with the film's nostalgia theme.
Blue: The Underrated Hero
Blue emerged as the standout color in Gosling's wardrobe, with crisp navy and royal blue suits taking center stage. These deep, sophisticated shades underscored Sebastian's determination and gradual success, reflecting his rising career graph.
A notable instance was Gosling's debonair royal blue suit at the jazz club, where he performed "Planets and Stars" with Emma Stone. This look, accessorized with a silver tie and black ribbed socks, encapsulated the film's vintage allure and highlighted Gosling's unparalleled style.
Gingham: Subtle, Yet Substantial
Gosling's on-screen wardrobe also featured a standout gingham suit, a casual yet elegant choice for Sebastian's laid-back moments. This pattern, typically associated with leisure wear, was a twist on tradition, mirroring Sebastian's struggle between his love for jazz and the compromises he makes for success.
In a particularly memorable scene, Gosling wears a navy gingham suit while audtioning for the Coco Band. The suit's subtle check pattern, coupled with a white polo, conveyed a relaxed yet put-together vibe, perfectly encapsulating Sebastian's complex character.
Suits as Storytelling Device
Gosling's suits in "La La Land" served as more than just garments; they were storytelling devices, reflecting Sebastian's emotional journey and societal evolution. As his career blossomed, so did the finesse of his suiting.
For instance, Gosling's crisp, pressed suits towards the latter half of the film signified Sebastian's newly-found stability and success. Conversely, his disheveled appearance in a rumpled suit post his breakup with Mia reflected his inner turmoil, subtly hinting at the film's bittersweet narrative.
Yellow: A Tell-Tale Sign of Change
A sleek, canary yellow suit, donned by Gosling during Sebastian's final reconciliation with Mia, marked a significant turn in their storyline. The boldness of this hue symbolized Sebastian's pivot towards not just professional fulfillment, but also personal happiness.
This suit, paired with a white shirt and no tie, exemplified Sebastian's growth and newfound authority. It was a departure from his usually formal, pressed looks, signaling his evolution as a character and his readiness to take on new challenges.
Black Tie: The Inevitable Climax
Gosling's black tie look at the film's climax was a culmination of Sebastian's sartorial progression. The crisp white shirt, black bow tie, and sleek black tuxedo jacket personified the elegance and sophistication he had always aspired towards.
This look, however, was not just an outflow of vanity; it served as an apt representation of Sebastian's journey from a struggling musician to a successful band leader. His formal attire embodied the fulfillment of his dreams and the realization of his potential, providing a fitting conclusion to his character arc.
Gosling's suiting in "La La Land" transcended mere costume design, becoming an integral facet of the film's narrative and aesthetic. His tailored suits, from the underrated blue hues to the tell-tale yellow and the climactic black tie, were not just a fashion statement; they were a magic trick, adding depth to his character and nuance to the story. They left us, much like the film itself, spellbound.