She’s content to be what she is… a woman.
What are we?
Female.
-THE WOMEN 1939

Finding a movie with style is a difficultly that transcends time. Rosalind Russell and Joan Crawford films offer more appealing and structured styles than seen on the modern big screen. From the highly textured fabrics to the detailed seams, where is Edith Head? Some remakes define the need for a costume department revival more than others.

Clare Boothe Luce’s 1936 play The Women underwent film adaptations in 1939 and 2008.

Woman marries man, man has a midlife crisis affair, women fight each other. As Mary Haines, Norma Shearer abides by the social norms of the 1930s high-society housewife. With some evolution to the storyline, Meg Ryan pursues a career more seriously than her wifey duties for charity socials.

Though The Women 1939 out-styles 2008, both offer loads of inspiration and nostalgia for fashion month.

Make it Jungle Red.

Though reconnection with her man consumes Mary 1939, fashion designing her namesake line finds Mary 2008. Both undergo makeovers that take them out of frumpy galoshes and into manicures that signify authority.

The cast of friends and frenemies is made up of a slew of fantabulous Manhattanites to support the storyline based on gossip behavior. Annette Bening steps into Rosalind Russell’s gossipy Sylvia Fowler as a magazine editor. The only one who can fill Joan Crawford’s bustier is Eva Mendes as “husband-stealing” perfume girl Crystal Allen.

Here are the most memorable scene-makers from The Women.

The Eyes Have It

While Sylvie 1939 has a raid-worthy wardrobe, 2008 is toned down to beige. This definitely does not suit Annette Bening’s strong personality. During a gab session, Russell wears what may be Schiaparelli with eyes that fit her like 20/20 vision. Accessorizing with a martini is highly recommended (only when doshically balanced).

Runway Applause

The 1939 fashion show is one of the most notable in vintage movies. This is the only colorized scene in the black and white original. The hands on the bathing coat has us day-tripping to the notions store. A little tea- spilt and drank- to accompany a show of time-defying styles.

Roaring in Jungle Red

In comparison, the 2008 runway for Mary Haines’ designs is minimal with geometric standouts in red. A fantabulous color that evokes a range of emotions from love to hate. Timid no more, Mary impresses her daughter and her ex-husband. While Annie Lennox is a keeper, these looks are dated even in a time when wardrobes are dipping into early naughts retro.

Weeding Out a Career

Mary’s outfit while she’s setting up for the garden party is in clear contrast to Sylvie’s high-powered beige look in the 2008 film. One woman gave up a career for fears of “eclipsing” her husband, Stephen, and the other is betraying younger female personnel to stay on top. The Saint James-style naval top paired with a midi and galoshes is undeniably classic weekend wear.

Taking It Off

Crystal Allen comes alive with both Joan Crawford and Eva Mendes. Their lingerie scenes take off without taking it off. Both versions are hilariously gasp-worthy, but Señora de Gosling plays this part like no other she’s done. Wearing an invisible watch is welcome comedy for 2008. Audiences are given a glimpse of Eva’s La Perla in The Devil Wears Prada.

The Evolution

Everyone loves an overdue makeover. Mary 2008 transforms out of her frumpy stage and into her era of chic fashion designer. When Sylvie decides she wants to rethink the woman she is, she and Mary experience a switch in lives exemplified by an outfit trade-off.

The Extras

Martini’s on the Train

A train dining car this fashionable does not happen in our time. Flashing back to an era where people dressed up seems farther than 90 years.

“Oh, it’s over. He pressed his jeans.”

— Sylvie Fowler 2008

Mother, May I

Mothers telling daughters what to do in their romantic lives does not age like fine wine. Neither do their faces. Mary’s mom 2008 is strategizing how to play Stephen for a return while she’s recovering from a “refreshing” face lift. The belief that the remake retained over nearly 70 years is that this behavior is just a phase and look the other way is one that should have been eroded out. This is not a style that ever needs to come back.

A Bit of Panache

Summer Rain enlivened by Russell spying on Crystal 1939 is classic. Their shopping style is one to revisit. The 2008 crew does a nearly equal amusing scene when they find out who Allen is.

Communication Style

Who knew print magazine would outlive the Blackberry. While Sylvie 1939 reads a magazine at the manicurist, Sylvie 2008 scrolls through her hand-held computer for the latest until her manicurist offers a juicer gossip tidbit. In addition to that, Sylvie 2008’s stationary is visually appealing enough for a reintroduction to our text-DM-heavy virtual lives. Send hand-written thank you notes for fashion month party invites.

bathing beauties

Fashionable bathing at its finest either with a silk head wrap or gown. Crystal’ bath is intruded by news of Stephen’s desire to return home. The 2008 bath is much less luxurious than 1939, but the wine might help.

The Opposite Sex

The Women 1939 and 2008 were not the only film adaptations of Luce’s play. A colorized version with Dynasty’s Joan Collins and Bewitched’s Agnes Moorehead in 1956 The Opposite Sex.