Les Miserables begins in 1815 France and follows the story up to the June Rebellion of 1832. The movie, currently in theaters, is based on Victor Hugo's 1862 novel. Derived from the radical themes of redemption, freedom, justice, morality, and love, this movie tells the tale of six intertwined strangers. Like the title, "The Miserable," suggests, these characters are tortured by poverty, ill-fate, and broken hearts. Read on for five outfits inspired from the film's characters: Jean Valjean, Inspector Javert, Fantine, Cosette, Marius Pontmercy, and Enjolras.
JEAN VALJEAN & INSPECTOR JAVERT
Nineteen years ago Valjean was sentenced to prison for stealing a loaf of bread to help feed his sister's family. Finally released and struggling to turn his life around, this ex-convict had no other option than to create a new identity and break parole. However, his past catches up with him when he is discovered by Inspector Javert. Misread as a villain, Javert really just has a strict sense of justice, an inherent belief in evil, and noble intentions. To him, Jean Valjean will forever be Prisoner 24601. Caught in a never-ending cat-and-mouse game, Valjean must try to convince Javert of his changed ways and Javert must come to terms with this change.
Jacket- udobuy.com
Top- River Island
Cargo Pants- J Brand
Combat Boots- Make Me Chic
Bracelet- Monnier Freres
Inspired by these two main characters, I chose an updated militaristic look. The bright orange peplum top with the black and gold collar and the black belted peacoat symbolize the rigid nature of Javert, as well as Valjean's ability to change. Representative of Javert's career in the police force, the combat boots are perfect to lace up on the long treck to Calvary, while the gold studded wrist band represents Valjean's past forever locked to his identity.
FANTINE
Fantine, played by Anne Hathaway, is a hopeless young woman whose life has been filled with nothing but tragedy. Having fallen in love with a man who promised her a future together, her dreams were broken when he abandoned her pregnant and alone. To support her daughter, Cosette, Fantine sent her to live with a horrible innkeeper and his family while she works in Valjean's factory. After loosing her job at the factory, Fantine desperately turns to a life of prostitution as a source of revenue so she she can continue to keep her daughter's well-being. When Valjean finally learns of her situation, he promises Fantine on her deathbed that he will find Cosette and raise her as his own child.
Top- Raxevsky
Skirt- Debenhams
Bracelet- Bibi Bijoux
Ring- Missel Fridge
Bohemian in style, this look is based on Fantine's selfless nature and hopeless future. With the floral printed maxi skirt, Fantine maintains modesty, and the sheer dolman sweater represents her life of poverty. The flats are comfy but still chic. The heart shaped jewels represents her kind yet mistreated heart, as well as the hearts of those she tries so desperately to seek.
COSETTE
When Valjean first adopts little Cosette, she is dressed in rags and withering away from the inside out. Despite this difficult childhood living with the terrible Thenardier family, she grows up to become a beautiful woman in a convent with Valjean working as the gardener. However, Cosette catches the eye of Marius Pontmercy, a young student, and instantly becomes enchanted by her.
Dress- Rare London
Shawl- Etsy
Cardigan- Patty Women
Flats- Dirty Laundry
Tights- Chic Wish
Bracelet- Isharya
Earrings- Dannijo
This outfit is charming and cute, but still maintains modesty and the good-girl morals Valjean raised her with. Lots of lace and ruffles complete Cosette's pretty look. The A-line dress resembles Cosette's voluptuous gowns, and the light blue accessories keep the outfit from being too girly.
MARIUS PONTMERCY
Marius Pontmercy is a young student and a revolutionary who happens to fall in love with Valjean's daughter, Cosette. The two communicate via Eponine, the elder Thenardiers' daughter, who serves as the couple's messenger since Cosette is not allowed to leave the convent. Although it takes Marius some time, he is finally able to win over the approval of the ever-protective Jean Valjean, and, in the end, marries Cosette.
Top- Love Culture
Oxford Shoes- Avenue 32
Bag- Fendi
Heels- Wholesale Dress
Jacket- Karl Donoghue
In the film, Marius frequently sports a white shirt, patterned vest, and navy blue trousers. To modernize and accessorize the outfit a bit more, I selected a plaid, cold shoulder flannel with blue jeans for a more scholarly look. The sheepskin leather jacket and messenger bag symbolize the revolutionary side Marius retains.
ENJOLRAS
Enjolras, the leader of the Friends of the ABC, is a feisty student, devoted to the revolutionary cause. As the song "Red and Black" implies, the Friends of the ABC claimed these as their representative colors.
Blazer- Etsy
Pants- Stella McCartney
Top- Ginger Fizz
Combat Boots- Hot Topic
Necklace- Avenue 32
Collar- Republic
This bold combination of red and black look great for the winter season. I paired black trousers with a red blazer, much like the one Enjolras wears in the film. A gold embellished crop top would look stunning underneath, with matching gold studded combat boots. Like a warrior about to battle, the side braid and head wrap duo is a winning look to complete this outfit.
Interlocked by poverty and misfortune, these characters all struggle to rise up against their hopeless fates. A sad, yet inspiring story, this was one of the best films I have seen in a long time. From a fashion point of view, these characters, as individuals, hold so much potential for this season's upcoming trends. I now look forward to see how these characters will be portrayed from the movie to the runway.
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