“Rob Pattinson” is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. The 27-year-old English actor has built an impressive reputation since starring in 2012’s romantic comedy, “Bel Ami.” Since then, he’s starred in several high-profile projects, including the upcoming sci-fi adventure film, “Battlefield Earth.” But what does his famous smile actually mean? Is he as cool as he seems? Does he smoke?
The Meaning Of The Name
Before he became a regular in Hollywood, Rob Pattinson went by the name, Bruce. His mother’s maiden name is also Pattinson, and she helped give birth to him. But since he began acting professionally, he’s gone by the name, Rob. Bruce was the name of his first pet dog, and it stuck. While it’s not unusual for celebrities to have pet dogs, it’s uncommon for them to be named after animals.
The Actor’s Smoking History
Whether it was acting or modeling, the young Englishman was always interested in fashion. In fact, he began his career when he was 15 years old, walking the runways for high-end designers. At 18, he was even featured on the cover of a popular fashion magazine. His love for fashion carried over into his personal life, and he often styled himself after luxury brands. But, despite his fame, he didn’t find it easy to live up to the expectations of others. Often, he would show up to photo shoots and film sets underdressed.
It wasn’t until he turned 25 that he began to feel comfortable in his own skin. His natural charisma and charm helped him establish himself as a bonafide leading man. He had a breakout year in 2012, starring opposite Reese Witherspoon in the critically acclaimed period drama, “Water For Wine.” The next year, he returned to the big screen in another Witherspoon-directed project, “Tammy.” Since then, he’s starred in several prestige projects, including the indie film, “Good Time,” and the upcoming “Battlefield Earth.”
The Evolution Of Style
While Hollywood has always been associated with glamour, the film industry has changed dramatically in the past few years, and so has the way audiences approach fashion. Gone are the days of heavily made-up and eye-liner-wearing movie stars. Now, blockbusters are often populated with natural beauty and younger actors, challenging decades-old stereotypes.
To keep up with the changing times, fashion magazines and websites have begun to reflect this shift, rediscovering classic styles and repackaging them for contemporary audiences. Take, for example, the evolution of Hollywood style over the years.
1920s
Hollywood began exploring the ’20s in 2018’s hit film, “Black Panther.” After a fashion house is robbed, Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa must find the villains who robbed his house and eliminated his guards. He calls upon his amazing S.H.I.E.L.D. director for help. After getting a crash course in fashion, he is given an awesome battle outfit, which he eventually donates to cancer charity. The film’s costume designer, Ruth Carter, spoke to Vogue about reprising these iconic looks.
While it’s always important to have pride in your cultural heritage, it’s also important to learn from the past and change with the times. Many people, particularly in the black community, have taken notice of the movie. One of the most noted fashion influencers, Eve, even wore Chadwick’s outfit and called it, ‘her type of vintage’. The designer Gucci even unveiled a capsule collection with a tie-in to ‘Black Panther.’
1930s
Hollywood continued its focus on the ’30s in 2019 with Woody Allen’s “A Rainy Day in New York.” The story, set mostly in the Big Apple, revolves around an aging Hollywood star (Allen) who falls in love with a teenage girl (Francesca Fratelli). The actress, Rebecca Hall, spoke to Vanity Fair about why New York was the perfect choice for her character: “It’s such a fun and fresh take on the ‘Hollywood’ part. I can’t think of a fashion house that embodies that lifestyle more than Gucci.”
The ‘30s saw the height of the ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood. Many major designers, like Gucci, still wear their childhood heroines, and even the most famous ones, like Marjorie Merriweather Post, were known for their glamorous style. Allen, while not a designer himself, always liked to play with fashion, and this film marks the first time he’s put his spin on the classic ‘Hollywood’ look.
1960s
The ‘60s were all about the mod culture, and celebrities were a part of it. Marjorie Merriweather Post, who designed clothing for famous actresses like Grace Kelly and Barbra Streisand, began creating outfits for men and women who wanted to be a part of the counterculture. Post, who died in 2018, spoke to Vanity Fair about why she designed for the ‘60s: “They were a milestone in time, women’s liberation, and cultural change. Every woman wanted to be a part of it.”
The ‘60s were also the height of the ‘Hollywood Squares’ style. The game show, which aired from 1960 to 1969, had a fashion spinoff called “Hollywood Squares Fashion Parade.” Guests would walk the runway and show off their best ‘60s outfits, and the designers would pick winners based on the audience’s votes.
1970s & Beyond
The ‘70s and beyond were all about the designers, with a few notable exceptions. Rudi Gernhard’s punk-inspired label, Rudi Gernhard Sport, became famous in the ‘70s for its shocking pink, neon-like garments. The designer’s son, Florian, remembers, “When we were growing up, our parents loved to take us shopping. They would push us in the stroller and let us pick out our own dress, as long as we matched. Then they would buy us ice cream.”
Florian, who also happens to be a cofounder of the Varsity Label, talked to Vogue about his father’s fashion legacy: “My parents are both creative people and were into fashion. They knew that no matter what was happening in the world, there would always be people who wanted to hide their bodies in clothes. You can be inspired by anything, but you have to have confidence in what you’re making. If you don’t, you’ll never be able to sell it.”
Trends
While some fashion houses are known for creating looks that last for years, others are known for making fashion trends. Givenchy, for example, is known for its innovative style and for creating fashion trends, such as the trenchcoat and the pea coat. This year, Gucci became the first fashion house to ever take legal action against a theft of their intellectual property. The Italian brand asserted that its luxury house mark was stolen by British fashion house, Burberry.
Conclusion
Whether or not you love Rob Pattinson, it’s undeniable that he’s become a bit of a fashion icon. A lot of actors and artists are famous for their unique style, but none of them, including Pattinson, have done as much to redefine fashion as the designers, houses, and individuals whose clothes they wear. While you might not have heard of the majority of the designers mentioned in this article, it’s highly likely that you know the brands that they work for. Which are your favorites?