Those of you following me on Instagram may have seen on my Stories that we went to the Blade Runner Secret Cinema at the weekend…
What on earth is the Blade Runner Secret Cinema I hear you ask – I wondered exactly the same thing myself a while ago!
The Secret Cinema is an event that’s been going for a few years “recreating” classic movies in a secret location where everyone gets dressed up in the style/spirit of the original film. In Blade Runner the place was made to look like the dystopian LA of 2019 set 37 years into the future (and I know, that’s now next year, eek) along with street scenes, fake rain and food stalls selling noodles and dumplings. There were actors playing the key parts as well as a lot of extras who mill around, playing up to their characters and interacting with you… it was all rather bizarre and hilarious at times, but my god was it an experience!
(BTW the link up is a day late as yesterday was Bank Holiday Monday – from now on any link up falling on a bank holiday will be a day late to give me the day off!)
When you buy tickets you’re assigned a character role and an identity (I was Gloria Johnson, Keith was Harry Pierce #LOL), and you’re expected to dress up as per your occupation. They give you ideas on what sort of look to go for and suggestions for what to wear, and I was overjoyed to find out I was a Tannhauser Industrialist (do NOT ask me what on earth that actually was) – the key look for women assigned to that role was very 1940s-inspired, with pillbox hats and lots of face glitter.
Grimy, rainy, futuristic LA meets 1940s tailoring, if you know what I mean?!
Past Secret Cinema events have included Moulin Rouge, 28 Days Later, Ghostbusters and – of course – Star Wars… any films that feature memorable costumes and sets are perfect for these events (I’m DESPERATE for a Fifth Element one). Keith (or, should I say, Harry) was a Private Investigator, so he needed the big raincoat and waistcoat with a tie:
SHOP THE LOOK:
He makes quite a cool (but a little bit rough n ready) PI, don’t you think…? 😉
Creating a 1940s-style Blade Runner costume
It started with the dress – I’d had my eye on a few shirt dresses this spring, especially after researching so many current season dresses for my wedding guest outfits post from the other week. I went for the striped maxi shirt dress from Mango in the end: the colours were dark (far more appropriate than any pale colour) and you could do the button up to the neck to make it look more 1940s. It needed a wide belt to cinch in the waist and then I added the obligatory clear raincoat.
(I say obligatory – it was more than that…. it was absolutely ESSENTIAL if you didn’t want to get completely and utterly drenched. As it was, the bottom of my dress and my feet were soaked through, and it’s just when you’re at your wettest that you’re taken into the “cinema” part and everyone gets to watch the movie itself. So we all sat there happy as anything, but totally soaked.)
And the details are what made the outfit REALLY cool (I know I’m tooting my own horn here but I’m telling you – I LOVED this outfit)!
Flats were part of the dress code (you wouldn’t be allowed in wearing heels) so I chose some white pointed flats I’ve had for a few years that I didn’t mind getting wet/trashed… good job too, considering the amount of rain there was. Pillbox hats with veils featured a lot in the movie, so I got myself a cheap black pillbox hat with a birdcage veil from Amazon. Finally, glitter around my eyes which was also worn a lot in the movie (well, it was made in 1982)! I regret to say I couldn’t get hold of biodegradable glitter in time, but I made sure I didn’t wash it down the sink after talking about how bad glitter is for the oceans last year on the blog. I rescued as much as I still had on my face and put it back in the pot for another time #DoingMyBit
Finally, the umbrella. EVERYONE there needed an umbrella, and most of the ones there were illuminating umbrellas (like ours) and clear. It was quite a sight to see everyone on the dance floor at the end, dancing in the “rain” under their glowing umbrellas and getting soaked.
I’ve always been a huge fan of fancy dress (in the last few years I’ve been Disney’s Cinderella in rags, a Japanese anime girl and Johnny Depp’s Willy Wonka) and Keith’s a fan too, so we have no qualms about looking like a couple of loons (though this was probably my most stylish fancy dress outfit to date).
It was one of those events where those that didn’t make much of an effort really, really looked daft – if you didn’t look 100% grimy, futuristic LA then you stood out like a sore thumb. However, travelling on the tube was fun… I could sense I was being stared at but hey, once we got nearer the event we were joined by a lot of others and we didn’t feel QUITE so conspicuous!
We took a few quick shots in the hotel before we left and a few were taken after the event. Phones we not allowed inside (it’s called Secret Cinema for a reason) so it was somewhat frustrating because I wanted to put everything onto my Stories. But no one else could either, so you get to be far more immersed in the whole experience so I think it’s a good thing.
The company that puts on these events are doing a Romeo and Juliet Secret Cinema in August, and I’m seriously considering getting tickets for that too. It was SO much fun, get yourself along if you can get to London in August!
Do add your outfits to this week’s link up – and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured next week!
WHAT LOOK FROM BLADE RUNNER WOULD YOU WANT TO DRESS UP IN? OR WHAT OTHER MOVIE WOULD YOU CHOOSE AS A SECRET CINEMA EVENT? COMMENT BELOW…!
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Above: this was taken with my iPhone, and it’s done some weird glazed thing to my left eye. Maybe I’m secretly a replicant after all…?!!
Dress: Mango
Raincoat: eBay
Pillbox hat: Amazon (similar)
Shoes: Debenhams (I like these)
Belt: Old, unknown (I like this one)
Umbrella: Utopia Live (similar)
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Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!
The link up goes live every Monday at around 3pm UK time and will stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only criteria is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!
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Featured favourites
My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:
(L-R) Wishes & Reality | What Nicole Wore | Is This Mutton
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Oh my, you two did well. I love dressing up for such things. And never getting the chance. What a terrific organisation. Do go to Romeo and Julliet. You two would make such a great couple.
You nailed this theme very well, you and Keith. And I remember the other times you dressed up. Thought the Japanese anime girl was really good.
Greetje
What a fun theme for a party! Blade Runner (the original WITH the narration) has been one of my favorite movies since it was released when I was in uni… The flats only rule makes me sad; I have the perfect 40’s vibe shoes!
OH dear god in heaven. I love this look so much I can’t stop going through the photos. You totally look like an actress. The coat, the dress, the hat, the veil, the GLITTER ON YOUR FACE, your expression, the brolly… it is all so perfect. I think you should wear this outfit more often, you look right at home. xx
Author
Oh wow Lisa THANK YOU!!!! I have to admit I was really pleased how well it turned out… amazing how a few well-chosen accessories take it from wedding outfit to sci-fi futurism, isn’t it?! 😉
That plastic coat looks cool! I like that shirt-dress in bright stripes. A perfect look for rainy days.
XOXO,
Xenia
Author
I love the coat too Xenia but OMG does it create condensation if you’re in a hot place as we were – I was a walking greenhouse!! 😉
The original Blade Runner is one of my very favorite movies, need to see the new one. You are certainly looking the part!!
Cherie
STYLE NUDGE
Author
I haven’t seen the new one either Cherie!! Must change that…
That sounds like such a fun thing to do! I have to admit that I’ve never seen Blade Runner, in fact I hardly ever watch films. I love your striped shirt dress and pillbox hat, very chic!
Emmaxxx
Author
You SHOULD watch it Emma!! Even just for the visual treat that it is – it may have been made in 1982 but the CGI and effects don’t look at all dated and are just mesmerising x
Truly fabulous!! I was most impressed with the glimpse of your outfit I saw on your Instagram stories. I’m a huge Blade Runner fan, and of Rachel’s style (part of the reason I came to love vintage looks!). Xx
Author
She looked AMAZING in the film, didn’t she Porcelina… I’m not sure but I hope the costume designer got an Oscar nod!!
I remember something like this in Australia a while ago. The concept is just brilliant, I’d love to do it! I’ll have a look around New York for something similar. As for your outfit – totally jaw dropping! Keith looks amazing too btw, I mean you two are always so sharp but this is just magic 😉
Also I wanna say, I like how you put the costume together yourself as opposed to simply renting it. So much more fun & authentic, bravo Catherine xx
Author
Aww thanks MT – yes you should definitely look for something similar!! We’ve always done fancy dress in our family, and it was a total no-no to rent costumes… you always had to make it from things you already had or charity shops purchases, maybe buying some cheap bits and pieces. (I know I bought the dress but I’ll wear it lots!) I’ve NEVER rented a costume or just bought an off-the-peg one – that’s not in the spirit of fancy dress if you ask me!
Oh wow!! You and Keith truly look like you walked right off the set of Blade Runner, dearest Catherine!! Such a fabulous idea for a night out; getting dressed up in costume (as we say on this side of the pond!) is something I haven’t done in AGES…unfortunately, Robin isn’t a big fan of “fancy dress.” 🙁 But I’d absolutely love the opportunity to create a really cool look for an event like this…although I have my doubts that I could top your über-amazing outfit!! That transparent trench and veiled pillbox hat have me swooning!! XOXO
Author
Monika thank you!!!!!! I love fancy dress, so you can imagine how stoked I was to get this identity and have to recreate the 1940s-style outfits from the movie 😀
You both look wonderful! I’m curious why heels were prohibited?
Author
I did wonder myself before going, Leslie! It was undoubtedly because the rain machine had to have a drainage system, so the floor was grilled to take away excess water. There’s no way you’d be able to walk on it wearing heels, so – Health & Safety…!
You both look like movie stars! Love it!
Tatiana
Author
aww Tatiana what a great compliment, thank you! x
Catherine – you have managed to do the 1940s thing without that weird thing that people do when they dress how they believe what a person looked like in the 1940s but somehow it comes out wrong. A fabulous 1940s look from yourself – yes, tout your own horn – you got it right.
Author
I know what you mean Ratnamurti – there’s a meme going round the interwebs showing a picture of people in 80s fancy dress and then what teenagers REALLY wore in the 80s… the real picture showed the cast of The Breakfast Club which is so accurate!!
thank you hon x
This sounds such a fun event, and you certainly look the part Catherine. Thanks for hosting the linkup Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
thanks so much Jacqui x
Well what a thoroughly enlightening post this is Catherine! I’ve never heard of such a thing, but now feel ready if I ever get invited to such an event. You look suitably fabulous, 40’s and fairly ready to get well and truly soaked. We love fancy dress too, hence my ABBA themed 60th birthday bash in January – do take a peek if you ever have a minute to spare.
Thanks for the link up party again!
anna x
Author
I’ve had a look Anna – WHAT a party, you all looked incredible!!!! Thank you hon for the lovely comment x
My goodness yu7 both look awesome!!!! I love your glitter makeup and the outfits are perfect! What a fab event xxxxx
Author
Aww Liz thank you!! I wish I’d had more time to apply even MORE glitter TBH…! 😉
Now I love the UK even more for organising such event events. Splendid!
Author
It was an incredible event, Nancy x
Mr Hughes and I did this a few weeks back – we were scavengers, so I got to wear leather trousers (my motorcycle leathers, so comfy and warm) a black tee, a see through yellow poncho, goggles and fingerless gloves. All accessorised with battery operated fairy lights. We did get some funny looks on the Tube though…
Author
Oh wow Lisa – wasn’t it just amazing?!!!!!!! Scavengers must have been a fun theme… your outfit sounds so cool!
The rain storms tickled my funny bone!
Author
It was brilliantly bizarre!! #LOL
Ha ha so brilliant, I just love Keith’s cheeky ‘PI’ grin, perfection both of you Bravo!
Author
Ashley thank you!!!!!!!! We had such fun…!
One of your most gorgeous and stylish outfits, Catherine. Why not do more vintage looks?
Author
Thank you Penelope…! The blog is mostly about my personal style, and I’m not really one to wear actual vintage styles on a general basis. But I do wear vintage pieces quite a lot, so if you wanted to see them go to https://www.notdressedaslamb.com/search/label/vintage where they all hang out together! 😉
Wow you look INCREDIBLE, you both do. I remember when Secret Cinema started years ago: such a cool concept. Must attend an event soon x
Author
It was so incredible, Vicki!! Thank you my lovely x
Catherine, this is just all kinds of fabulous! You should toot your own horn because this is amazing from head to toe!
Shelbee
Author
hehe thanks Shelbee, I will!! #toottoot
Thrilled to be a featured favourite! Thanks so much!
Your outfit is fabulous- looks straight off a catwalk. Have fancied Secret Cinema for a while – I’m up for The Sound of Music 🙂
Author
OMG The Sound of Music would be amazing Gail!!!!!! thanks hon x
You both look so cute Katherine!!
Xx
Joi
Author
thank you Joi! x