And while the sartorial lessons in Anderson's equal parts absurd and ironic film may not have been the driving force behind the narrative, they've left their mark on me. And Marc Jacobs, too.
So what can we glean from the Tenenbaum family that we may use to our own advantage in the celluloid feature that is our own 'personal style'?
THE cost is sartorial genius
Margot Tenenbaum's mid calf mink coat, by way of Prada, is almost a character in its own right. It's a piece she wears consistently, and to great effect. Coats, especially Prada mink coats, but also navy wool and black velvet are the type of sartorial genius that will always have place in your wardrobe, classic or no classic. And if you can wear it with the world weary quite despair and black black kohl of Margot, you're on a winner. Striped t-shirt dress is an optional extra.
Skivvys are ALWAYS in, always
We spoke about this recently, but if you needed further proof, Bill Murray as the hopelessly meek and depressed psychiatrist Raleigh St. Clair and Margot's estranged husband, wears his plum coloured number with the kind of aplomb that only really comes when you just know that you're on your sartorial game - or that you have no idea, works both ways. Of course the fact that Raleigh pairs his plum with a camel coloured suede jacket is the kind of wardrobe choice that really needs its own post.
There is NO shame in matching
Chas Tenenbaum may just be singularly responsible for the amount of matching tracksuits you saw after 2001, worn in a wholly unironic way. But the mere fact that a style of dress has dominated the fashion skewed choices of the people is no reason to eschew its value altogether. Comfort is undeniable, as is safety. I mean, it's much easier to respond to a 3am fire drill if you're already dressed to partake in some form of physical activity. It's cool to be prepared, you know.
If you want to wear a tan suit, sweatband and aviators, DO IT
Seriously, do it. And then send me a picture, please.
In all honesty though, a tan suit is a sartorial gem that is so ridiculously underrated, it's almost a crime. The perfect blend of sophistication and relaxed style, it's dressy without the formal overtones of black or navy or the OTT of white. It has more substance than grey, and is removed from the dated feeling that overtakes brown. Tan is the bees knees, really.
Not forgetting, of course, the validity of bow ties, velvet blazers, fringed jackets worn with cowboy hats and dizzying printed shirts.
No wonder Marc was so inspired.
Thoughts, feelings, sartorial inspirations or lessons of your own - please share!
kb xx