Lights, camera, fashion: Directors dress for festivals

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Never mind New York and all those whippet-thin models with sad eyes and taunting clavicles at fashion week. Over in Venice at the film festival, there’s a fashion show worth noting when film directors take to the red carpet. In my opinion, it’s the directors who now showcase more personal elan and signature style than the talent. Perhaps it’s because these artists -- unlike actors -- aren’t courted with designer contracts. My favorite transformation? Hands down: Wes Anderson. The director, who debuted ‘The Darjeeling Limited’ in Venice, and once closely resembled William Butler Yeats (see far left, circa 2003) has taken his preppy, ‘My tennis racket is strung tighter than yours’ look to a more soulful, hippie style. Clearly, he has ditched the specs and refined flour complexion for good. What do you bet the new Wes carries clove cigarettes and a gold Cartier lighter?

Oh and worth noting: Marc Jacobs designed the luggage for ‘Darjeeling,’ along with some suits worn by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman. As I recall, Anderson has one New York tailor that he favors and he used to send his actors to this craftsman for all of their fittings.

Photo credit: WireImage