How Prada Created a 'Gatsby' Fashion Moment

For a period piece, "The Great Gatsby" looks very au courant.
The film, directed by Baz Luhrmann and in theaters May 10, is already spawning "inspired by" collections at retail stores from Tiffany to David's Bridal. A primary reason for the film's fashion resonance is the currency of its couture: sleek tuxedos; lacy, fringed and beaded flapper dresses; bandeau headpieces; and swingy pearl necklaces worn by a cast that includes Carey Mulligan, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire.

"The Great Gatsby" movie is set to be released in May with costumes designed by Miuccia Prada. The film looks increasingly likely to be one of those that influence current fashions. Christina Binkley reports.

To create a modern feel, designer Miuccia Prada based 41 costumes on recent looks from her own Prada and Miu Miu lines. Fans familiar with Prada's spring 2011 collection may welcome the striped fur stoles and sequined dresses in a pivotal party scene. On the runway in Milan, the collection was embellished with quirky detailing such as monkey images and did little to recall the 1920s. To move from runway to soundstage, Ms. Prada toned down colors to a softer period palette, altered necklines, removed decorations, and added dropped waists, fringe and other details popular in the '20s.