The impact of casino on the fashion industry
The fashion industry has always sought inspiration from other industries and sectors. Respected and world-renowned fashion designers tend to look for new ideas in unexpected places and people.
Knowing this, it’s no surprise that the casino industry influenced these artists and left its mark on the industry.
From breathtaking and sophisticated casinos to expensive outfits worn by the elite, fashion designers had plenty of casino aspects to seek inspiration from.
So, what stood out to them? How did the casino industry impact the fashion industry?
How the perception of casinos was shaped
Several centuries ago, gambling activities were reserved to the elite and aristocracy of a country. For example, bingo was only played by the Italian and French aristocracy back in the 16th and 17th centuries.
This meant that individuals who played games like bingo would typically dress up for the occasion. It was an opportunity for them to meet and socialize with other aristocrats.
Gambling was a social activity for which one had to make a good impression. Gamers would put on their best clothes in a desire to impress their peers.
It took a long time for these games to become accessible to individuals of other social classes. Most accessible salons and casinos started opening during the 20th century.
These more affordable venues did not have strict dress code rules. Individuals could go play a few casino games without having to dress up for the occasion.
That being said, most high-end casinos still keep some sort of dress code to honor the old gaming traditions and to distinguish themselves from the newer and more affordable venues.
A strict dress code in casinos is now largely associated with luxury, elitism, and aristocracy.
Whether they are playing Vegas-style casino slots or a game of poker, women and men will still wear their best outfits when visiting a high-end casino.
This dress code has also been reinforced by the film industry. For example, James Bond is always dressed smartly when playing in a casino.
He does not visit lower-end venues but always goes to the best casinos in the world. Very rarely are other dress codes shown in films.
One of them is The Hangover, in which the main characters go to Las Vegas to play in a casino. They are dressed more casually.
More casual dresswear in casinos is almost always shown in comedies but never really in dramas or action films.
This dress code distinction, between lower-end and higher-end casino venues, has inspired many fashion designers.
Fashion designers who were inspired by the casino industry
There are many designers who were inspired by the casino industry. This article will focus on two of them who worked for the iconic French fashion company, Chanel.
- Virginie Viard
Virginie Viard is the artistic director of Chanel which means she is in charge of imagining Chanel’s collections for the years to come.
Her Chanel Cruise Show 2023 collection featured a number of casino-inspired pieces. One of them was a beautiful slot machine minaudière bag.
Minaudière bags refer to small handbags that can carry cosmetics or jewelry pieces. They are very small bags that are particularly popular in the high-fashion industry.
Other casino-themed accessories included a few minaudière bags shaped like gambling chips and playing cards.
One of the main reasons behind the prevalence of the casino-theme at the Chanel Cruise Show 2023 was its location. The show was held in Monaco, a country known for its high-end and luxurious casinos.
Some of the world’s most important casinos are in Monaco. The most famous one is without a doubt the Monte Carlo Casino.
Several James Bond films were shot in the venue’s beautiful rooms.
- Karl Lagerfeld
Back in 2015, when the late Karl Lagerfeld was the artistic director of Chanel, he also found inspiration in the casino industry. This led to an unforgettable 2015 Chanel show during the Paris Fashion Week.
The show was held at the famous Grand Palais Museum in the heart of Paris. The entire museum was turned into a casino for the occasion.
Slot machines, roulette and blackjack tables made up the entire setting and decoration for the show.
The models walked by with beautiful cocktail dresses, chic suits, and exquisite pieces of jewelry.
Karl Lagerfeld said that he had wanted to recreate the world of a luxurious casino with a sophisticated cocktail dress code.
Final thoughts
As this article discussed, the fashion and the film industries have shaped the public’s understanding and perception of casinos and their dress code. That being said, the casino industry has also had a major influence on both of these industries.
Iconic casino venues have become sources of inspiration for fashion designers and filmmakers alike. These industries are intertwined and will most likely continue to influence each other in the years to come.