Tuning In to TV

Passion for fashion

With “The September Issue,” the documentary about Vogue editor Anna Wintour, set for release this weekend and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week already rocking the runways in New York, Turner Classic Movies has unveiled its 15 Favorite Fashion Trendsetting Films.

“Movies have long had a pivotal role in setting new fashion trends, while also serving as inspirations to legions of designers,” says its press release announcing the picks, selected by TCM’s experts under the tutelage of well-known designers Manolo Blahnik and Todd Oldham.

Among the films lauded are “Pandora’s Box” (1929), in which Louise Brooks plays the iconic Lulu, whose flapper-style dresses and severe black bob were from then on firmly on the fashion map. Clark Gable’s bare chest in “It Happened One Night” (1934) made such a statement that many men stopped wearing undershirts, and one underwear manufacturer considered suing Columbia Pictures, according to TCM. Mr. Gable’s trench coats, seen in this film and others, ended up becoming a staple of his signature style.

Katharine Hepburn’s wide-leg trousers, loafers and tailored shirts in “Pat and Mike” (1952) made wearing menswear deliciously feminine and immortalized her as a fashion pioneer. The Council of Fashion Designers of America honored her with a special award in 1986.

Grace Kelly’s black overnight bag in “Rear Window” (1954), which held the gauzy white nightgown she used to seduce her tentative boyfriend, played by Jimmy Stewart, was made by Hermes. Because of her loyal patronage, the French luxury retailer named the bag the Kelly.

James Dean’s red jacket and T-shirt symbolized mid-50s youth, angst and rebellion in “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955).

Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress by Givenchy for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961) gave new meaning to the adage “Less is more.” The multilayered pearl necklace also got a boost thanks to being seen on Miss Hepburn’s swanlike neck.

Diane Keaton in the title role in “Annie Hall” (1977) donned Ralph Lauren ties and floppy hats and made thrift-shopping and mixing and matching instantly chic. “She’s a genius. Let’s just leave her alone. Let her wear what she wants,” insisted director Woody Allen when the film’s costume designer tried to nix Miss Keaton’s quirky look.

Rounding out the list are “Letty Lynton” (1932), “And God Created Woman …” (1956), “Auntie Mame” (1958), “Bonnie and Clyde” (1967), “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968), “Shaft” (1971), “Saturday Night Fever” (1977) and “Flashdance” (1983).

Leno promo extensive

NBC is putting big promotional bucks behind its prime-time bet on Jay Leno, turning to an ambitious radio campaign as part of its overall push for Mr. Leno’s new show, which premieres Monday at 10 p.m.

Working with Horizon Media and Katz Marketing Solutions, the campaign, to air in two waves, could be NBC’s biggest radio tune-in effort yet, MediaWeek.com says.

The first set of radio spots broke on Tuesday and continues through Friday. Those ads serve as teasers, aimed at getting potential viewers to think about the upcoming Leno debut. The second wave, airing Monday through Sept. 18, is the call to action. Both waves emphasize Mr. Leno’s brand of comedy, MediaWeek notes.

The first radio flight airs in 12 top markets, including the 10 markets where NBC has owned-and-operated stations. (The Washington area ranks eighth.) In a nod to Mr. Leno’s new time slot, the spot airs adjacent to morning traffic reports, with 15 seconds of Leno comedy bits followed by a tag reminding viewers to tune in to Mr. Leno at 10 p.m.

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