Gatsby fashion is the cat's meow

Catherine Martin is nothing short of brilliant, and though her astounding work on her husband Baz Luhrmann’s blockbusters “Romeo + Juliet,” “Moulin Rouge” and “Australia” has not made her famous, she should be.

The fantastical videography in each of the films have always allowed her work to be just as exuberantly beautiful. But with “The Great Gatsby,” it is different. Though surely fantastic, Gatsby has a standard of cool that none of the Luhrmann’s Parisian Bohemian or Shakespearean flicks have had thus far. With this, there will be special attention paid to the men of the film, particularly Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio). After all, it’s just as Daisy Buchanan says: “You always look so cool. The man in the cool beautiful shirts.”

Gatsby is absolutely cool, and the film follows suit. I blame this on authenticity. Every striped tie, boater hat and tailored blazer has been carefully selected from Fitzgerald’s brand of choice: Brooks Brothers. Archive selections accurately depict the author’s imagination outside of text. Ralph Lauren was the main designer for Jack Clayton’s 1974 film adaptation and Brooks Brothers has quite an example to follow. However, I have no doubt they’ll exceed expectations, and with personal ties to Fitzgerald, I find them the best candidates for the job.

It’s the attention to detail and the collaboration with Martin that will give viewers the dirty specifics of the era and plot. For example, don’t miss the embroidered Skull and Bone Yale Social Club logo stitched on the interior of Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton) and Nick Carraway’s (Tobey Maguire) blazers. Edgerton said he’ll have to make a note to flip his jacket open to showcase the detail at least once. But even if you overlook it, the overall gentleman purveyor cannot be missed. The trailer already showcases DiCaprio in white suits, thick-knit sweaters, pastel oxford shirts and bold ties complete with pocket squares. I think it will serve as a prime example of what completing your outfit can do. Better yet, Brooks Brothers will not only serve as this remodel, but sell it through their Gatsby collection that went on sale last Friday.

As for the ladies, Martin said there is a certain ‘crispness’ to every costume choice. After working with Prada for the wedding scene in 1994’s “Romeo + Juliet,” the Prada-Martin duo is back together, and they’re no doubt a couple just as luxurious as Martin and Luhrmann.

Seriously, I love them, and once you see Prada’s sketchbook, you will too. The collaboration has currently revealed 40 dresses from Prada and Miu Miu archives for adaptation. Everything from pearl embroidery to sequins to silk and crystals will be nostalgically represented and modernly tailored. Brilliant party scenes will place the designs in their deserved extravagant atmosphere, the only downfall being that they might be spritzed with a few champagne showers. But then again, these designs were made to glisten.

Martin made sure of this by pairing yet again with none other than Tiffany Co., who have released their 20-piece line of Gatsby jewels in their 2013 Blue Book Collection. Pay attention to the overwhelmingly dazzling pieces such as Daisy Buchanan’s headpiece, which has a detachable brooch priced at $200,000. Unfortunately, the prices are a college fashionista’s buzzkill, but don’t fret because you don’t need a trust fund to get the look. I suggest Ted Baker or even my go-to Forever 21 winter white beaded shift dress, which runs just under $40. Then go to Stella and Dot for longer, multi-strand jewels to accompany.

Whether you’ll be embracing it or not, it’s going to be a Gatsby summer, ladies and gentlemen. After all, what Carraway said about the year 1922 can still be said today. The tempo of the city is changing sharply, the buildings are still getting higher, the parties are bigger, possibly the morals looser and though the liquor not quite cheaper, I’m sure we’ll still be toasting to Gatsby.