Unveiling the Magic Behind Amy Winehouse’s Signature Style in ‘Back to Black’: Beehives, Vintage Dresses, and Authentic Jewelry
Welcome, mis amigos, to the fascinating world behind the scenes of the new film Back to Black, where the talented Marisa Abela brings the legendary Amy Winehouse back to life. ¡Qué emoción! Diving into Amy’s iconic wardrobe and her soul-stirring music, this film is a tribute woven with genuine pieces of history.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of New York's Brooklyn Bridge, Marisa, adorned with Amy’s actual Star of David, captures the essence of the incomparable singer. Thanks to the generous cooperation of Winehouse's estate, costume designer PC Williams got exclusive access to Amy’s personal wardrobe, selecting key pieces that tell a story. "Wearing Amy's pink ballet cardigan and the pink lady jacket with ‘Amy Woo’ embroidered was like holding a piece of history, un verdadero artefacto," Williams shared with a touch of nostalgia.
Directed by the visionary Sam Taylor-Johnson, Back to Black is named after Winehouse's deeply personal 2006 album. The film explores Amy’s fierce addiction to love and the tragedy she faced, culminating in her untimely death at only 27 due to alcohol poisoning. Capturing the physicality and style of Amy was no small feat for Abela, who immersed herself completely into the role. Filming started with Amy's final days, requiring Marisa to undergo a significant transformation. With ayuda from a personal trainer and a nutritionist, she meticulously gained weight to portray a younger Amy from the Frank era.
The beautiful challenge PC Williams faced was the constant fluctuation of Amy’s portrayal through her fashion. "Sending off measurements to Dolce & Gabbana, and then thinking, ‘Ay, Dios, maybe we need to add an inch’ because Marisa was physically embodying Amy through her weight changes," Williams recounts.
Amy's love for vintage fashion is reflected in the film's wardrobe, which consists of carefully sourced vintage items and key collaborations with fashion houses which recreated her iconic looks. Dolce & Gabbana brought back her stunning black dress from the 2008 Grammys, and Christian Louboutin remade the heels she wore at her unforgettable Glastonbury performance. The Glastonbury dress was a labor of love, compuesta de tres vestidos in one, crafted with materials from India. ¡Increíble!
But what’s a Winehouse without her signature beehive? Peta Dunstall, the hair and makeup designer, worked her magic using an array of black extensions to achieve the perfect texture and volume. "Anything that was black went into that beehive, from fishnet tights to synthetic hair," Dunstall explains.
Acknowledging Amy's roots, the film warmly touches upon the influence of Winehouse's beloved abuela, Cynthia. “It was important that the scene about her signature look felt real, as authentic as the heart-warming script demanded,” Dunstall remarked.
With quick prep time since their involvement began just days before filming, Williams and Dunstall relied heavily on photographs of Amy to recreate her 14 tattoos, each morning dedicating themselves to perfecting Amy's look for about an hour and a half. “You could put her in a blonde wig and she'll still embody Amy," Dunstall said, praising Abela’s commitment.
As the story unfolds, the film portrays Winehouse’s struggle with her health, yet ends on a hopeful note in a pink room, her hair styled without the beehive and lighter makeup. "The goal was to show her looking healthy, on top of things, a moment where todo parecía posible,” Dunstall reflected.
So, mis amigos y amigas, grab your popcorn and prepare to be moved by this poignant ode to Amy Winehouse's life and legacy in Back to Black. It's a heartfelt reminder that behind every icon is a historia, deeply human and incredibly real. ¡Salud por Amy!
