In "The Idea of You," director Michael Showalter breathes new life into the age-old trope of a whirlwind romance between a non-famous individual and an internationally renowned pop star. Set in LA, the film stars Anne Hathaway as Solène Marchand, a glamorous 40-year-old art gallery owner and divorced mother of one, and Nicholas Galitzine as Hayes Campbell, the 24-year-old heartthrob of the fictional boy band August Moon.

The story unfolds after a chance encounter at Coachella leads to sparks flying between Solène and Hayes. While the internet draws parallels between the film and the real-life age gap relationship of Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde, the narrative goes beyond mere fan-fiction. It delves into the acutely female struggle for identity and individuality after motherhood, presenting Solène as a flawed yet hopeful character who disrupts stereotypes of older women in relationships with younger men.

Costume designer Jacqueline Demeterio played a crucial role in fleshing out Solène's character through her wardrobe choices. Rather than portraying Solène as trying to appear younger, Demeterio opted for sophisticated yet understated labels that reflect Solène's successful career and peak earning years. Solène's fashion choices evolve subtly throughout the film, maintaining her cool and classy aesthetic while allowing for realistic rewearing of pieces.

In contrast, outfitting Hayes posed a different challenge. Demeterio explored various directions before settling on elevated classics that reflect Hayes' status as a young heartthrob. While Harry Styles served as inspiration, Demeterio aimed to create a distinct look for Hayes that wasn't a direct impression of the real-life pop star. Instead, she focused on tailoring and perfect proportions to capture Hayes' off-duty style.

One of the most crucial aspects of Demeterio's work was accurately reflecting the 16-year age gap between Solène and Hayes through their clothing. Their contrasting outfits during key scenes highlight their star-crossed romance and societal perceptions of age differences in relationships.

Overall, "The Idea of You" challenges clichés in the rom-com genre by presenting Solène and Hayes as equals in glamour and sophistication, rather than adhering to the trope of the celebrity being more glamorous than their non-famous love interest. As the story unfolds, viewers witness Solène's journey of self-discovery and empowerment, proving that love knows no bounds when it comes to age or status.

Source: CNN