Joe Wright's film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" will feature—in addition to a star-studded cast that includes Keira Knightley and Jude Law—two million dollars' worth of Chanel diamonds, as well as vintage dresses inspired (in a timely twist) by classic Balenciaga pieces, WWD reports.
In an interview with WWD, costume designer Jacqueline Durran—who was responsible for Knightley's show-stopping emerald dress in "Atonement"—explained how she gave 19th century silhouettes a more contemporary feel by drawing inspiration from 1950's couture, complete with pillbox hats and asymmetric bodices.
Durran also admits to being somehwat dazzled by the piles of Chanel baubles at their disposal.
“Never in my experience on film sets have I seen anyone with such a range of diamonds and pearls," Durran told WWD, implyin that the gems were Knightley's own. "But I have to say it was very useful for Keira to have at her fingertips all this fine jewelry, as Anna would. It was the aura of Anna Karenina that we were creating."
Even if Knightley and Law turn in less than sparkling performances, at least audiences are guaranteed their visual fill of shimmering eye candy.
