'The Artist's' New York Premiere Proves It's The Fashion Movie of the Year

Peter Iovino/The Weinstein Co.

The Artist doesn't even open till next week -- but the fashion flock is awaiting it with baited breath, sort of like it's actually a film about fashion, like Valentino: The Last Emperor.

But in many ways, it is.

The Weinstein Company's black and white silent period film by Michel Hazanavicius has glorious 1920's jazz-age costumes for its female lead Berenice Bejo, and for its male lead Jean Dujardin. And since the 20's were in the zeitgeist on the spring 2012 collections -- especially those by Marc Jacobs and Gucci -- the costumes in The Artist are getting big attention from fashion designers, writers and even retailers.

Since Baz Luhrman's The Great Gatsby will be out in the summer of 2012 -- and photos of Leo DiCaprio in his Jay Gatsby white suits are already leaking out -- this is a trend that will keep on giving.

The Artist's New York premiere, at the Royalton Hotel's 44 restaurant, was sponsored by Hugo Boss, and along with the cast and filmmaker, included Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman, model/fashionista Paulina Porivkova, Jennifer Missoni of the Missoni family, and other models and editors checking out the looks. Interesting that the film's star Bejo has been wearing only simple black looks for the promotional tour, like the evening tuxedo she wore in New York. But we do hear she's got some of the film's wardrobe in her Paris apartment.