Annie Movie 2014 Cast, Release Date & News: Costume Designer Renée Ehrlich Kalfus Puts New Spin on Classic Wardrobe (Exclusive)
If given the choice, would you rather dress like the beloved "Annie" star circa 1930, 1982 or 2014?
Well, if you picked the latter, then you're in luck! You can dress just like the modern Annie, played by Academy Award nominee Quvenzhané Wallis with the help of "Annie" Costume Designer Renée Ehrlich Kalfus, who recently launched the "Annie for Target" Collection to coincide with the film, which hits theaters this Friday, Dec. 19.
"First of all, the Annie story is an old ionic story that took place in the '30s, so when we did it we wanted to just make it completely contemporary and really gear it towards kids now," Kalfus told Latin Post during the "Annie" world premiere and red carpet at Ziegfeld Theater in New York on Dec. 7.
"It takes place in New York and really sees what kids are up to and what they are doing. The foster kids being who they are, they are very clever, hand-me-downs they have to make their own," she said. "That's what we did, we made it really spunky and really contemporary."
The "Annie for Target" Collection is a 25-piece-limited edition and includes girls' apparel and accessories including "patchwork, embroidery, pins, buttons, tulle" as well as a classic yet contemporary spin on Annie's iconic red dress and a heart-shaped locket.
"One of the things that I recommend is the red dress, which is almost identical to the one in the movie," Kalfus said.
The reasonably priced (less than $30) mix-and-match collection, which was launched both in-store and online on Nov. 16, also includes a do-it-yourself kit to inspire creative and aspiring fashionistas.
Also in the 2014 "Annie" remake, Kalfus was able to explore a new side of the loopy and funny Miss Hannigan, played by Cameron Diaz.
"Miss Hannigan was really fun to do because the backstory is that she is sort of a failed back-up singer. She brings all this sort of this rock n' roll past to her character," Kalfus said. "One of the things that was fun was that we decided that she should always be ready as if she would be rediscovered. So she is dressed like the next agent is going to find her, but really what she is doing is making money taking in foster kids. It's fun. It's rock n' roll derivative."
For over two decades, the talented Hollywood costume designer has had a lot of experience under her stylish belt. Kalfus has worked on commercials and over 25 motion pictures, including "Friends With Benefits," (2011), "Chocolat" (2000) and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993). Her costume design also won a British Academy Award, gaining her international acclaim.
Not only have we witnessed the evolution of "Annie" from Broadway to the big screen, but now we can see the evolution of its wardrobe for a new generation.
"There are many clever derivatives and interesting, spunky clothes for the girls now," Kalfus said.
While Target has teamed up with high-end fashion labels, such as Rodarte, Proenza Schouler and Jason Wu, this reportedly marks their first time partnering with a costume designer.
"The Target line is just a dream come true," she said. "It's a line that I was able to partner. It's influenced by this spunky characters of Annie and the foster girls. I think it's a piece of movie magic for girls everywhere -- and it's flying off of the shelves."
The "Annie for Target" Collection is the latest effort that is strengthening the crossover between Hollywood and retailers.
While there are many parallels to the 1982 film, the newest Annie, which is produced by Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith and Shawn "Jay Z" Carter, among others, has a hip and contemporary spin with its modern New York City backdrop. Wallis proves that while she's a young, happy foster kid, she also has some street cred and is tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014.
"Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they'd be back for her someday, it's been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan (Diaz). But everything's about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) -- advised by his brilliant VP, Grace (Rose Byrne) and his shrewd and scheming campaign adviser, Guy (Bobby Cannavale) -- makes a thinly veiled campaign move and takes her in. Stacks believes he's her guardian angel, but Annie's self-assured nature and bright, sun-will-come-out-tomorrow outlook on life just might mean it's the other way around."
Check out the official trailer for "Annie," which hits theaters on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014.