Bruno: Fashion’s Unlikely Hero

By Kendra Gilbert on July 28th, 2009

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Somehow, poking fun at fashion has made Bruno an unlikely favorite among some designers.

Sacha Baron Cohen’s latest film centers around an often under-dressed Austrian man with a blond shag and an over-the-top zest for fashion. And what, this is a good thing for the fashion business? Who knows if it will be good or bad for fashion. What it will be good for is a laugh. Anything more than that is just silly speculation.

Yet, some designers are weighing in on Bruno’s influence. Most seem to think it will be good for their business. Or, that it will at least bring attention to it. But, I highly doubt butt-cheek-grazing lederhosen will catch on simply because Bruno sports them on billboards everywhere.

Then again, who knows? Flashdance brought us the slouchy off-the-shoulder sweatshirt. And Madonna’s character in Desperately Seeking Susan made lace gloves (among other things) a hit. And let’s not forget the countless trends Carrie Bradshaw started. Let’s face it, characters on film have a big influence on their audience.

So, we’ll just have to wait and see if Bruno has a profound impact of fashion, regardless of what designers are saying. Come to think of it, there is one person I could picture sporting Bruno’s infamous lederhosen. John Mayer. After all, Borat’s neon thong swimsuit was a hit with the prankster singer.