Recreating Amy Winehouse’s Look: The Influence of “Back to Black”

The new biopic “Back to Black” is bringing Amy Winehouse’s iconic style back to life on the big screen. From her towering beehive hair to her dramatic winged eyeliner, the film’s costume and makeup designers have meticulously recreated the singer’s distinctive look.

Marisa Abela takes on the role of Winehouse, portraying her evolution from a young singer in mini skirts to a sultry pinup aesthetic. The film’s costume designer, PC Williams, explains that as Winehouse delved deeper into the music industry, her style became more sexy and bold.

To recreate Winehouse’s signature hairstyle, the team used halo extensions and fringe pieces to achieve the grungy, edgy look. Makeup designer Peta Dunstall focused on the singer’s dramatic winged eyeliner, using a gel liner for easier removal during long days of shooting.

In scenes depicting Winehouse’s darker moments, special effects makeup was used to add texture to Abela’s skin and create a dehydrated, gritty look. The actress even wore a ball bearing above her lip to mimic Winehouse’s iconic piercing.

The production team also had the opportunity to raid Winehouse’s wardrobe, borrowing items from Mitch Winehouse, the singer’s father. Some pieces, like a pink ballet cardigan and a Star of David necklace, belonged to Winehouse herself and were worn by Abela in the film.

One of the most challenging outfits to recreate was the black ruffled Dolce & Gabbana mini dress that Winehouse wore to the Grammy Awards in 2008. The designers remade the dress for Abela, ensuring that every detail was perfect for the film.

Overall, “Back to Black” offers a glimpse into the life and style of the late Amy Winehouse, capturing the essence of a music icon whose look is still as recognizable today as it was during her heyday.