Looks like Throwback Thursday came a day early this week. On Wednesday the cast of the 1971 Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory reunited over golden tickets and good 'ol nostalgia. Fourty-four years later, the candy-toting children are now grown up and reminiscing on their days of mischief and sugar rushes. Chocolate bars fade, but memories are eternal.
In an interview with TODAY, the cast revealed the realities of the film's wondrous candyland (the "chocolate river" was tragically made up of muddy water) and which actor required the most number of takes (a whopping seventy-six by Rusty Goffee). Though Mr. Wonka himself, Gene Wilder, has since passed away (RIP), six members of the original cast returned to give us some intense emotions.
On the roll call? Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Paris Themmen (Mike TeaVee), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop), and Goffee, who played one of the Oompa Loompas. It's been a handful of decades, but the Wonka effect of pure imagination is still alive and well.
As an adult, re-watching Willy Wonka means you'll pick up new story elements and things you missed the first time around (that's one way to burst the childhood bubble). While I remember switching on Willy Wonka in my grandma's living room, what I don't recall is the film's iconic wardrobe. Halloween may be long gone, but you'll be surprised at the seven ways you can incorporate Willy Wonka style into the modern day closet.
1. Willy Wonka
If Mr. Wonka were to be transformed into a hip, young milennial, he (or she) would be rocking a royal purple bomber jacket. Blazers are so outdated, don't you think? Simply add a funky printed blouse and you're all set to prance around among the candy cane trees.
Waven Bomber Jacket, $80, ASOS
2. Charlie Bucket
Turtleneck sweaters are still the rage in 2015 — but back in the day, little Charlie Bucket was quite the trendsetter with his trusty red knit.
ASOS Yarn Sweater, $69, ASOS
3. Violet Beauregarde
Ah, Violet — professional gum chewer by day, human blueberry by night... just Willy Wonka things, you know? Her style weaves in a dash of Parisian influence, thanks to the button-up navy blouse and vibrant red bowler hat.
Urban Outfitters Bowler Hat, $15, Urban Outfitters
4. Veruca Salt
No Willy Wonka viewing is complete without Veruca's signature "I Want It Now" ballad, bad eggs and all. Though Veruca is no angel from heaven, her outfit proves otherwise — a sweet and innocent red collared dress.
ModCloth Looking To Tomorrow Dress, $55, Modcloth
5. Mike TeaVee
Mike TeaVee is an honorary cowboy, and unfortunately for him, he won't be joining the real ranks of the wild west until he gets that Colt .45 for his twelfth birthday. Channeling Mike's rugged look is easy: add a plaid square scarf for that frontier feel.
Plaid Square Scarf, $34, Landsend
6. The Candy Man
If the Candy Man can... you may not have ecstatic school children racing to your candy shop, but you can easily play pretend with a striped sleeveless blouse.
New Look Striped Shirt, $24, ASOS
7. Oompa Loompa
It's difficult to imagine the Chocolate Factory without the eclectic Oompa Loompa musical numbers — it's in the Wonka essence after all. And don't fret about the orange face paint... just stick to a pair of crisp white overalls and knitted taupe sweater for a modern interpretation.
New Look Overall, $51, ASOS
Now in honor of Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory's fourty-fourth anniversary, go out and enjoy retail therapy and a Wonka bar on us.
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Images: Paramount (4), Giphy (3), Courtesy Brands
