The Real Inspiration Behind Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread

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Phantom Thread, the latest buzzy film out from director Paul Thomas Anderson, chronicles the fictional life of dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day Lewis) and his sister Cyril (Vicky Cripes). The movie portrays the glamorous London fashion scene of the 1950s, in which the Woodcocks dressed members of the royal family, socialites, and stars. But is it based on a true story?

According to The New York Times, the movie does seem to draw inspiration from the designer Charles James, whose marriage to a woman who would serve as his muse (despite his affinity for men) mirrors that of the fictional character Reynolds Woodcock.

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James, who was born in 1906, would come to be known as "America's first couture designer," thanks to the luxurious and unique ballgowns he created. During the '20s and '30s, James would begin to establish himself in the fashion world, working a number of jobs before starting his own self-titled company. By the end of WWII, he had designed a clothing line for acclaimed designer Elizabeth Arden.

The 1940s were good to James, and his star continued to rise in the fashion world. In 1947, he showcased one of his most successful clothing lines. That same year, he also had several of his outfits featured in an exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, and in 1948, eight of his designs were featured in Vogue. James would go onto have a prolific career and leave his mark on American fashion.

Phantom Thread integrates elements of James's life, but also pulls in threads (pun intended) from other important designers such as Charles Frederick Worth, credited with inventing couture, and the legendary Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Phantom Thread will be released in theaters on Christmas Day.