Movies that influence my designs or that I simply appreciate for the costuming (however historically incorrect) are as follows: The Cell (bad movie, good fashion), Batman Returns, Fifth Element, Titus, interview with the vampire, Emma, Ever After, Beetlejuice, Pirates of the Carribean, Gladiator, Sleepy Hollow, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Labyrinth, The Addams Family, Edward Scissorhands.
I hate to say it but "Project Runway". I feel very strongly about reality television and how tasteless it is, but if you're going to watch it, "Project Runway" is the way to go.
I like books a lot but this myspace is dedicated to my being a designer so I'll have to put some fashion-related books in here when I have time.
Eiko Ishioka, Jean Paul Gautier, Vivienne Westwood for introducing the concept of wearing underwear as outerwear, Alexander McQueen for flattering the "goth" style, Thierry Mugler for his interpretation of the ultimate vixen, Christian Lacroix, Elsa Schiparelli for using zippers and creating the totally offensive, "Shocking Pink", Though she didn't invent it, Madeleine Vionnet for making "bias-cutting" popular, Pierre Cardin for the 60s space cadet look, Isis Mussenden for the amazing dress worn by the White Witch in Narnia, Armani for making stuff that actually fits me and doesn't hang off my body, lol