“Sex.Clothes.Popularity. Is there a problem?”, this was the tagline used to describe “Clueless”, the 1995 hit film that centered around a group of high school students with an addiction for fashion and shopping! It seems like yesterday when I first saw Clueless. I was only 7 yrs old yet already a pop culture junkie. Instead of seeing Disney’s “Pocahontas”, I begged my step-dad to take me to see this iconic movie. As the opening scene rolled, I was captivated by the main character, Cher Horowitz, a Beverly Hills teen queen with a preppy style who shopped religiously and had a knack for catch phrases…”As if”.
Every morning Cher made sure she looked like a Polaroid of perfection using her computer program to generate fashionable looks. Her sexy school girl style and revolving closet was every teenage girl’s obsession (and still mine lol!). Cher’s fashion knowledge never went unnoticed. Who could forget the memorable scene when Cher is mugged and tries to explain to the robber why she can’t lay on the ground, “You don’t understand, this is Alia”. The character’s signature style of faux fur handbags, plaid suits, knee high socks and dolly shoes declares her a 90′s fashion icon.
Cher’s BFF Dionne, was just as fashion forward as she was. The fashionista had a taste for big hats, hoop nose rings and funky prints. The spunky Dionne always played up her favorite accessory, her mirco box braids. “I do not wear polyester hair.” lol! Whether her hair was twisted in vibrant ribbons, clipped in flower barrettes or abstract hats, she always looked cutting edge!
When new girl (and fashion reject) Tai arrives at school, Cher and Dionne decide to use their popularity for good and orchestrate a make-over for the less fortunate. With the help of coke cans as hair rollers, cut off tops and flawless makeup, Tai is transformed into a “Total Betty”. In the memorable “rolling with the homies” scene, she wore a red and black striped top under a plaid blazer. Tai’s mismatch pattern style is still being replicated today!
The fashion of Clueless still manages to influence the fashion of the present day. Miu Miu 2010 pre Fall collection was centered around Cher’s 1995 signature look. Her other looks of sheer blouses, bodycon dresses (thanks to Calvin Klein) and argyle sweaters are classic staples in every girl’s closet.
16 years later and I’m still able to identify myself in this film. From being a “virgin who can’t drive” to “only having direction towards the mall”! Cher, Dionne and Tai’s style made me understand that fashion is about taking risk and having fun! Clueless will forever be apart of me!
@arjuanjubri
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