Alicia Silverstone As Cher Horowitz
Every once in a while a film comes along, where the fashion is crucial to the storyline. Well, the 1995 hit Clueless was certainly a film that focused on shopping, style and clothes a lot, but was it integral to how successful the film became?
Well, in a word- yes. Cher and her best friends Dionne and Tai were fashion pioneers in over-the-knee socks, tartan suits and berets. It made it all the more luxurious to watch on screen, as it showed us these rich girls splashing the cash at the mall every few scenes. In other words-living the dream.
It's not on the same level as say, The Devil Wears Prada, which focused on more designer labels, but teenage girls seemed to identify with Cher and her problems, as well as envying her revolving wardrobe and online outfit chooser.
Alicia Silverstone took on the title role of Cher Horowitz and undoubtedly made it her own, inventing the catchphrases 'Whatever' and 'As If!' which became synonymous with the character. It was also her experimentation with feathers, checked skirts and dolly shoes, which saw her labelled as a fashion icon in the mid-90s.
Stacey Dash and the then unknown, Brittany Murphy co-starred and were just as fashion forward as Alicia. Stacey as Dionne managed to make nose rings look cool and championed the look for braided hair and large hats, while Brittany staring as Tai started off as a dowdy fashion reject, but was soon transformed into fashion goddess thanks to Cher and Dionne.
Our favourite look on Tai has to be her memorable wine-coloured 60s shift dress, paired with white tights and patent Mary-Janes. Despite the film having being made over 10 years ago, this look is still being replicated today in shows such as Gossip Girl and The Hills.
The success of the film was such that it also spawned a spin-off TV series, which was nowhere near as quirky, cool and fashionable as the original. It didn't have Alicia for a start, and the fashion took a serious nosedive, with loud colours and ludicrous hats that didn't reflect the feel and style of the original film.
The original film featured the tagline 'Sex. Clothes. Popularity. Whatever.' and that's exactly what the film delivered to its primarily teenage audience back then, and is still considered as firm chick flick fashion classic today.