The Vision Behind the Iconic Costumes of Clueless
When the 1995 film Clueless premiered, it was more than just a coming-of-age comedy—it became a cultural phenomenon that redefined high school fashion. The movie’s costumes, designed by Mona May, were not only stylish but also deeply intentional, reflecting a vision that diverged from the reality of high school fashion at the time.
Mona May, the costume designer for Clueless, shared her creative process during a Q&A session held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for the film’s 30th anniversary screening. She revealed that her inspiration came from the world of high fashion, particularly the catwalks. “We went to high schools, and it was grim,” she recalled. “Everybody dressed in begging clothes. We were like, this is so depressing. This is not the reality we want to create.”
Instead of mirroring the dullness of real-life high school attire, May aimed to craft a vibrant, stylish world that brought high fashion into the realm of youth culture. She worked closely with director Amy Heckerling to ensure that the characters’ wardrobes reflected their personalities while staying true to the script. “Amy wanted the girls to be very happy, very feminine,” May explained. “It was interesting marrying this kind of high fashion and bringing it down into the high school level.”
A Fashionable World on a Low Budget
Despite the ambitious vision, May faced significant challenges due to limited resources. “The whole movie was a challenge. There was just no money, no time, and an endless amount of clothes for Cher, who had 63 changes,” she said. “You had to dress the whole entire high school…we had to elevate everybody.”
To make the most of her budget, May turned to thrift stores and borrowed designer pieces, including the iconic red Alaïa dress that Cher famously lost in a robbery scene. “Smart” meant being resourceful and innovative. “I had to be innovative and bring something fresh to it with the money I had. I had to be smart,” she added.
One of the most memorable outfits in the film was Cher’s Dolce & Gabbana yellow plaid suit. May described how it took several attempts to get the look right. “The yellow suit, I thought, she’s gonna wear a blue suit, which was so beautiful with blonde, but it just didn’t pop. And when we put the yellow one on, Amy and me, we just looked at each other [and thought], ‘Wow.’ The queen bee is right here.”
Creating Character Through Style
Each character in Clueless had a distinct style that reflected their personality. For example, Cher, played by Alicia Silverstone, was the epitome of elegance and control. Her wardrobe was always tailored, organized, and perfectly coordinated. “The shoes matched the purse, and the dress matched the headband,” May recalled. Her best friend, Dionne, played by Stacey Dash, had a more daring and playful style, with tighter skirts and a mix of high and low fashion elements.
May emphasized that the goal was to capture the “funky, sassy and wild” personalities of the characters. “It was about channeling their essence through their clothing,” she said. “Every piece had to tell a story.”
A Magical Experience
Working on Clueless was a unique experience for May and the entire team. “All of us, you know, just kind of came from that movie with so much love and heart. We were all given this permission by Amy to be artists, to truly develop ourselves,” she said.
The film’s legacy continues to resonate with audiences, not only as a cinematic masterpiece but also as a celebration of fashion and self-expression. Thirty years after its release, Clueless remains a symbol of creativity, innovation, and the power of style to shape identity.
