• September 18, 1995
• Vol. 44
• No. 12

Clueless!

The Hit Film Shines a Spotlight on Young Hollywood's Style

• 
• 
• 
• 

From PEOPLE Magazine

Okay. So there's this movie called Clueless, and it's about this rich Betty (you know, a babe) named Cher (after that lady who does infomercials). Her mother died during routine liposuction, and now she is, like, furiously concerned with the welfare of others. Especially their fashion welfare.

Women's Wear Daily calls Clueless the fashion movie of the year—and it majorly, fully earned the title. Costume designer Mona May studied European style big-time to come up with the 60 totally dope outfits that she created for star Alicia Silverstone. "The European thing is, have your own style," says May, "and when the next trend comes, update without giving in." In the movie, Silverstone specializes in makeovers. As if that's her calling in real life! "I hate clothes, I hate fashion, I feel like a big frump," she has insisted. Not that she was ever a Monet cute from afar, a mess close up), but during filming, "Alicia acquired some knowledge and taste," says May.

That's a serious accomplishment in young Hollywood, where everyone seems to squander their hottie potential by wearing the wrong clothes—duh! But that could be the point. "Nobody in their 40s is going to wear baggy pants, because they don't get it," says Clueless director Amy Heckerling. "You're not supposed to get it. It's not for you."

The movie, explains May, "is about being yourself. Why not be daring? Why not wear white pumps after Labor Day?" Tscha! There's a limit. How can young stars be such plods, overwhelming us with a sense of ickiness? Says May: "I think they all need my help."