TV characters that were pivotal to fashion history
TV characters that were pivotal to fashion history
Words Jennifer Engmann
When it comes to style icons, some of our favourites were the fictional characters who graced our screens. From classic sitcoms to blockbuster movies and beyond, some of our greatest fashion heroes have been TV and movie characters whose wardrobes we tried to replicate in real life. Whether you're inspired by Fran Fine in the Nanny or the modern-day Hilary Banks from the re-imagination of the beloved sitcom (The Fresh Prince of) Bel-Air, film and television are excellent mediums for showing how culture and fashion interact. As such, we have selected a few of the defining characters in history and TV present.
Hilary Banks, French Prince of Bel-Air
The original ‘IT girl,’ Hilary Banks was the eldest daughter of the Banks household and had a unique personal style that always made her the centre of attention in any room. Besides her well-documented love of hats—bowlers, berets, boaters, she loved cut-outs, padded shoulders, and thigh-skimming silhouettes. Bold colours like scarlet, mustard, and magenta always had a place in her walk-in closet. Tartan minis, bright blazers, and sheer white blouses were her go-to.
Hilary Banks, Bel-Air
New-gen Hilary is just as fabolous (if not more) as the Hilary we fell in love with in the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (and smart too.) Costume designer Blair Levin hasn’t skipped a beat with the Hilary staples pieces from bustier-silhouetted blazers in jaunty plaids and Instagram-friendly two-piece sets in Balmain and Versace to name a few.
Fran Fine, The Nanny
The ultimate style icon of the 90’s, Fran Fine always had the best outfits. From bold prints and colours to mini skirts and fitted blazers, The Nanny’s costume designer Brenda Cooper always managed to put together the best and most memorable outfits that still stand the test of time.
Fallon Carrington, Dynasty
A fairly new entry on the list of style OGs, Fallon Carrington is a powerhouse CEO, who needs to command the room at all times, which she does all too well. Fallon’s style is bold and she loves to make a statement in her designer duds, from Gucci to Alessandra Rich, a credit to Dynasty’s costume designer Arin Burke.
Cher Horowitz, Clueless
As one of the queen bees of Bronson Alcott High School, Cher lives to see and be seen – preferably in Calvin Klein mini-dresses, knee-high socks, and chunky heels. Costume designer Mona May can still be credited to this day as the film has been repeatedly used as a cultural reference in fashion.
Chuck Bass, Gossip Girl
The Upper East Side’s favourite bad boy is known for his bold fashion choices as much as his outrageous antics. Chuck (Ed Westwick) tends to mix traditional preppy clothes from designers like Ralph Lauren Purple Label with pops of colour — and he always knows just how to accessorize, like with his signature patchwork scarf.
Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City
Carrie Bradshaw is responsible for starting many a fashion craze, from nameplate and horseshoe necklaces to Blahniks and Fendi baguettes. Icon really just wouldn’t do her justice. Bradshaw’s wardrobe has redefined culture throughout its six-year run. Naturally, Carrie's wardrobe is just as admired today as it was in the '90s and early '00s.
Rachel Green, Friends
Rachel Green was nothing if not the most stylish working woman in New York. Green gave rise to what's still one of the most iconic haircuts in history, and mastered every trend in the book. When she was off-duty, Rachel made romantic maxi skirts look cool with simple tees, and she paired tights with smart boots for the office.
Jessica Pearson, Suits
Blazers, pencil skirts, form-fitting dresses and accessories to perfectly accent each ensemble – you name it, Suits character Jessica Pearson has worn and effortlessly slayed every office look you can imagine. So for those of you in need of a workwear muse, look no further.