Can you say “mother”? Since breaking through with 1986 Cronenberg classic The Fly, Geena Davis has been Hollywood’s queen of camp, whether we’re talking about her delightfully outré choices in film or fashion. After her Fly breakthrough, the actress made a Hollywood name for herself with hits like feminist thriller Thelma & Louise and camp-y family flick Stuart Little, among others.
Across her career, Geena has also been one for out-there dressing, from frothy princess frocks to psychedelic naked dresses. In honour of the actress’ inimitable style, we take a look back at some of her most iconic outfits of all time.
At the Academy Awards, 1990
After starring in 80s cult classics including Tootsie and Buffalo Bill, Geena Davis made her Hollywood breakthrough with David Cronenberg’s body horror The Fly, starring alongside love interest and aforementioned insect, Jeff Goldblum. Geena had originally met Jeff on the set of 1985 horror-comedy Transylvania 6-50000 and the couple married in 1987, before starring in a third movie, Earth Girls Are Easy. Here, the duo cheese for the camera together at the 1990 Academy Awards, where Geena wears a plunging off-the-shoulder gown to match her mega-watt, red-lipped smile.
In Thelma & Louise, 1991
In 1991, Geena starred in buddy crime flick Thelma & Louise. Alongside Susan Sarandon’s Louise, Geena starred as the titular Thelma. Since its release, the film has earned a beloved spot within the feminist film canon for its depiction of undying female friendship. As the duo drive across the States — and off a cliff — Geena’s Thelma dons a wardrobe of desert-ready jeans and graphic tees.
At the Academy Awards, 1991
Geena was the unsung host of the 1991 Academy Awards. While When Harry Met Sally legend Billy Crystal hosted the year’s televised awards show, the Thelma & Louise actress headed the Academy’s Technical Achievement Awards, off-screen, three weeks prior. However, that didn’t mean the actress wouldn’t show up to the year’s Oscars red carpet with a truly television-worthy outfit: a gilded naked dress with curls to match.
At the Golden Globes, 1992
In 1992, the accolades for Geena’s turn in Thelma & Louise poured in. That year, the actress was nominated for Best Actress at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes — two of the film industry’s highest honours. Here, at the latter, Geena wears a cheeky naked dress with twisted jersey accents over top of a sheer lace bodysuit.
At the Academy Awards, 1992
Geena has always been one to turn an eye-catching Oscars look. And in 1992 — the year she was nominated for Thelma & Louise — she pulled a show-stopper. If you think this Ruth Meyers look seems a little OTT (corset, ruffled train, tights and evening gloves?) then you’re spot on. Describing her design notes to Time Magazine, Geena said, “I want to marry the Moulin Rouge to the Black and White Ball, and I want Christo and Jean-Claude to design the bridal gown and the wedding cake.” The very campy confection landed the actress on that year’s worst-dressed lists. Nonetheless, the get-up ended up becoming one of the decade’s most memorable Oscars looks.
At the Academy Awards, 1999
With a number of cult classics under her belt, Geena had cemented herself as a Hollywood legend — and a red carpet staple. To the 1999 Academy Awards, the actress donned a very glitzy, very late-90s gown that drew upon the looks of both Versace’s diamante designs and Prada’s sleek minimalism.
At the Emmys, 2000
This is the Geena Davis look. Of the swirly-and-sheer Pamela Dennis confection, the actress told The New York Times, “I knew this dress was sheer. I had looked right in the mirror. It showed exactly as much as I wanted to show. Besides, life is about expressing yourself. I definitely like to push the envelope and not let anyone dictate to me how I should look.” A naked dress pioneer for the ages.