This story originally appeared on i-D France.
Horror has long been a genre that centres women. In fact, for better or worse, the final girl trope typically leaves women alive for a whole lot longer than their male counterparts. That’s when they’re not the ones stalking, possessing or haunting the rest of the film’s cast, of course. But no matter the nature of the character, all this screen-time provides ample opportunity for costume designers to flex their creative muscles. The result? A non-stop parade of the best-dressed heroines of our darkest dreams.
In a creepy kind of mood, we asked nostalgic queen Velvey of Velvet Coke to dig through her archives and share 12 looks that are as iconic as they are spooky. Whether trashy or sexy, gothic or literally out of this world, this lot have captured our collective imaginations over the years and are likely still inspiring killer outfits to this day.
Jennifer Tilly in Bride of Chucky (1998)
“Bride of Chucky’s Tiffany is as unforgettable as the terrifying doll that made the film famous. With a messy 90s bun sitting on top of her head, and a (very) little black dress, Jennifer Tilly embodies the ultimate modern vamp.”
Catherine Deneuve in The Hunger (1983)
“A true classic of the musical comedy genre, The Hunger features David Bowie, Susan Sarandon and Catherine Deneuve in a seriously aesthetically pleasing production. Alexander McQueen looked to the film when working on his Spring/Summer 1996 collection, while Catherine Deneuve’s famous black jumpsuit by Yves Saint Laurent would later inspire Lady Gaga’s look in American Horror Story.”
Aaliyah in Queen of the Damned (2002)
“This is exactly what a queen should look like. The outfits worn by Aaliyah in Queen of the Damned offer up a modern take on classic vampire, with the metal bra and maxi skirt combo became an early 2000s red carpet hit.”
Isabella Rossellini in Death Becomes Her (1992)
“Behind the impeccable style of Isabella Rossellini, Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn in Death Becomes Her hides the famous Hollywood costume designer, Joanna Johnston. In a blood red sarong, strappy stilettos and layered necklaces as a top, Isabella’s Lisle Von Rhuman is still unforgettable 30 years later.”
Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil (2002)
“Milla Jovovich’s 90s red dress in Resident Evil remains a classic horror movie outfit. The film franchise adapted from video games devotes Alice, a young woman with supernatural gifts who fights zombies while looking impossibly stylish.”
Kendra Young in Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997)
“Bianca Lawson aka Kendra Young — a slayer from Jamaica — joined Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy and her gang in the iconic series wearing chokers, dark lipstick and figure-hugging dresses.”
Elle Fanning in The Neon Demon (2016)
“In Nicolas Winding Refn‘s psychological horror, the innocent and incandescent Elle Fanning faces the cruelty of the fashion industry in the City of Angels. Wearing Armani electric blue dresses, Yves Saint Laurent tops, vertiginous heels, and glitter makeup, Elle’s aspiring model Jesse in The Neon Demon immerses us in a dark fashion show.”
Winona Ryder in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
“Considered one of the most faithful representations of Dracula, the work of Francis Ford Coppola remains a great classic of the vampire film in which Winona Ryder steals the screen in her role of perfect vamp alongside Keanu Reeves. Avant-garde outfits, blood red corset dresses and long brown hair, Mina Murray sports the perfect gothic look.”
Rose McGowan in Jawbreaker (1999)
“The cult teen movie Jawbreaker is the perfect high school horror movie scenario. Carried by the infernal trio of Rose McGowan, Rebecca Gayheart and Julie Benz, this film is a parade of “school girl” looks. In mini-skirts, cardigans, scarves around their necks, stiletto heels, they parade through the school corridors — never not without a mouth full of chewing gum.”
Neve Campbell in Scream
“Horror queen Neve Campbell rocks a seriously sexy casual look in the Scream franchise. Cozy sweaters, light jeans, white T-shirt and ultra 90s fringe, it remains a classic of the genre.”
Jennifer Love Hewitt in I Know What You Did Last Summer
“True 90s icons, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jennifer Love Hewitt play the legendary duo in this horror classic. In micro-shorts, denim skirts and strappy T-shirts, the two teenagers inspired the summer looks of a whole generation of teenagers.”
Paris Hilton in House of Wax (2005)
“For her film debut, Paris Hilton played a stylish young woman in House of Wax. Her baby blue velour tracksuit, and the bright red lingerie underneath it, made an impression — especially during her striptease scene.”
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