Beverly Hills Celebrates 30 Years of ‘Clueless’

Celebrating the vibrant culture and fashion legacy of Clueless at the anniversary event.

News Summary

Beverly Hills is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the iconic film ‘Clueless’ with festivities including a proclamation of ‘Clueless Day’, a film screening, and a costume contest. The L’Ermitage Beverly Hills hotel is celebrating with ‘The Clueless Suite’. Events will highlight the film’s influence on fashion and pop culture, alongside special activities and a tribute concert, bringing the cherished film back into the spotlight.

Beverly Hills is set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the iconic film “Clueless” on July 19, celebrating its lasting impact on fashion and pop culture. The film, which first captivated audiences in 1995, was set against the backdrop of 1990s Beverly Hills and has since become a cultural touchstone, particularly noted for its vibrant and distinctive wardrobe that helped define the decade’s trends.

The anniversary celebration will include a proclamation of “Clueless Day” by the mayor, with festivities planned at La Cienega Park. Attendees can look forward to a screening of the film, a costume contest judged by renowned costume designer Mona May, and various special activities highlighting the film’s legacy.

The L’Ermitage Beverly Hills hotel has also embraced the anniversary by launching “The Clueless Suite”, available for booking from July 12 to September 1. This suite is decorated in homage to the film and features a yellow plaid accent wall inspired by Cher’s signature outfit. Guests booking the suite at a rate of $1,995 per night will enjoy additional perks such as a $100 gift card to Bloomingdale’s and access to a VIP styling appointment.

The suite also includes unique amenities, such as a Polaroid camera, themed treats reminiscent of the film, and a white Jeep Wrangler for guests to explore the iconic streets of Beverly Hills. Other anniversary events include a concert by a ’90s tribute band, an outdoor film screening at The Beverly Hills Hotel, and special dessert offerings at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

The vibrant wardrobe of “Clueless” was crafted by costume designer Mona May, who was specifically chosen by writer-director Amy Heckerling for her colorful and European-inspired fashion sensibility. May, born in India, moved to Los Angeles in 1981 to pursue her career in costume design and brought a unique perspective to the film. The film’s protagonist, Cher, portrayed by Alicia Silverstone, sported an impressive total of 63 costume changes, far exceeding the usual average of around 15 for a main character.

May’s designs for “Clueless” drew from trendy boutiques in Los Angeles, including Fred Segal and Barneys, as well as thrift store finds. The film’s release quickly led to a surge in interest for its fashion styles, which were subsequently featured in major publications like Vogue and Women’s Wear Daily. Fashion expert Michelle Dalton Tyree noted that “Clueless” had a significant and lasting impact on contemporary fashion trends that still resonate today.

Heckerling’s motivation in creating “Clueless” was to explore class dynamics among Los Angeles teenagers and offer a heightened portrayal of teenage life, stepping away from the grunge aesthetics that dominated high school culture at the time. Influenced by Jane Austen’s novel “Emma,” the film provided a modern twist that would go on to influence generations.

In light of the 30th anniversary, May expressed hope that the renewed interest in “Clueless” will inspire a resurgence in vibrant fashion following the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting a return to the colorful and expressive fashion characterized by the film.

Finally, in addition to the suite, May is set to release a book titled “The Fashion of Clueless” on October 7, which will delve into the costuming details and insights from the film’s stars, further celebrating the cultural significance of the beloved teen movie.