The Costume Designer of Clueless Commemorates 30 Years of the Film's Legendary Style

      Welcome to The Who What Wear Podcast. Consider it your direct connection to the designers, stylists, beauty specialists, editors, and trendsetters shaping the fashion and beauty landscape. Be sure to subscribe to The Who What Wear Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Legendary costume designer and author of The Fashion of Clueless, Mona May, developed her passion for fashion from a young age. “I was one of those kids who loved to draw as a little girl,” May shared. “I was sketching princesses and various outfits.” As she grew up, May lived in several countries, which significantly influenced her. “I think that had a major impact on me and how I process things,” she reflected. “In my early years, I was exposed to saris and the vibrant colors, which I adored.” In the latest episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, May discusses her beginnings in Los Angeles, her experience working on Clueless, and more. To view excerpts from their conversation, keep scrolling.

      I would love to hear how you got into costume design and if it was always your aspiration.

      I was one of those kids who enjoyed drawing as a child. I created princesses and many outfits. Growing up in various countries, I was born in India and lived there until I was three, then moved to Poland and Germany. I was continuously surrounded by different cultures.

      I believe that had a significant influence on me and how I process things. In my early childhood, I witnessed saris and beautiful colors, which I loved dearly. That early influence has left a strong mark on me.

      I was the child who drew, and fortunately, my parents encouraged it. I had opportunities to engage in art as a child, and I aspired to become a fashion designer. That was my dream, so I pursued it. I attended school in Europe, including cities like Paris, Milan, and London.

      Then, I really became fascinated with the fashion here in the States. New York was completely different from California. I eventually settled in New York and then California, where I attended fashion school in L.A. During my time in school, I had friends at USC film school. At one point, they approached me and said, “Hey, we’re making this short film as our thesis. Do you have clothes?” I responded, “Absolutely, I have clothes. What do you need?” That experience hooked me. It was so intriguing to create characters and personas and explore people’s psychology. It was much more than just fashion.

      It’s quite amazing that this became your path. Clueless was clearly a pivotal moment for you.

      It was like a dream realized because it combined fashion and film. When Amy wrote the script, we initially met on a different project while working on a pilot, and we truly connected creatively. She felt like my creative soulmate. When she wrote Clueless, she reached out to me, saying, “This is your job. It incorporates all the elements. It’s colorful, fun, and it has to be fashion-forward. You need to create fashions that people aren’t yet wearing.”

      So it truly felt like working on something that combined two of my passions.

      Isn’t it a bit surreal to see how the styles you created for the film are reflected in current fashion? What’s it like for you to witness that reaction?

      It’s unbelievable. It really is. You can’t foresee anything like this. The sensation is incredible because I have a love for fashion design in my heart as well. It’s amazing to set trends through film.

      Think of the gym outfit for Cher—the white T-shirt layered with a black tank top. People weren’t wearing that before! Now it's a staple in everyone's wardrobe.

      When you watch the movie now—and I’ve attended numerous screenings recently—you can see kids dressed up, all still inspired by those fashions.

      It spans generations. The mothers who watched the movie as teenagers in the 90s are now in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, and now the younger kids are inspired too. It’s remarkable to see that the fashion has withstood the test of time, demonstrating ongoing inspiration.

      I believe that when you watch the film, the styles remain very wearable; they feel both current and timeless in many respects. That’s something I take pride in. I think my perspective reflects in all my films; I try to infuse a sense of timelessness, like the elegance of Sophia Loren in the '50s or the classic style of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, like the black dress.

      Those are pieces you know you can wear and feel wonderful in—like the peacoat, beret, and A-line skirt. They’ve established themselves as go-to items and have translated beautifully over the years in a feminine way.

      Keep scrolling to purchase Mona's book and explore some Clueless-inspired items.

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