Many classic films and musicals have been reimagined, becoming the most discussed watches of 2024. The costume designers on these films create nostalgia for past pop culture phenomena and push the boundaries of fashion, especially by looking toward 2025 trends.
“Mean Girls” (2004) was a true film phenomenon and the fashion and phrases from this cult-classic span decades. Last year, “Mean Girls” (2024), was released as a musical. Many of the costumes showcase nostalgic versions of “Mean Girls” fashion. Costume designer Tom Broecker has updated classics like the plaid or pink mini skirts to merge with modernity. There’s a clear sense of nostalgia for Y2K fashion (a major trend in the last few years), but Broecker also blends in some 2010-inspired looks, such as mesh tops and corsets, while also attempting to redefine gender norms.
In an interview with 1883 magazine, Broecker says “We have assigned certain things and certain items to be gender specific, but what I think is happening now is the breaking of that… we represented Regina’s duality with a necklace– half pearl, half metal. It symbolizes a broader acceptance of different expressions.” Additionally, the color palette of “Mean Girls”—bright pinks, cool blues and contrasting whites—echoes the trend of color coming back into fashion after years of minimalistic trends.
In the long-awaited “Beetlejuice” sequel– “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuce”– Colleen Atwood, fashion designer on set, brought eccentric fashion into the modern era. In an interview with Vogue Atwood says, “we took [the costumes] out of the 80’s but still gave a real nod to that period in design… I [bought] vintage stuff to keep it contemporary.” Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice suit gets a 2024 update with a new distressed look. Atwood revisits Lydia Deetz’s gothic aesthetic but with a twist, bringing more mature frames such as tailored blazers and sophisticated fabrics. This creates an elevated version of Goth fashion that embraces oversized silhouettes and dramatic designs, demonstrating how goth can and has evolved. Astrid, Lydia’s daughter, pairs plaid skirts, denim and oversized jackets together, which fit perfectly into the ongoing grunge revitalization.
The 2024 film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” has made a massive impact on screen and in the fashion world. Elphaba and Glinda’s wardrobes, designed by Paul Tazewell, combine magical elements with couture. Galinda’s gowns are ethereal in fantasy pinks— the colors, soft fabrics, and romantic frames reflect fairy-tale vibes.
Tazewell, in an interview with Teen Vogue says, “For Galinda, I loved her bubble dress… our top layer was silk organza… there’s structurally a hoop skirt underneath…it was a big process to get that to be the magical shape it became.” Elphaba embodies nature-inspired pieces that reflect her rebellious spirit with outfits dominating in structured texture and color (green and black to be exact). Tazewell continues, “My approach to Elphaba was to connect her to nature… I was looking at a lot of textures of roots and design lines of roots, bark, mushrooms– the mystery and beauty of what that is.” The influence of “Wicked” doesn’t stop in the theatres. It extends far beyond with many designers and brands, such as Bloomingdale’s and Forever 21, creating “Wicked”-inspired collections. The movie’s color palette, especially contrasting pinks and greens, will most likely be two of the standout colors this year in fashion.
“Gladiator II”,while not a remake, is a reimagined version of the original “Gladiator” coming over 20 years after the first film. Costume designers Janty Yates and David Crossman have elevated the gladiator aesthetic, showcasing strength in fashion. Lucius’ evolution from boy to warrior is mirrored through his costumes, from tunics to armor. The bold gladiator skirts and leather wraps introduce unexpected shapes to fashion trends. Meanwhile, the emperors wear robes with hints of gold.
Yates says in an interview with IndieWire, “Ridley’s whole vibe [for the characters] was Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols. So you can see that coming through with the red hair and the white face and the gold teeth.” The intersection of ancient Roman fashion could forecast metallic, oversized, and dramatic silhouettes, blending history with futuristic changes.
Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn in “Joker: Folie à Deux”, blends emotional turmoil with chaotic styling. Costume designer Arianne Phillips merges grunge elements with haute couture, capturing the indie sleaze aesthetic. Oversized faux fur coats, floral skirts, and knits combine to showcase a grunge revitalization. Her looks are complex—ripped tights, chunky vintage accessories, and disorderly styling show the intersection between chaos and fashion.
Phillips says about the process of styling in an interview for Los Angeles magazine, “I shopped for a lot of vintage pieces that were inspirations. I leaned into the color palette and character arc of the film. Also, I aged the clothes to make them look lived-in.” Showcasing the continued trend of secondhand shopping to find staple pieces.
From “Mean Girls” with its remixed Y2K nostalgia, “Beetlejuice’s” reinventions of past pop culture phenomena, “Gladiator II’s” powerful silhouettes, “Wicked’s” fairy-tale contrasts and “Joker: Folie à Deux’s” chaotic fashion, film continues to shape the way we dress. As 2025 progresses, fashion in film will continue to influence the runway and our everyday looks, blending nostalgia with innovation.
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