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May Fashion Story

May Fashion Story: '90s Fashion

When you hear the words "nineties fashion," most people immediately envision something sloppy, involving flannel, and heavy on slacker attitude. While it's true that these Alice-in-Chains-influenced styles were certainly emblematic of the time, grunge wasn't the only trend in town—oh no! The decade was also front-loaded with lots of edgy silhouettes, bright accents, and zany looks, all of which are feeling fresh again.



Accordingly, for our May fashion editorial, we decided to focus on modern reinterpretations of these uplifting fashions. Using the litmus test of Beverly Hills, 90210 and the show's amazing original wardrobe, we asked ourselves a question: what would Brenda, Kelly, Donna, and Andrea wear? The answers are endless—after all, there are so many nineties-inspired items available right now—but we did our best to honor our beloved heroines and create something fabulously fun for you. Whether you want to wear an entire look or simply fall for a single piece, please enjoy today's referential (but never reverential) story! One last note before we go: please know that you can click on any image to see it larger.

Photographer: Justin Coit; Creative Director: Katherine Power; Style Director: Angela Fink; Hair: Robert Mefford, The Wall Group; Makeup: Erin Smith, Celestine Agency; Nails: Jenna Hipp, Celestine Agency; Models: Tenley Nordstrom, Ford Models; Nicole Sander, Scarlett Kapella, Rina Rukharukova, all Next LA.


Shop The Spreads

Look 1:
(Donna Martin/Tenley)
Larsen Gray V-Neck Dress ($261, 646.442.2776), Marc by Marc Jacobs Daisy Watch Bracelet ($225), Linda Levinson Gold and Rhinestone Cuff ($225), Roxanne Assoulin for lee angel Leopard Print Earrings ($125, 212.334.6573), Bobbi Brown Lip Color ($22) in Raisin, Orly Nail Polish ($5) in Butterflies

(Brenda Walsh/Scarlett)
Vena Cava Demon Blouse ($250), Scout Tiny Vest ($116), Pencey Studded Lust Skirt ($257), Hot Topic Matte Black Bangle Bracelets ($8 per pack), Silver Ring (stylist's own), Stila Lip Glaze ($22) in Cinnamon, Orly Nail Polish ($5, 818.994.1001) in Prince Charming

(Kelly Taylor/Rina)
bebe Rolled Boyfriend Blazer ($169), Kimchi Blue Polka Dot Jumpsuit ($58, 800.282.2200), Forever 21 Lacquered Pearl Clip-On Earrings ($6), Roxanne Assoulin for lee angel Judi Chain and Pave Ball Necklace ($170, 212.334.6573), shu uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick ($23) in Red 134, SpaRitual Nail Lacquer ($10) in Too Hot To Handle

(Andrea Zuckerman/Nicole)
Alice + Olivia Misty Ruffle Blouse ($253), Sanctuary Denim Vest ($108), Genetic Denim Davis Slouchy Skinny Jeans ($209), Oliver Peoples Emerson Glasses ($315), Urban Outfitters Rose Headwrap ($10), Bobbi Brown Lip Coloricon ($22) in Soft Rose, CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lip Gloss ($5) in Fig Splash, SpaRitual Nail Lacquer ($10) in Idyllic, Orly French Manicure Natural Look Nail Lacquer ($8) in White Tips

Look 2:
(Brenda Walsh/Scarlett)
Matthew Williamson for H&M Men's Studded Leather Jacket ($249, 212.564.9922), Dr. Rey’s Shapewear Shaping Corset ($15), Forever 21 Majesty Dangle Earrings ($7)

Look 3:
(Donna Martin/Tenley)
J Brand Acid Wash Ripped Jeans ($218), Opening Ceremony 3/4 Mock Neck Top ($220), Dr. Martens Vintage 1914-14 Eye Boots ($170), Jane Tran Tiffani Headband ($50), Urban Outfitters Flower Charm Necklace ($18), Ettika Triple Stack Multi Color Satin Cord Bracelet ($70), Avant Garde Rhinestone Bracelet ($225), Iosselliani Multi Stack Ring ($455, 310.289.9202), Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor ($9) in Ms. Understood

Look 4:
(Andrea Zuckerman/Nicole)
bebe Rolled Boyfriend Blazer ($169), Otis & Maclain Boy Pocket Chiffon Cami Tank ($140), Sanctuary Fairground Skirt ($108), Deena & Ozzy Scarf Chain Belt ($24), Ash Venus Foldover Sneakers ($148), Oliver Peoples Emerson Glasses ($315), American Apparel Flower Bow ($10, 888.747.0070), Forever 21 Classic Bead Earrings ($4), Lia Sophia Amethyst & Pearl Pin ($1320), Juicy Couture The Beau Watch ($195)

Look 5:
(Kelly Taylor/Rina)
Nuj Novakhett The Quilted Racing Dress ($437), 7 for All Mankind Mars Denim Jacket ($250) in Vintage Honolulu, Forever 21 Lacquered Pearl Clip-On Earrings ($6), Lia Sophia Overlap Black & White Bracelet ($425), Lia Sophia Oval Link Bracelet ($375)

(Brenda Walsh/Scarlett)
Opening Ceremony Mock Neck Bodysuit ($185), bebe Embroidery Sleeve Jacket ($149, 877.232.3777), Cerulean Rose Print Harem Pants ($198), Erickson Beamon Thunder Belt ($855)

Fashion Editorial
DISCUSS/34 post(s)


OMG how appropriate! i was totally thinking of bringing back babydolls! of course with a baby tee underneath! FABULOUS!

        Posted by: Dabay  |  2009-05-19 15:21:10

i'm loving the ripped jeans!!

        Posted by: cassie  |  2009-05-04 23:15:14

i remember when i was 12 wearing bodysuits and fake martens those were my fun days. but now its nice to see all those clothes are coming back again my blog www.isquisofrenia.com xoxo!

        Posted by: carla  |  2009-05-04 21:07:23

BTW aside from Brenda's studded biker jacket and corset, there's not one thing I'd wear. Sorry, I don't really like 90's fashion. 'De gustibus'

        Posted by: alyssa  |  2009-05-04 09:23:33

Wow, that is one uncanny Shannen Doherty look-alike! I really thought it was Brenda at first.

        Posted by: alyssa  |  2009-05-04 09:14:25

i love the looks, but i wish some of the pieces of clothing had been less expensive. i love the corset, such a clever use.

        Posted by: mollymc181  |  2009-05-03 09:57:41

I love the 90s. Beverly Hills 90210 and I grew up together:)

        Posted by: Susu  |  2009-05-03 02:54:26

Oh, I love this so much! Well done, WWWD! :]

        Posted by: Marilyn  |  2009-05-02 20:50:43

I adore Donna's look Bonbon's Vintage

        Posted by: connie  |  2009-05-02 19:38:39

what about Cher Horowitz/Alicia Silverstone in "Clueless"? That was my favorite 90's fashion icon!

        Posted by: Lolo  |  2009-05-02 19:11:32

Very cute, but no matter what, the 90's do NOT feel fresh. Yet.

        Posted by: Katie  |  2009-05-02 14:47:38

Oh god, they look terrible! I'm sorry but they do, I am not a fan of the 90's at all.

        Posted by: Sarah  |  2009-05-02 11:13:56

What happend to WWWTV???

        Posted by: sophie  |  2009-05-02 04:59:30

i absolutely love this! very clever

        Posted by: stacey_g  |  2009-05-01 23:15:43

love it, i was a 90's kid and was always wearing intense floral leggings with denim skirts and jackets. http://guccilily.blogspot.com/

        Posted by: guccilily  |  2009-05-01 21:30:20

I love this!

        Posted by: Sunny  |  2009-05-01 17:09:42

These models are SO well chosen.

        Posted by: Sarah A.  |  2009-05-01 13:26:40

Don't forget to check out my blog; www.fashiontablet.blogspot.com

        Posted by: Christina  |  2009-05-01 12:32:38

So obsessed with this post<3. totally blogging about it. thanks WWW<3.

        Posted by: Christina  |  2009-05-01 12:31:42

I LOVE the corset is look 2, actually I love everything. http://modernlovewalksonby.blogspot.com/

        Posted by: K.Kennedy  |  2009-05-01 11:26:33

I LOVE this post ! xoxo beautyandthestreet.blogspot.com

        Posted by: Amber  |  2009-05-01 11:20:57

a 90210 (fashion) revival, pretty cool... but my favorite kind of "90's" look stems from a mix between the Smashing Pumpkins and Angelina Jolie & Jonny Lee Miller in Hackers. :) xo! --- fashionchalet.blogspot.com

        Posted by: Fashion CHALET  |  2009-05-01 11:04:57

Loving all these looks so cute so 90210! Great post! www.lovellegirl.blogspot.com http://www.lovellegirl.blogspot.com/

        Posted by: Tara  |  2009-05-01 11:02:08

I absolutely loved this editorial. The models are great representations of our favorite 90210 characters. And turning old looks into relevant fresh styles is inspiring. Love it!

        Posted by: Anna  |  2009-05-01 09:58:08

This made my day -- and I usually hate 90's fashion. What a great idea for a fashion story, and the photography is beautiful.

        Posted by: Amber  |  2009-05-01 09:57:04

I just realized you can click on the photos to make them larger!

        Posted by: CC  |  2009-05-01 09:37:24

Kashmere - fashion is cyclical.

        Posted by: Sarah  |  2009-05-01 09:36:04

i love the nineties look, but what's with fashion and going to the past instead of looking to the future?

        Posted by: kashmere  |  2009-05-01 09:15:47

Makes me miss Brenda and Kelly, haha.

        Posted by: Danielle  |  2009-05-01 08:02:14

loving all the looks (including Andrea's)! xo http://yvetteyeau.com

        Posted by: Yvette  |  2009-05-01 07:42:46

Nice clothes, I wouldn't accociate them all with the 90s though. Check out my blog: http://millesimeetperles.blogspot.com/

        Posted by: Nat  |  2009-05-01 06:49:58

Wow, amzing clothes. I love and want it all!!!

        Posted by: missyb  |  2009-05-01 03:38:09

Andrea Zuckerman?? Really?? I didn't turn to her for fashion inspiration in the 90s and I certainly won't do so now.

        Posted by: Cali  |  2009-05-01 02:25:56

Brilliant story, I love it!! Although a bit of flannel would have been nice :) This is definitely making me really happy. The Elle story on 90s fashion with Frida Pinto among others, was really inspiring as well.

        Posted by: LauraAlexa  |  2009-05-01 02:17:05

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