Marissa Cooper Wore Fake Chanel Bags on The O.C.—Here's Why
The O.C. wasn't just iconic for the angsty teenage drama that unfolded on screen. The outfits sparked countless trends and inspired many a 13-year-old girl's wardrobe. The show officially premiered 15 years ago, and in the spirit of the milestone anniversary, Page Six interviewed Season 1's costume designer, Alexandra Welker, to get the scoop. "We started with a little tiny budget, which was a challenge because everything had to look super high-end," Welker told Page Six. "There was absolutely no borrowing [from brands] involved either because nobody had ever heard of us, so they were very leery of loaning anything."
Welker went on to make a revelation: Mischa Barton's character, Marissa Cooper, didn't even have real designer bags. "I'll be honest: Those Chanel bags that she carried, those weren't something I could have on my budget," Welker told Page Six. "But I found this amazing store in downtown L.A. that sold the best-looking fakes I'd ever seen! So we used some really, really good knockoffs." Have we been living a lie this whole time? Turns out you didn't actually have to beg your parents to buy you a Chanel bag—you could have gotten a Cooper-approved knockoff.
The many Chanel bags of Marissa Cooper pic.twitter.com/5lBO3EUzoAJuly 4, 2014
Revisit Marissa Cooper's O.C. Style
Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.
-
Jonathan Bailey Is Dancing Through a Spectacular Year
We talk to the actor and current internet boyfriend about Wicked and what's next.
By Jessica Baker
-
With Moana and Cabaret's Sally Bowles, Auliʻi Cravalho Gets to Do It All
The actress returns to the character who started it all.
By Jessica Baker
-
Sara Silva Channels the Dark and Seductive World of Cruel Intentions With Latest Press Looks
From Puppets and Puppets to Sandy Liang, the actress didn't miss.
By Jessica Baker
-
"Sets Are Such Weird Places": Aya Cash on the Meta Experience of Filming HBO's The Franchise
Plus, how her personal love of fashion influenced her character's style.
By Jessica Baker
-
Heretic's Chloe East on Taco Bell, Missionaries, and Her Ever-Evolving Beliefs
An exclusive interview with the rising actress.
By Jessica Baker
-
The 7 TV and Film Performances We Can't Stop Talking About This Fall
Peak entertainment season has arrived!
By Jessica Baker
-
Saturday Night's Ella Hunt on Transforming Into Comedy Legend Gilda Radner
"It's spirited hair."
By Jessica Baker
-
"You Can't Play Power—You Have to Be Power": Ari Graynor on the Monsters Role of a Lifetime
Award season, here she comes.
By Jessica Baker