Two decades on, North Shore High School’s “Plastics” have transformed in the latest rendition of the iconic 2004 teen movie “Mean Girls,” crafted again by Tina Fey. Labelled as a modern twist, it’s not the “Mean Girls” your mother knew. Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. co-direct this version, starring Angourie Rice as Cady Heron, Reneé Rapp as Regina George, Bebe Wood as Gretchen Wieners, and Avantika as Karen Shetty (formerly Smith). The twist? The narrative unfolds from Damian Hubbard (Jaquel Spivey) and Janis Ian ‘Imi’ke (Auliʻi Cravalho), the self-proclaimed “coolest people you’ll ever meet.”
Fashion, a central theme, is approached with a nod to the early 2000s, now making a comeback, say Jayne and Perez Jr. “In crafting the wardrobe, we looked at what teenagers are really wearing to school these days,” Jayne explains to ELLE.com. Each member of the Plastics has a distinct personality, which guided their outfit choices, she adds. Costume designer Tom Broecker infused some elements from the original movie, though he asserts that this project stands as its own. His preferred brands for the film included Miu Miu, Valentino, The North Face, Converse, Off-White, and The Frankie Shop, with a mix of sneakers, UGGs, Crocs, and the Plastics’ preferred heels.
Before the movie’s premiere, Broecker and several cast members discussed the fashion in “Mean Girls,” their favorite 2000s style moments, and the cultural impact of ‘fetch’. Here’s what they had to say:
Angourie Rice – Cady Heron
Rice shares that experimenting with different versions of the iconic pink shirt ultimately led to choosing a vest. This was not only her favorite costume for its comfort but also symbolized Cady’s internal and external transformation. She notes how Cady uses fashion as a tool for fitting in and later, as a symbol of her newfound dominance over Regina, mirroring real-life dynamics.
Reneé Rapp – Regina George
For Regina’s character, Broecker cleverly used a half-chain, half-pearl necklace as a contemporary twist on the original “R” necklace worn by Rachel McAdams. He reflects on the gender fluidity of the character, juxtaposing feminine pearls with a masculine gold chain.
Bebe Wood – Gretchen Wieners
Wood describes Halloween as an opportunity to step into a beloved character’s shoes or, like Cady, to explore something eerie. She shares how Gretchen’s philosophy on Halloween attire, which she was thrilled to embody, speaks volumes about her character. Wood emphasizes the fashion in the film as a narrative tool, instantly conveying each character’s identity.
Avantika – Karen Shetty
Avantika talks about the bright pink outfits she wore as Karen Shetty, maintaining the essence of innocence and allure, key to both Karen Smith and Karen Shetty. She believes that the Plastics’ clothing choices offer insights into their mindsets, emotional growth, and confidence. She highlights the importance of visual storytelling in “Mean Girls,” which portrays young women, often simplified by society, in a unique and complex manner.
Jaquel Spivey – Damian Hubbard
Spivey believes that the film’s fashion is a window into the characters’ souls. Their clothing choices and the way they carry themselves reveal their true nature. For Damian, Spivey found excitement in trying out various colorful outfits that reflect his character’s nonconformist attitude.
Auli‘i Cravalho – Janis ‘Imi’ke
Cravalho expresses her appreciation for the film’s inclusive and diverse representation, extending to fashion. She emphasizes the desire of Gen Z to see themselves reflected in media, noting that the film’s style is as colorful, musical, queer, and ‘fetch’ as any contemporary high school.
Busy Philipps – Mrs. George
Philipps humorously defines the modern Mrs. George’s wardrobe as a blend of trendy and unconventional mom styles. Drawing from real Instagram mom profiles and Amy Poehler’s original portrayal, she collaborated with Broecker to create a unique look for Mrs. George, including a custom-designed pink velour tracksuit by Suzie Kondi.
