Top 10: The “Other” Television Shows that Influenced Fashion

Now that the excitement over the Spring/Summer 2011 runway shows has died down a bit, I have been thinking about some of my favorite designs. There were edgy looks, romantic looks and simple looks that all caught my eye.  As expected, I loved quite a few Mad Men inspired looks, as well as some that focused on pure, simple old Hollywood glamour.

This led me to start thinking about TV shows that have influenced fashion over the years. I am not talking about the usual suspects, like Sex and the City, Friends, and Gossip Girl. I am talking about the ones that seem to have been forgotten about. The ones that influenced designers and consumers alike, before Mad Men. So here is a list of 10 of those “other” shows that have influenced fashion (in no particular order):

1. The Dukes of Hazzard: I think it is safe to say that not since The Dukes of Hazzard has any one woman on television made such an impact on fashion. Yes, Carrie Bradshaw’s style has left a long-lasting impression on fashionistas everywhere, but it is Daisy Duke’s name that remains synonymous with one type of clothing. Before The Dukes of Hazzard, they were simply called denim cutoffs. After? Daisy Dukes.

Catherine Bach as Daisy Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard

2. The Tudors: The age of The Tudors is characterized by rich, jewel-toned colors, luxurious embroidered fabrics, and opulent jewels and embellishments. Costume designer Joan Bergin brought the Tudor Dynasty to life over the four seasons that The Tudors graced our television screens, and fashion designers everywhere looked to her work for inspiration.

Natalie Dormer and Jonathan Rhys Meyer on Showtime's The Tudors

From left to right: Carlos Miele (2008), Jill Stuart (2008) and Reem Acra (2008)

3. ROME: The Greco-roman styling of HBO’s ROME similarly impacted the fashion industry. In 2008, at the height of ROME’s popularity, the fluid design and relaxed silhouettes of Mediterranean-inspired pieces graced numerous runways. Soft, flowing, seductively-draped fabrics were key elements in designs by Alberta Ferretti, Donna Karan, Vera Wang and J Mendel, among others.

Various fashions from HBO's ROME

Greco-Roman inspired designs from Vera Wang's 2008 Collection

4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a story about a young girl who juggled being the chosen savior of the world with the life of a normal teenager. I admit, after watching the movie (disaster) with Kristy Swanson and Luke Perry, I was less than enthused by the idea of a TV series based on the same premise. Thankfully, I did give it a shot and it ended up being one of my all-time favorite TV series. Buffy’s fashion-sense was something I admired from day one. Her looks matured as she did, but a key element was always the juxtaposition of feminine pieces against others that were more edgy. Designer Cynthia Bergstrom would chose pieces ranging from Miu Miu to D&G to Sportmax for Buffy’s wardrobe. I think I can safely say that – today – Buffy would be rocking some of the spiked heels I have been coveting lately while she was out patrolling for vampires!

The always fashionable cast of Buffy The Vampire Slayer

5. Ally McBeal: I could never get away with wearing a micro-mini to work. It just wouldn’t be appropriate in the non-profit environment I work in. I know many other professionals also couldn’t wear micro-minis, but one thing is clear – Ally McBeal showed that, for some, a micro-mini can be a perfectly appropriate piece of work attire!

Ally McBeal rocking that mini (and some great heels!)

6. Dynasty: Dynasty was a fixture in my home when I was growing up. Every Wednesday I would stay up with my family and eagerly watch Alexis, Blake and Krystle’s adventures. I loved the cat-fights, the big hair, the crazy story lines, and the attractive men!  HA!  Dynasty was synonymous with “Power Fashion” and big, strong shoulders were a key element of that look. Structured shoulders continue to be a part of fashion today, long after Dynasty is gone.

From left to right: the cast of Dynasty, Krystle Carrington and Ashley Olsen, and Dynasty Fashion in 2009

7. The original Star Trek: Yes, you read right. Star Trek. I am not going to talk about Uhura’s red micro-mini or her knee-high boots. Or those beehive hairdos, which all undoubtedly influenced the fashionistas of that time. Instead, I am going to talk about the Theiss Titillation Theory. William Ware Theiss was the costume designer on Star Trek. He essentially came up with the often-discussed concept that the sexiness of an outfit is directly proportional to the possibility that a vital piece of it might fall off. Some of the key pieces he designed for the series are shown below, and illustrate that – oftentimes – it’s the idea of what is under the clothing that is sexiest.

Two of Theiss's most famous designs

8. Miami Vice: I don’t really think you can talk about television’s influence on fashion without discussing Miami Vice. Wearing a t-shirts under blazers. Don Johnson’s Italian designer clothing. Pastel colors. Shiny fabrics. They all became popular because of Miami Vice. According to the all-knowing Wikipedia: “Designers such as Vittorio Ricci, Gianni Versace, and Hugo Boss were consulted in keeping the male leads looking trendy. Costume designer Bambi Breakstone, who traveled to Milan, Paris, and London in search of new clothes, testified that, “The concept of the show is to be on top of all the latest fashion trends in Europe”.”

The Miami Vice Boys

9. The Bachelor/ette: Even if the series doesn’t influence fashion on the design level, both The Bachelor and Bachelorette undoubtedly influence consumerism! There are blogs dedicated to finding the clothing and jewelry that contestants wear, and oftentimes, the pieces sell out instantly. One of the best blogs that does so is The Possessionista. It’s my go-to in case I ever find myself coveting something that I saw on the show. I myself have hunted down pieces (as seen here).

Two of the dresses used in Rose Ceremonies

10. Charlie’s Angels: Charlie’s Angel’s – and star Farrah Fawcett Major – helped popularize some of the most iconic trends of the 1970s. Flared pants, pant suits, and bellbottoms were frequently seen on the Angels, and became sought after by women worldwide. In addition, long before “The Rachel” haircut, there was “The Farrah.”  Farrah Fawcett’s well-known hairstyle became one of the most copied in history.

Charlie's Angels

What shows have I missed?

How has television influenced your style through the years?