The Fashion of Clueless

"The film would not have become the classic that it has without [Mona May's] involvement. Her work was magic in Clueless." -Alicia Silverstone

As if! Revisit the iconic plaids, statement hats, and chic dresses from Clueless with this behind-the-scenes look at how costume designer Mona May created a unique and unforgettable on-screen world through fashion.

Ever since hitting screens in 1995, Clueless has reigned as one of the most inspirational fashion films of all time. From Cher's sunny yellow plaid Jean Paul Gaultier skirt suit to her sleek, fitted red Alaïa dress, every outfit defined a teen who revered fashion as much as her friendships. Add to that BFF Dionne's legendary head-to-toe looks and a few magical makeovers, and Clueless was cemented as a classic film with incredible clothes at its core.

Celebrate the movie's thirtieth anniversary with costume designer Mona May, who--alongside fashion writer Monica Corcoran Harel--shares her creative process and her collaboration with actors to make every character come alive. Step inside May's design studio and fitting room to hear how she conceptualizes costumes from silhouette to ensemble. Whether thrifting through Los Angeles or pulling straight from the runways of Paris, May reveals how she selected and sourced high and low pieces for all your favorite characters including Cher, Tai, Dionne, Amber, and Christian.

Featuring behind-the-scenes photos, production stills, and intimate chats with key cast and creatives such as Alicia Silverstone and director Amy Heckerling, this book explores how personal style reveals a persona--and includes tips for creating your own main character looks. This compelling and stylish book is perfect for fans of pop culture, fashion, design, and art and is a record of the enduring cultural impact of the film.

Author: Mona May
Publisher: Insight Editions
Published: 10/28/2025
Pages: 168
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.85lbs
Size: 11.10h x 9.40w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9798886639452

About the Author
Costume designer Mona May exploded onto the scene with the release of Clueless--a film that raised the status of fashion in film and revolutionized the fashion landscape. The New York Times and Vogue magazine proclaimed Clueless "the fashion movie of the year." IThe movie introduced a bold new costume designer to the world as well as a style bible that continues to inspire new generations of audiences across the globe.

May has since created unforgettable film and television costumes that have become cornerstones of pop culture history. She injects confidence into her costume designs, creating iconic characters including those in beloved films such as Enchanted, The Wedding Singer, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, Never Been Kissed, Stuart Little 2, The Haunted Mansion, and more. She has collaborated with top Hollywood actors including Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Adam Sandler, Amy Adams, Paul Rudd, Will Ferrell, and Eddie Murphy. She recently designed the upcoming action-thriller Control with James McAvoy and Julianne Moore.

May supports young creatives as a mentor, sharing her wisdom through keynote speeches, lectures, and workshops. She is also sought after as a consultant by global brands for her fashion and creative expertise.

Monica Corcoran Harel is a screenwriter, bestselling author, and the founder of PRETTY RIPE, a multimedia platform for women (proudly) over forty that's been featured in Time and InStyle magazines. She writes about beauty, fashion, wellness, and tricky relationships for The New York Times and New York magazine--and has coauthored books with Rachel Zoe and the Queer Eye guys. Corcoran Harel is currently developing her viral The Cut essay "My Mom Has No Friends" into a sitcom for Mandy Moore and Disney. She lives in Los Angeles.