The ‘Mean Girls’ Costume Designer Has Heard Your Complaints

When followers first glimpsed outfits within the new adaptation of “Mean Girls,” they weren’t shy with suggestions on the movie’s pink miniskirts and mesh bustiers.

On social media, some stated the costumes appeared low-cost, as if that they had come from fast-fashion retailers. Others stated they didn’t lean closely sufficient on the Y2K model of the unique “Mean Girls,” launched in 2004. And one on-line commentator stated the costumes appeared like an A.I. picture generator’s clumsy response to the immediate: “What do trendy teenagers wear today?”

The wardrobes for the movie, which was launched on Jan. 12, weren’t created by synthetic intelligence however by Tom Broecker, the costume designer for “Saturday Night Live,” the place he has labored for practically 30 years. Mr. Broecker, 61, had no involvement within the authentic “Mean Girls.” He joined the crew of the variation after working with Tina Fey and Lorne Michaels — who have been concerned in each movies — on costumes for “S.N.L.” and for “30 Rock.”

Mr. Broecker stated the criticism of his work had made him “super, super, super anxious” for the brand new movie’s launch. His aim was to reference — however not redo — the wardrobes from the unique film, which have been created by the costume designer Mary Jane Fort, by imagining how its high-school-age characters may gown as members of Gen Z.

He cited the “sexy Santa” costumes for a vacation expertise present scene in each movies for example. In the variation, these outfits have been influenced by Ariana Grande’s music video for the track “thank u, next,” he stated, so he made them just a little extra sparkly than the plasticky crimson skirts within the authentic.

More than 600 seems have been created for the variation by Mr. Broecker and his six-person design group. In the edited interview beneath, he explains how they got here up with the wardrobe — which, he stated, shouldn’t be judged by trailers and teasers alone.

“You’re only getting the bread crumbs,” he stated, “when you really want to have the whole 10-course meal.”

What did you consider the costuming within the authentic movie?

When I noticed it then, I believed, This is enjoyable, that is highschool in 2004. Watching it now, I am going, Oh my God, these poor ladies have been so sexualized. But that’s 2024 eyes 2004. I do know they didn’t really feel that manner in any respect, however you have a look at it now and understand that the world has modified.

Where did you look to search out inspiration for the way Gen Z is dressing?

We have been very influenced by Instagram and TikTok, and by celebrities like Billie Eilish, Jenna Ortega and Sydney Sweeney. I’ve a niece who graduated from highschool in Indiana final 12 months. I appeared by way of her closet and her Instagram. And I dwell close to N.Y.U., so packs of scholars stroll by my condominium on a regular basis in light-wash, straight-leg denims, white Nike sneakers and crop tops.

What did these references reveal about how folks gown now?

The early aughts are very influential within the visible panorama of clothes proper now. Sometimes I might present Tina sure issues and he or she’d say, Oh my God, I believe I wore that earlier than.

Other issues have modified. Gender fluidity is an enormous factor for teenagers. And everybody needs to be snug, particularly after the pandemic. So I dressed the excessive schoolers within the film in athleisure, like North Face, Patagonia and Champion hoodies.

Fast vogue has modified how younger folks store. How a lot of that did you embody?

Probably greater than we should always have. Two manufacturers we used have been Cider and Princess Polly. I stayed away from Shein, however I did discover a piece or two secondhand.

I saved saying that we now have to get into the thoughts of a high-school scholar, and that’s how they store. The administrators removed a mall scene that was within the authentic as a result of youngsters don’t go to the mall anymore.

How did you differentiate costumes for the Plastics — the three in style ladies — from these for the scholars they reign over?

Everyone in the highschool has large baggage and sneakers, apart from the Plastics, who’ve little purses and heels. They are totally different than the people who find themselves weighed down by their books and grounded to the ground with their sneakers.

Did you spend extra of your price range on garments for the Plastics?

Basically the Plastics bought all the cash. For Regina George (Reneé Rapp), we did Isabel Marant, streetwear like Off-White and numerous classic stuff. Tom-Ford-era Nineties Gucci was the inspiration for her homecoming gown.

Why do you assume folks have reacted so strongly to the costumes within the adaptation?

I didn’t understand the nostalgia for the unique. It’s exhausting to have one thing stand by itself when one thing exists that folks love. But this isn’t that, and 2024 just isn’t 2004. We have modified how we really feel about numerous issues. As the tagline says, this isn’t your mother’s “Mean Girls.”