Contemporary trends come and go, but 90s fashion possesses a unique magnetism. Even in 2023, we can't help but find ourselves drawn to the pre-millennium age when supermodel Kate Moss made her mark on the fashion world on a stratospheric scale.
Few 90s style icons have had such an impact, testament to the 49-year-old's enduring appeal and sharp eye for design in her own right. TikTok is utterly enamoured by her boho-grunge je ne sais quoi, and to prove it the hastag #katemoss90s has amassed over 135m views on the platform.
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Why was Kate Moss so popular in the 90s?
Presenting a striking alternative to the glamazon look that dominated runways in the mid-to-late 1980s, Kate was known for her waifish figure. Dubbed 'heroin chic', the trend captured the zeitgeist of the 1990s, with the supermodel herself describing the look as "a swing from more buxom girls like Cindy Crawford".
Kate Moss 90s outfits
Perhaps Kate's true magic lies in the fact that she is a total fashion chameleon. From rock chick bikers and see-through slips to straight-leg jeans and Versace spangles, her versatility is inimitable.
From setting the Glasto attire bar sky high in a glittery mini and Hunter wellies to bringing the boudoir to the Met Ball she has proven herself an utterly worthy style icon. However, her 1990s outfits are a cut above the rest – and we are eternally indebted.
Hello! Fashion shares the fashion lessons we've learnt from 90s Kate Moss:
No bra? No problem
For the Elite Model Agency's 1993 Look of the Year party, Kate went out in her now-iconic mesh slip dress, sans a bra. As it happens, her look ended up revealing a little more than she'd bargained for. "In the darkness of Corinne’s Soho flat the dress was not see-through!" she insisted to Vogue last year. But honestly? It was less wardrobe malfunction and far more wardrobe masterclass…
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The 'Quiet Luxury' pioneer
Way before the 'Quiet Luxury' trend entered the fashion stratosphere, Kate was the picture of understated chic in 1997 on the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival. Attending a premiere on the arm of her then-boyfriend Johnny Depp, she wore a simply cut dove grey boat neck dress and a crimson lip, proving that true elegance needs no frills.
The low-key airport moment
Schooling us in the ultimate airport outfit, Kate touched down in Los Angeles in 1994 looking every inch the It-girl. Straight-leg jeans + easy-breezy tank top + leopard accessory = effortless cool.
Old Hollywood glamour is eternal
Sporting a white strapless dress and full-length gloves with fluffy adornments at the 1994 APLA Fashion Show, the supermodel oozed retro glam, infused with a Snow Queen-like edge.
Weddings are for…upstaging the bride
Obviously, intentionally seeking to outdo the woman du jour is in pretty poor taste, but Kate Moss had no choice in the matter in 1995. Looking effervescent in canary yellow, we love the contrast of her rocky eye alongside ultra-feminine floral appliqué.
All that glitters
And on the subject of marriage, Kate showed us that a subtle gleam of shimmer is out of the question. When it comes to staging your big day, clearly the dress code is Versace spangles or don't even bother.
Get back to nature
Where amping up the drama is required, we recommend you look no further than Mother Gaia. Granted, sourcing a feather might feel a little rough-and-ready, but there's no denying that some earthy influences can elevate your look in an instant. Trading in the city life might be a stretch too far, but cowrie shells, soft wools and elegant silks? We're into it.
Crying out for chrome
Fact: there is a metallic shade out there to suit everyone and finding yours will do wonders for your skin. Kate's almost-khaki silver belted coat allows her creamy complexion to pop, and now we feel the need to enter a period of deep wardrobe reflection.
Dare to be bold
Move over Princess Leia, two can play at that game. When it comes to making a statement, nothing is more crucial than the ingredient of confidence. At Chanel's 1998 ready-to-wear show, the supermodel rocked a gold shiny chest contraption ('bikini' feels a bit far fetched), with every fibre of her being – and we couldn't love her any more for it.
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