The Beetlejuice press tour kicked off with Jenna Ortega making a statement with her vintage Westwood and Dolce pinstripes. Known for her authentic appropriation of the film’s sinister tropes, Ortega was soon overshadowed by Winona Ryder, the original Beetlejuice actor. Ryder, along with the ensemble cast, including Catherine O’Hara and Monica Bellucci, wore an inky Elena Dawson coat dress and burgundy sunglasses, mirroring her character Lydia’s style. Ryder’s stylist, Erica Cloud, is known for seeking out designers who create imperfectly perfect pieces. Dawson’s deconstructed tailoring allows the wearer to add their own touch, exemplifying Ryder’s unconventional yet expected fashion choices.
Ryder’s decision to wear Dawson’s work from East Sussex, instead of luxury brands, showcases her unique style. Throughout her career, Ryder has embraced a poetic personal brand, from her iconic ’80s looks with sleek lipstick and a crucifix to her ’90s grunge style with band tees and baggy suits. Audrey Hepburn even gave Ryder her hand-me-downs, showing the admiration for her individuality. Ryder’s fashion choices have always been unexpected yet true to herself, something that sets her apart from other celebrities and defines her enduring appeal.
Despite being known for her unconventional fashion sense, Ryder has always had an eye for talented designers who create pieces that resonate with her personal style. Cloud, Ryder’s stylist, describes herself as a “treasure hunter,” seeking out designers with thoughtful imperfections in their work. Dawson’s fashion ethos of leaving pieces unfinished to allow for personal touches aligns perfectly with Ryder’s aesthetic. The asymmetric suit with the word “Gena” as an homage to Gena Rowlands showed Ryder’s appreciation for meaningful details in fashion.
Ryder’s influence on fashion goes beyond the clothes she wears. Her ability to embrace imperfections and quirkiness has set her apart in a sea of Hollywood celebrities known for following trends. By choosing to wear pieces from lesser-known designers like Dawson, Ryder continues to showcase her unique style and appreciation for craftsmanship. Ryder’s fashion choices have always been a form of self-expression, reflecting her personality and artistic sensibilities in unexpected yet authentic ways.
As the Beetlejuice press tour continues, Ryder’s fashion choices will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. With her unapologetic embrace of imperfection and unconventional style, Ryder remains a fashion icon whose influence transcends trends and seasons. From her ’80s goth girl persona to her ’90s grunge style, Ryder’s fashion journey has been a testament to staying true to oneself and embracing one’s individuality. In a world of cookie-cutter celebrity dressers and designer labels, Ryder’s commitment to authenticity and meaningful fashion choices is a refreshing change that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
