Where The Style Came From

So the story goes that Madonna arrived for her audition for the 1985 film Desperately Seeking Susan without the money to pay her cabfare. Much like the character would do, she hit the casting director up for the cash. Ballsy! But she was considered a young up-and-comer in those days, and her ecclectic, punky wardrobe certainly didn’t hurt in winning her over to the producers. She dressed just like the character she played in the film. And like Diane Keaton in Annie Hall, the clothing shown in this movie was all hers.

Little Known Fact

Interestingly enough, Diane Keaton was considered for a time for the role of Roberta in the film. (Goldie Hawn’s name was also tossed around for the part of Susan.) But the budget for this flick was tight, and so those two young unknowns, Rosanna Arquette and Madonna, were given the parts instead, for a considerably lower fee. The rest, as they say, was film history.

The Material Girl

Madonna continued to don this wardrobe style on the concert stage and in videos, and a Bohemian fashion trend was launched, especially the “underwear-as-outerwear” look, which is still a popular designer inspiration today. Let’s face it though, it was the accessories that really pulled the costuming for this film over the top. Read more here on the 1980s accessories trends that came about thanks to this film.