“We were creating something special” Nancy Steiner breaks down The Virgin Suicides costumes.
This week marks 27 years since Sofia Coppola’s debut feature The Virgin Suicides premiered at Cannes in 1999. To mark the anniversary, we spoke with costume designer Nancy Steiner about the creation of the film’s now-iconic wardrobe, from its dreamlike school uniforms to the softly melancholic prom dresses that continue to define its hazy, nostalgic vision of girlhood.
Can you tell us about your approach and process to developing the costumes for The Virgin Suicides?
NS: “After talking with Sofia, I always start with doing research on the period.
I was already extremely familiar with the 1970’s as I had grown up in that era.
I put together images that felt right for each character and created closets for them all.
Some things we made like the prom dresses and Trip’s burgundy velvet suit.”
What was the collaborative process like working with Sofia Coppola?
NS: “It was wonderful. I already knew Sofia and her taste and she shared visuals with me that helped inform the costumes.
The best thing about Sofia is that she knows what she wants. It makes my job much easier.”
Do you have an outfit in the film that you are most proud of?
NS: “No, I love them all!”
Why do you think the film has stood the test of time so well?
NS: “I think this film speaks to so many different types of people, young and old.
The film has such a dreamy vibe to it while telling the sad story of these girls trapped by conformity.
The making of this film was one of the best experiences I’ve had on set to this day. It felt like a family ( it was in many cases ) and I was part of it. We were creating something special and we were all just happy to be there.”