Costume designer Mona May joins Paris Chong to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic film "Clueless." Mona shares insights into her creative process for the movie's memorable fashion, including Alicia Silverstone's 63 costume changes, and how the script, based on Jane Austen's "Emma," influenced the high-fashion yet youthful looks. She discusses reinventing 90s grunge with plaids, Mary Janes, and berets, drawing inspiration from runways while adapting for 16-year-olds.

Mona also talks about her continued work with "Clueless" stars like Alicia Silverstone and Elisa Donovan, and the challenges facing the film industry in Los Angeles, with many productions moving overseas for cost-saving measures. She recounts her experiences working in places like Bulgaria and Berlin, highlighting the difficulties of sourcing materials and adapting to different working styles. Mona expresses her passion for color, influenced by her birth in India, and how it translates into her signature costume designs for films like "Enchanted" and "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion."

The conversation also touches on Mona's recently published book about "Clueless," her upcoming book tour and master classes at film schools, and her dream costume design projects (like "Barbie"). She offers advice to aspiring costume designers, emphasizing passion, flexibility with travel, and the importance of mentoring. Mona also discusses the significance of costume design in character development and the current state of the industry.

Show Notes:

www.theparischongshow.com/episodes/mona-may-costume-designer-of-clueless-and-your-other-favorites-movies

Chapter Times:

(00:00:00 ) Intro

(00:00:42 ) Mona May / 30years of Clueless

(00:03:49 ) Actor's Request

(00:07:39 ) Romy & Michele's

(00:08:24 ) Book Tour

(00:13:00 ) Teaching at SCAD

(00:14:31 ) Dream Costume Job

(00:17:37 ) Sourcing Materials

(00:19:29 ) Awards

(00:24:20 ) Advice for Costume Designers

(00:28:16 ) Outro

🎵 Music by ⁠Andrew Raiher⁠ https://andrewraiher.com/

📸 Shot & Edited at ⁠Visible Audio Studios https://www.visibleaudiostudios.com