Double denim, rhinestone belts, velour Juicy Couture tracksuits, and scrunchies instantly transport us to the late 90s and early 2000s. Gen-Z and millennials came of age during a time when fashion, beauty trends, language, technology, and entertainment were at their most iconic and instantly recognisable. Many pop culture icons of the era not only set these trends but also left an indelible mark on their industries- legacies that remain influential today. Here are The Modern Muse team’s top pop culture icons of the 90s and 2000s.
Princess Diana
The People’s Princess emerged into a Renaissance of sorts in the early 90’s. A newfound confidence, flair and sartorial style was unmistakable from her former ‘Shy Di’ image, starting with the globally sensational ‘revenge dress.’ She wore this glamourous black Christina Stambolian creation to the Serpentine Gallery gala on the very night Prince Charles confessed his unfaithfulness on national television. Aside from glamourous looks, she also mastered the casual chic trend, pairing logo sweatshirts with bike shorts or jeans and cowboy boots, topped off with a blazer.
Sarah Jessica Parker
And just like that…HBO’s beloved fashionista makes our list. Widely known for playing the fabulous yet slightly chaotic Carrie Bradshaw on the cult-famous Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker’s smile and Manhattan-style gait light up the whole room. Also starring in Hocus Pocus, Footloose and a number of romantic comedies, Parker could instantly switch from sweeping ballgowns to cinched corsets and mini dresses, carrying them all with effortless ease. With just a toss of those golden devil-may-care curls and a dazzling smile, she ensured all eyes were on her.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell, the first model of colour to grace French Vogue’s cover, has dominated catwalks for over three decades, proving that age is just a number. She began her career in the 1980s, navigating an industry rife with racial and ethnic bias, and rose to work with the world’s top designers, photographers, and magazines. Recently, she became the only supermodel honoured with an exhibition at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, celebrating not only her success but also her activism and significant global impact on the modelling industry.
Britney Spears
Known as the ‘Princess of Pop,’ Britney Spears fueled the teen pop revival with hits that played at school discos and pool parties, and still bring nostalgia today. Songs like ‘Baby One More Time’ and ‘Oops! I Did It Again’ captured the teenage experience of love and relationships. As her career evolved, she explored themes of sexuality, self-discovery, and adulthood. Her lyrics resonated with teens navigating the tension between innocence and adventure, responsibility and freedom. It’s safe to say, Britney always had our back.
Pamela Anderson
The Canadian beauty made waves in Hollywood and cemented her status as a sex symbol by holding the most Playboy magazine covers and her role as C.J. Parker in the iconic Baywatch series. However, she was also one of the original 90’s beauty muses; skinny eyebrows, overlined lips and a Californian sun-kissed glow were the envy of any girl who watched Anderson sashay across the beach in her red swimsuit. She recently reclaimed her narrative of rocky romances and rose to fame in a Netflix documentary, ‘Pamela, A Love Story.’
Oprah Winfrey
To this day Oprah remains one of television’s most skilled talk show hosts. Her show ran for 25 years before transitioning into a media and business empire. Her ability to delve into stories of notable figures including Michael Jackson, Naomi Campbell and Johnny Depp with such depth and patience, while simultaneously keeping her audience at the edge of their seats, was no easy feat. Bold, daring and unapologetic, Oprah is a beacon of success in the media world, and especially an inspiration to those who come from troubled pasts and rough childhoods.
Madonna
A global trendsetter and the bestselling female recording artist of all time, Madonna exploded onto the music scene and rightfully claimed the title of ‘Queen of Pop.’ Many of her songs incorporate social, political, religious and sexual themes, which have been lauded and criticised. Contrary to most artists, she was also heavily involved in the writing and production elements of the majority of her music. Breaking into the formerly male domain of the recording studio and production, she had a vision and knew how to get it.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore, a beloved actress and producer, grew up in the spotlight after her breakout role in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at just seven years old. Despite a turbulent childhood and struggles with early fame, she reinvented herself as a symbol of resilience and positivity. Throughout the 90s and 2000s, Drew became a rom-com queen, starring in hits like Never Been Kissed and The Wedding Singer. Today, she’s expanded into hosting The Drew Barrymore Show, continuing to inspire with her warmth, humour, and authenticity.
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