Fashion
Courtney Love’s Best ‘90s Fashion Moments
Watch her go from grunge to Hollywood glam.
Olivid Rodrigo beef aside, Courtney Love has always been an inspiration. As the unofficial spokesmodel for the ‘90s grunge aesthetic (alongside her late husband Kurt Cobain), Love’s outfit choices and star power caught everyone’s attention since coming onto the music scene with her band Hole in 1989. Eventually, Hollywood and the fashion industry also took notice, and she became a red carpet staple in the late ‘90s — going from grunge to glam and even earning a campaign gig with Versace.
Grunge style may be associated with babydoll dresses and Dr. Martens, but Love was way ahead of that, coining the aesthetic’s term as “kinderwhore” and having a penchant for slip dresses and Mary Janes instead. (Her beauty looks were just as good.)
“History is funny. I would say that Calvin Klein didn’t actually invent slip dresses as outerwear in ’91. I did. At least more than him,” said Love in Interview questionnaire.
“To clarify one thing: I really never had a pair of steel-toe Dr. Martens in my life,” she added. “But whatever, I’ll resell them to people who really want to believe that.”
Ahead, check out some of her best fashion moments from the decade.
1993, MTV VMAs
Wearing a white halter gown and matching shoes to the 1993 MTV VMAs with Kurt Cobain and their daughter Frances Bean.
1994, D.A.R.E. Benefit
Wearing a very ‘90s babydoll dress with Mary Janes to the 1994 D.A.R.E. Benefit.
1994, MTV Movie Awards
Wearing a black mini slip dress with Mary Janes to the 1994 MTV Movie Awards with Michael Stipe of R.E.M.
1995, Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Wearing matching tiaras and thrifted wedding dresses with Amanda de Cadenet to the 1995 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
1995, MTV VMAs
Wearing one of her many looks from the 1995 MTV VMAs, including this all-black outfit with fishnets, knee-high boots, and a leopard coat.
Wearing a fitted top with pink satin details and lace trim with a skirt and short cardigan.
Wearing a short white dress for her final 1995 MTV VMAs look with Drew Barrymore and Hole bandmate Eric Erlandson.
1996, The People Vs. Larry Flynt Premiere
Wearing a classic black dress, pointed heels, and a leopard print bag to the premiere of her breakout film The People Vs. Larry Flynt.
1997, Golden Globes
Wearing a black Versace gown, top-handle bag, and diamond jewelry to the 1997 Golden Globes.
1997, Oscars
Wearing a silk satin white Versace gown and diamond jewelry to the 1997 Oscars.
1997, ACLU Torch of Liberty Dinner
Wearing an orange gown with a purple velvet stole to the ACLU Torch of Liberty Dinner in 1997.
1997, Batman & Robin Premiere
Wearing a pastel-colored gown to the 1997 premiere of Batman & Robin.
1997, Leaving LAX
Wearing a pajama-style matching set in yellow while traveling at LAX.
1997, VH1 Fashion Awards
Wearing a lilac-colored Versace dress to the 1997 VH1 Fashion Awards.
1998, The Object of My Affection Screening
Back to Love’s slip-dress go-to with this wrap-style version and a magenta shawl.
1998, MTV VMAs
Wearing a black sparkling halter top and leather pants to the 1998 MTV VMAs.
1998, Home Fries Premiere
Alongside Barrymore, wearing a black maxi dress to the Home Fries premiere in 1998.
1998, Billboard Music Awards
With her Hole bandmates wearing a tie-dye halter dress to the 1998 Billboard Music Awards.
1999, 200 Cigarettes Premiere
Wearing a black dress with a sheer midriff to the premiere of 200 Cigarettes in 1999.
1999, Blockbuster Entertainment Awards
Wearing a pink Versace dress to the 1999 Blockbuster Entertainment Awards.
1999, Hole Concert in Los Angeles
Wearing a midi dress and Mary Janes while performing with Hole in 1999.
1999, Man On The Moon Premiere in Los Angeles
Wearing a long-sleeve black fitted maxi dress with a side slit to the Los Angeles Man On The Moon premiere in 1999.
1999, Man On The Moon Premiere in New York
Wearing a high-slit turquoise gown to the New York Man On The Moon premiere in 1999.
See more ‘90s fashion moments from Mary J. Blige, Winona Ryder, and Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee.
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