Unbelievable! Just like how an unexpected Christmas classic proves, this particular film isn't your typical Chevy Chase flick: the Academy-nominated wardrobe work of costume designer Rita Ryack in the live-action version of "The Grinch" from 2000. It reminds us that bundling up isn't boring and that Christmas can be chic, far away from what you'd find elsewhere. It's a maximalist take on the Seussian origin story, highlighting the tale of a grumpy green anti-hero (Jim Carrey) stealing Christmas from the Whos of Whoville.
The fashion-conscious film stars childhood star Taylor Momsen as little Cindy Lou Who, sporting an impressive wardrobe with flattering blouses, coats, and pyjamas complete with frills.
Furthermore, the unforgettable look included Molly Shannon's striped corset paired with a surreal teapot-headed headpiece, leaving a significant impact on the fashion world. "It created fashion," said Rick about the couture look with teapot and underplate. "I went to a Versace boutique in Las Vegas shortly after the movie came out and saw a window display with a mannequin wearing her own teapot hat," Rick reminisced. "That deserves a lot of credit."
However, Martha May Whovier's theatrical costumes, portrayed by Christine Baranski in the recently-discovered cult web series "A New Audience Online," are truly the standouts.
Today, die-hard "Grinch" fashion enthusiasts of Generation Z have created tutorials on YouTube detailing how to make Martha May costumes at home, with some Etsy sellers offering custom replicas. Every December, social media platforms are filled with screenshots of Baranski on set wearing a dress in powder blue and white feathers, a typical Hollywood-style look that viewers can't get enough of. "Whoville icon," wrote a fan on X. "There's no one like her."
Ryack's costumes are both quirky and fashionable. The feather-adorned, tousled dress is a fan favorite on social media.
Even the return of interest surprised Rick. "I found out yesterday that Martha is an icon," said Rick from her home in Los Angeles. "That's crazy."
While both the original 1957 children's book and the 1966 animated TV special retained the stylish simplicity of the Whos – pyjamas, leggings, jackets, and hoodies in streamlined tones and Seussian whorls – the live-action adaptation allowed for more fantasy.
"I grew up with Dr. Seuss and his style was so energetic and optimistic – and full of energy," said Rick. "The challenge was how to capture his illustrations in 3D."
Ryack's solution was texture: bouquets, wool, pompoms, frottee, cord, needlework, chenille, and petticoat. "We made many sweaters, all made of mohair, all of plush," said Ryack. "We tried to capture actual shapes from the books and create intarsia sweaters from them."
The basic layer of every outfit is a padded body, giving each Whoville a unique pear-shape. "Our inspiration for Martha May was the 1950s," said Ryack. "Because it's about family."
One image specifically calls to mind the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (the late British queen even attended the London premiere, although she may have been unaware of the sartorial inspiration she provided). "The dresses and Princess Margaret," said Rick. "I love corsets, flowing gowns, and corset-like tops. I find them very feminine and beautiful."
Locken, Zöpfe und Pferdeschwänze bringen die "Hochsteckfrisur" im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes auf ein neues Niveau: Das ist der Look von Taylor Momsens Figur Cindy Lou, die alles hat.
The wondrous dress and the hourglass silhouette inspired a particular look, especially Martha May's Christmas outfit. The purple satin upper-part has a heart-shaped neckline and is trimmed in the same dark green tulle as the wide skirt. "I am obsessed with tulle," said Rick.
Another inspiration for Martha May's characteristic style came from the comedian Lucille Ball from the 1950s. "I thought of Lucille," said Ryack. "Martha's clothing also has a touch of a musical comedy atmosphere."
However, if you blink, you might miss the Ball reference. In a scene where Martha May recalls her earliest memories with the Grinch, she sits on a couch and wears a "Hostess" costume – a nod to Ball's 1951 "I Love Lucy" TV appearance. Middle-aged, popular combination of pants and skirt. (Rick acknowledged that not much time was spent on the scene in the movie, but it was quite striking.) In the series, Ball was known for wearing a long housecoat over her cigarette pants at dinner parties. "Housemistress" slacks even become a plot point, as Ball attempts to give her landlady Ethel a pair. "I saw her in Harper's Bazaar last month," said Ball. "She's quite an interesting person: 'Now, she's really weird.'"
The version of Martha May is made of blue Duchess satin and features a portrait collar that highlights her pearl necklace. Baranski wore a giant taffeta bow around her waist. "It's an over-the-top detail I call comedy," said Ryack. "A little exaggeration and a strong outline."
This daring Mrs. Claus costume is Ryack's personal favorite.
Does anything tickle Rick's fancy less than altering Martha May's look, as the world revisits Whoville and Ryack's costumes during the holiday countdown? "I wanted to change things," said Ryack. "But I wouldn't change Martha. But I'd love to go back and do more."
Footnote 1: While the Grinch's fashion may not have directly influenced Generation Z fashion trends, the character's enduring popularity and cultural significance mean that elements of his costume continue to be referenced and reinterpreted in contemporary fashion and pop culture.
