SB Exclusive: How ‘Jem And The Holograms’ Costume Designer Made ’80s Fashion Cool Again

Photo: Universal Pictures 

When it comes to the ‘Jem and the Holograms’ reboot hitting theaters this week, don’t expect the generic ’80s fashion defined by leg warmers and neon colors.

The original cartoon brings back images of big hair, patent leather pumps and some seriously outdated ’80s style. However, costume designer and stylist Soyon An made it her mission to recreate the “glitter and fabulousness” of the original cartoon, but with a modern twist.

Along with binge watching the cartoon on Netflix for inspiration, An looked at designers such as Saint Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier to bring the rock-n-roll grunge vibe that was missing from the original to life.

“One thing the director [John Chu] wanted to make sure of was that this movie wasn’t going to be bubblegum and kiddie-like,” An told StyleBlazer exclusively. “It was going to be rock and roll, edgy and cool.

It is not a very ‘costumey’ movie even if it has a lot of costumes. It is very fashion-forward.”

So how did An balance the bright and playful costumes of Jem, Kimber, Shana and Aja without going full ’80s? For Jem, it was the pink leather jacket with a side wrap, and instead of giving her the cartoon’s signature fringe belt, An added some fringe to the lapel.

“It was about clean, simple lines and finding that one statement piece that is going to be in your face and designing around that,” An said. “For example, Jem’s pink jacket. That was her statement piece, the rest of her outfit was a black t-shirt dress with holes, a few safety pins and thigh high black boots, just to get the clean lines and also elongate her and make her look bigger and life.”

Photo: Universal Pictures 

Another element from the cartoon that you won’t be seeing in the movie are the pumps. Along with not being functional for the stage, An, who worked closely with the cast (Aubrey Peeples, Stefanie Scott, Aurora Perrineau and Hayley Kiyoko) in finding the pieces that spoke to each of the girls. 

Keep reading to find out Soyon An’s DIY tips for a Jem and the Holograms Halloween costume: 

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