Game-changing red carpet moments

In the ’90s, red carpet fashion underwent a seismic shift, moving away from traditional glamour and embracing bold individuality. One of the most unforgettable moments came in 1994 when Elizabeth Hurley stepped onto the red carpet in a black Versace dress held together by oversized gold safety pins. The daring ensemble not only catapulted Hurley into the global spotlight but also redefined what it meant to take a fashion risk. It was a moment that proved the red carpet could be a platform for avant-garde expression, not just elegance.

Another standout was Gwyneth Paltrow’s ethereal pink Ralph Lauren gown at the 1999 Oscars. The soft, princess-like silhouette contrasted sharply with the edgier trends of the decade, yet it resonated deeply with audiences and sparked a wave of pastel eveningwear in the years that followed. It was a reminder that simplicity, when done right, could be just as impactful as extravagance.

Australian audiences will also recall Nicole Kidman’s 1997 Academy Awards appearance in a chartreuse Dior gown designed by John Galliano. The colour choice was unconventional, and the sleek, embroidered silhouette was a departure from the more voluminous styles of the time. Kidman’s look was widely discussed and is now considered one of the most iconic Oscar dresses of all time, showcasing how Australian talent was making waves on the global fashion stage.

These red carpet moments weren’t just about the clothes—they were about attitude, confidence, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. They set the tone for a decade where fashion became more personal, more daring, and infinitely more memorable.

Street style that sparked global trends

While red carpets dazzled with designer gowns, it was the streets that truly captured the spirit of ’90s fashion. Across cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, everyday Australians were embracing a new kind of style—one that was raw, expressive, and deeply influenced by music, subcultures, and a growing sense of individuality. From oversized flannel shirts to combat boots and bucket hats, the streets became a runway for self-expression, and the looks that emerged would go on to influence global fashion trends for decades to come.

Grunge, born from the Seattle music scene, found a strong foothold in Australia. Teens and twenty-somethings layered band tees with ripped jeans and thrifted cardigans, often pairing them with Doc Martens or Converse sneakers. This anti-fashion aesthetic resonated with a generation disillusioned by excess, and its laid-back, rebellious vibe quickly spread beyond the underground. It wasn’t long before high fashion took notice, with designers incorporating grunge elements into their collections, blurring the lines between streetwear and couture.

Hip-hop culture also played a pivotal role in shaping ’90s street style. Baggy jeans, bomber jackets, and snapback caps became staples, influenced by artists like Tupac Shakur and TLC. In Australia, this look was embraced in urban centres and among youth who connected with the music’s messages of resilience and identity. Local brands began to emerge, offering their own take on the trend and contributing to a uniquely Australian streetwear scene.

Another defining element of ’90s street style was the rise of minimalism. Clean lines, neutral tones, and simple silhouettes offered a stark contrast to the louder trends of the decade. Think slip dresses worn over white tees, high-waisted jeans with tucked-in singlets, and sleek ponytails. This pared-back aesthetic, popularised by models like Kate Moss and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, found a strong following in Australia, where the climate and lifestyle naturally lent themselves to effortless, unfussy dressing.

What made ’90s street style so influential was its accessibility. Unlike red carpet fashion, these looks didn’t require a stylist or a designer label—they were built from op-shop finds, hand-me-downs, and personal flair. It was fashion democratised, and in many ways, it laid the groundwork for today’s streetwear culture, where authenticity and individuality reign supreme.

• Flannel shirts tied around the waist became a signature look, especially among skaters and grunge fans.
• Denim was everywhere—acid-washed, distressed, or oversized, it was a wardrobe essential.
• Platform sneakers and chunky trainers added height and attitude to casual outfits.
• Crop tops and spaghetti strap tanks were often paired with cargo pants or mini skirts.
• Accessories like chokers, mini backpacks, and tinted sunglasses completed the look.

These street-born styles didn’t just stay local—they travelled. Through music videos, magazines, and word of mouth, the fashion choices made on Australian streets echoed globally, proving that true style doesn’t need a spotlight to shine.

Celebrity looks that defined a decade

When it comes to fashion in the ’90s, few forces were as influential as the celebrities who defined the decade with their bold, trend-setting looks. These were the style icons whose wardrobes were dissected in magazines, mimicked by fans, and immortalised in pop culture. From music videos to movie premieres, their outfits became cultural touchstones that still inspire fashion today.

One of the most enduring style figures of the era was Princess Diana. Her off-duty looks—bike shorts paired with oversized sweatshirts, white sneakers, and crossbody bags—offered a masterclass in casual chic long before athleisure became a buzzword. Australians, like the rest of the world, were captivated by her ability to blend elegance with approachability, and her influence can still be seen in today’s streetwear trends.

Then there was the rise of the supermodel. Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Claudia Schiffer weren’t just runway stars—they were fashion icons whose off-catwalk style was just as impactful. Naomi’s sleek bodycon dresses and Cindy’s denim-on-denim ensembles became templates for ’90s glamour. Their appearances in Australian fashion campaigns and magazine covers helped cement their status as global style leaders, and their looks were eagerly emulated by fashion-forward Aussies.

In the music world, no one captured the spirit of ’90s fashion quite like the Spice Girls. Each member had a distinct style persona—Sporty, Scary, Baby, Ginger, and Posh—that allowed fans to identify with and replicate their favourite. From platform boots to Union Jack mini dresses, their wardrobe choices were bold, playful, and unapologetically fun. In Australia, their influence was massive, with young fans dressing up for concerts, parties, and even school discos in full Spice Girl regalia.

Closer to home, Australian celebrities like Kylie Minogue also made their mark. Her transition from girl-next-door on Neighbours to international pop sensation came with a fashion evolution that mirrored the decade’s trends. Whether it was metallic mini dresses or sleek satin gowns, Kylie’s style was aspirational yet accessible, and she became a fashion muse for many young Australians navigating their own style journeys.

Film and television also played a huge role in shaping celebrity fashion. Think of Alicia Silverstone’s character Cher in Clueless—her plaid skirt suits, knee-high socks, and feather-trimmed cardigans became instant classics. The film was a hit in Australia, and its fashion influence was immediate, with similar looks popping up in shopping centres and schoolyards across the country.

These celebrity looks weren’t just about aesthetics—they were about identity, empowerment, and self-expression. Whether it was Madonna pushing boundaries with her cone bras and layered jewellery, or Winona Ryder embracing a darker, more minimalist aesthetic, these stars gave fans permission to experiment, to be bold, and to find their own voice through fashion.

• Princess Diana’s casual ensembles set the tone for modern athleisure and off-duty style.
• Supermodels brought high fashion to the streets, making designer looks feel attainable.
• The Spice Girls turned personal style into a form of self-expression for an entire generation.
• Kylie Minogue’s evolving wardrobe mirrored the decade’s biggest fashion shifts.
• Film characters like Cher from Clueless became unexpected fashion icons.

These celebrity-driven trends didn’t just reflect the times—they helped shape them. In Australia and beyond, they offered a visual language for a generation coming of age in a rapidly changing world, proving that fashion could be both personal and powerful.

Trendsetters who changed the game

In the ’90s, a wave of fearless fashion icons emerged, rewriting the rules and setting the tone for decades to come. These women weren’t just wearing clothes—they were making statements that would ripple through the fashion world, from red carpets to runways and right into our wardrobes.

Gwen Stefani was the poster girl for punk-meets-pop style. With her platinum blonde hair, bindis, and crop tops paired with baggy trousers, she brought a rebellious edge to mainstream fashion. Her look was unapologetically bold, blending streetwear with glam in a way that felt entirely fresh—and still feels relevant today.

Naomi Campbell didn’t just walk the runway—she owned it. Her presence in the ’90s was magnetic, and her off-duty style was just as influential. Think sleek slip dresses, oversized blazers, and minimal accessories. Naomi’s fashion choices helped define the era’s supermodel aesthetic: effortless, powerful, and endlessly chic.

Winona Ryder gave us grunge with a touch of Hollywood cool. Her signature mix of thrift-store finds, leather jackets, and dark lipstick captured the mood of a generation. She made androgyny look elegant, and her red carpet looks—often minimalist and monochrome—still serve as inspiration for modern-day fashion minimalists.

Kate Moss redefined what it meant to be a model and a muse. Her “heroin chic” look—controversial at the time—ushered in a new era of pared-back, raw beauty. Off the runway, her style was quintessentially ’90s: slip dresses, vintage tees, and ankle boots. She made high fashion look effortlessly cool, and her influence is still seen in today’s street style.

Sporty Spice aka Melanie C brought athletic wear into the fashion spotlight. Tracksuits, crop tops, and trainers became not just gym gear but a full-blown aesthetic. Her sporty-chic vibe paved the way for today’s athleisure trend, proving that comfort and style can go hand in hand.

These women weren’t just following trends—they were creating them. Their fearless approach to fashion continues to inspire designers, stylists, and fashion lovers across Australia and beyond.

Timeless looks that still inspire today

Some ’90s outfits have transcended their moment in time to become enduring style references—pieces and pairings that still feel fresh, wearable, and utterly iconic. These looks didn’t just define a decade; they laid the groundwork for trends that continue to cycle through our wardrobes today.

The slip dress is perhaps the most quintessential ’90s staple that’s never truly left us. Made famous by the likes of Kate Moss and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the bias-cut silk slip was the epitome of minimalist elegance. Worn with strappy heels or layered under a leather jacket, it’s a silhouette that Australian designers continue to reinterpret season after season, from Bondi boutiques to Melbourne runways.

Denim on denim—once dubbed the “Canadian tuxedo”—was reimagined in the ’90s with a cool-girl twist. Think Drew Barrymore in oversized denim jackets and high-waisted jeans, or TLC’s baggy denim ensembles paired with crop tops. Today, Aussie fashionistas are embracing the double denim revival with a more tailored, tonal approach, proving the look’s versatility and staying power.

Combat boots and floral dresses were the ultimate contrast pairing, popularised by grunge icons like Courtney Love. The juxtaposition of feminine and edgy became a defining aesthetic of the decade. Now, it’s a go-to look for women wanting to balance softness with strength—perfect for the unpredictable Aussie climate and our love of effortless layering.

Clueless-inspired plaid sets—hello, Cher Horowitz—brought preppy back with a vengeance. Mini skirts, knee-high socks, and matching blazers became a fashion fantasy that still influences collections today. Local labels have embraced this nostalgic nod, reworking the look with sustainable fabrics and modern tailoring for a new generation of style lovers.

• Slip dresses in silk and satin remain a wardrobe essential
• Denim-on-denim continues to evolve with modern cuts and washes
• Grunge-inspired pairings offer a timeless edge to feminine pieces
• Plaid co-ords are back in rotation, with a polished Aussie twist

These ’90s looks weren’t just trends—they were turning points. Their influence is stitched into the fabric of today’s fashion, from Sydney’s street style to the runways of Australian Fashion Week.