‘Clueless’ Costume Designer Mona May Dreams Up Cher’s Modern-Day Closet for Movie-Inspired Suite at L’Ermitage Hotel (Exclusive)

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In 2025, I’d be curious to know what life holds for Cher Horowitz. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills has created an enchanting retreat tailored especially for the beloved alumna of Bronson Alcott High School, in celebration of Clueless’s 30th anniversary.

Movie enthusiasts may envision the character portrayed by Alicia Silverstone, a Beverly Hills native, taking off her high heels after globetrotting for her career as either an environmental lawyer or a fashion executive. From this coming Saturday, fashion-conscious cinephiles can reserve a stay at the 4,450-square-foot Clueless Suite ($2,080/night) and immerse themselves in the world of the iconic film for two nights or longer.

The hotel collaborated with Paramount Pictures and interior designer Jordan Hackworth to envision the lavish interior, while original costume designer Monay May carefully selected designer items from Bloomingdale’s for the wardrobe. The suite showcases a yellow plaid accent wall reminiscent of Cher’s famous Jean Paul Gaultier style, Lichtenstein-inspired artwork on the walls, a pink neon “Seize the day! Okay?” sign, Schlossberg blush silk bedding, and an art installation by Emmy-winning costume designer Marco Marco. For an additional $995 per night, guests can upgrade to the Cher’mitage Experience, which includes taking photos with a Polaroid camera, a VIP styling appointment at a store, $100 to spend at Bloomingdale’s, and a Dior Beauty makeover session, among other benefits.

May describes it as cheerful and vibrant, much like something Cher herself would appreciate,” May says to The Hollywood Reporter. “As soon as you step inside, you’re transported into the realm of ‘Clueless.’

Pondering on the enduring impact of ‘Clueless’ on fashion, culture, and cinema, she meticulously prepared the suite’s closet inspired by Cher, which can also be viewed and purchased through Fitted, the official virtual wardrobe app for the film’s 30th anniversary marketing. The esteemed costume designer will publish “The Fashion of Clueless” (Simon & Schuster) on Oct. 7, now up for pre-order on Amazon, Bookshop, and other retailers.

Iggy Azalea, Kim Kardashian (alongside her daughter), Taylor Swift, and Harry Styles were all touched by the iconic yellow plaid ensemble, as May explains. The enduring impact of this style continues to resonate, offering a chance for us to reconnect with fans, reminisce about the past, and appreciate the joy it brings. There was an innocent charm in those days that we still long for. Back then, there were no smartphones or Instagram dominating our daily lives.

May mentions that the movie’s success might be due to the fact they had a limited budget of only $200,000, which wasn’t much at all. She explains that since there were no brands sponsoring them with clothing, she had to rely on thrift stores for costumes. This resulted in a challenging task, as the main character, Alicia, had 63 costume changes alone, and this doesn’t even account for Deon, Amber, or any of the extras. The variety of settings, from the quad and different cliques to the cafeteria, required the design of thousands of unique looks.

As I step into this Clueless-themed suite, it’s like I’ve been transported right into the movie world itself! There are even some hidden nods scattered around the room, like framed photos of Josh (played brilliantly by Paul Rudd) and Cher’s stylish mom (whose tragic demise occurred during a routine liposuction procedure, as the character shares in the film). I see a class schedule on display, makeup left out on the vanity, and clothing draped over an accent chair – all reminiscent of how Cher might have casually left things. It’s a delightful touch that adds to the immersive experience!

I’ve got to admit, I sort of went a bit wild with the outfit choices around here,” I say, grinning. “You know that indescribable sensation when you stumble upon something truly iconic? This movie is it, man! It’s like it’s tapped into the collective consciousness, there’s just so much love and energy surrounding this film. It sends shivers down my spine; I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like for those behind the scenes. And let me tell you, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect – girls were ready to play with color in a big way, and everything just fell into place.

As a devoted admirer of Jane Austen’s novel Emma, I can’t help but be captivated by the cinematic adaptation titled Clueless. Penned and helmed by Amy Heckerling, this classic was unleashed in theaters back in July 1995, amassing a staggering $56.7 million worldwide. The film’s stellar cast includes Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, Stacey Dash (may she rest in peace), Brittany Murphy, Elise Donovan, Donald Faison, Breckin Meyer, and more.

Currently, you can stream this timeless gem on Paramount+, which is offering a special deal for new subscribers. Alternatively, if you prefer to own it, you can grab a discounted copy from Prime Video. Enjoy the nostalgia!

The 63-year-old costume designer reflects on Amy, commending her as an exceptional writer and director. She wrote a profound story about lovely girls and their friendship, with Cher being particularly relatable to women. I feel fortunate to work on many films focused on strong female characters, and I believe it’s crucial to emphasize that femininity in my work.

During the making of the film, we were all quite young. It was my first major studio production, and we were like wide-eyed novices, plunged into this incredible artistic journey with Amy. She guided us perfectly, showing us exactly how to express ourselves. I owe her so much, as she helped unlock my creative potential. … We initially met during the pilot, but from the start, we felt an intense creative connection. I could contribute something lasting.

For May’s upcoming book, you can anticipate a trip down memory lane with the “Clueless” cast members such as Silverstone, Rudd, Meyer, and Faison. She shares, “It’s really exciting because, after 30 years, we managed to find the Polaroid photos from our set!

The “Clueless” Luxury Suite at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills can be reserved from July 12 to September 1, priced at $2,080 per night with a two-night minimum stay. Additionally, the Cher’mitage Experience is offered for an extra $995 per night; discover more details here.

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2025-07-09 19:24