The release of the highly anticipated sequel, *Beetlejuice 2*, has reignited the *Beetlejuice*-mania, with the cast, including Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Michael Keaton, and Jenna Ortega, making their rounds on the press circuit. In this frenzy, Vogue has tapped Ryder to revisit her most iconic film roles and red carpet outfits in a new ‘Life in Looks’ video.
The journey down memory lane begins, naturally, with Lydia Deetz, Ryder’s breakout role in the 1988 classic *Beetlejuice*. “I credit Tim Burton and this movie for launching my career,” says Ryder. She reflects on the ease with which she embodied the character, stating, “They didn’t have to do much with me to make me look the way that I did; I looked very much the same as Lydia. I was super pale and I had dyed my hair L’Oréal blue-black.”
The year 1988 proved pivotal for Ryder, as she also brought Veronica Sawyer to life in the cult classic *Heathers*. Ryder recalls instantly falling in love with the script and the costumes. “Each Heather is a different color. We decided on blue for Veronica. Blue, to me, is almost bruised; I felt like she was going through a lot of emotional bruising.”
The 1990s saw Ryder emerge as a style icon off-screen, known for her effortlessly cool grungy aesthetic. This era’s highlights include her appearance at the 1991 premiere of *The Commitments* in a look that encapsulates her signature style: “I was wearing my old Doc Martens, my precious Tom Waits T-shirt that I wear all of the time, and a leather jacket that was my mom’s.”
Ryder also delves into her distinctive approach to red carpet dressing, like her choice of a vintage black Pauline Trigère dress for the 2000 Oscars. “I’ve worn it a few times, because it’s so beautiful. I wore it once without the cape.”
Looking ahead, Ryder offers a glimpse into the wardrobe for *Beetlejuice 2*, set to premiere on September 6th, showcasing her ongoing collaboration with costume designer Colleen Atwood. “[Costumer] Colleen Atwood is so brilliant—a true genius. She really helped me keep Lydia, but also bring her more into where she is in the movie, which is struggling a bit.”
As Ryder continues to thrive in her career, her ‘Life in Looks’ video serves as a captivating testament to her enduring style and the impact of her iconic characters. Watch the full video to delve deeper into the evolution of her style and the unforgettable roles that have shaped her career.
