Victoria Beckham, ‘duck face’ and onesies: nine things Zoolander predicted about fashion
It’s been 25 years since the release of this film skewering an industry that famously takes itself very seriously. It might have been comedy gold but it was also, in its own way, prophetic
TL;DR
- Derek Zoolander's signature 'Blue Steel' look evolved into the 'duck face' pose popularized on social media, with modern cosmetic procedures further mimicking this style.
- Celebrity cameos, including Donald Trump's one-line appearance, foreshadowed the increasing integration of public figures into the fashion world.
- The film's depiction of onesies as casual wear preceded their widespread adoption as a winter staple.
- Zoolander satirized the fashion industry's complicity in sweatshop labor, an issue that tragically persists.
- Niche and highly specific drink orders, like the orange mocha frappuccino in the film, have become commonplace in the fashion industry.
- The movie featured numerous celebrity guest stars, including Victoria Beckham, whose own career trajectory mirrored the film's commentary on fashion icons.
- The shock of Derek Zoolander's early retirement from modeling mirrors real-life unexpected retirements within the fashion industry.
- The film's joke about the declining relevance of print magazines like 'Time' proved prescient, with many fashion publications ceasing production.
- Mugatu's 'Derelicte' collection, inspired by unhoused people, anticipated the trend of distressed fashion that has been embraced by high-fashion brands.