Exploring the pop culture archives, "Remember When?" is a CNN Style series that takes a nostalgic look at the iconic celebrity outfits of past eras.
The 1990s produced numerous fictional style icons whose fashion continues to inspire subsequent generations. From "Clueless" characters Cher Horowitz and Dionne Davenport to "Sex and the City"s Carrie Bradshaw and "Friends"s Rachel Green, these characters have left a lasting impact. However, few have had the same cultural impact as "The Nanny" herself, Fran Fine.
Fran Drescher, playing the iconic Fran, brought a splash of color and femininity to the grunge fashion era when the sitcom premiered in November 1993 with her leopard print mini dresses, neon skirt suits, and rainbow vests. Her character, beloved by viewers worldwide during the show's six-season run, has continued to gain popularity over the past 30 years. Fan accounts such as What Fran Wore and the Fran Fine Fashion Database meticulously documented her roughly 700 outfits, and today, TikTok fashion enthusiasts recreate her most iconic looks, using the hashtag #franfinefashion, which has amassed over 35 million views. In short, Fran Fine's style is both retro and timeless, appealing to fans old and new alike.
This promotional photo for "The Nanny" features Drescher in character as Fran Fine, along with the show's other principal cast members. From left to right, the cast includes Charles Shaughnessy as Maxwell Sheffield, Daniel Davis as Niles, and Lauren Lane as C.C. Babcock. Seated in the front, from left to right, are Madeline Zima as Grace Sheffield, Benjamin Salisbury as Brighton Sheffield, and Nicholle Tom as Maggie Sheffield.
Brenda Cooper played a significant role in creating Fran's iconic style as the original costume designer for the show. She worked on "The Nanny" for the first four seasons and received an Emmy for her work in 1995. After leaving to have children, costume designers Shawn Holly Cookson and Terry Gordon took over.
Cooper styled Drescher in high-end clothing from designers such as Versace, Todd Oldham, Dolce and Gabbana, Bob Mackie, and Anna Sui, among others. However, it was the Italian brand Moschino that contributed many of Frans most quirky and playful outfits, including a watermelon polka dot jacket, a pink newsprint pantsuit, and a dress with a skirt resembling piano keys. Drescher praised Moschino for its combination of pizzazz and humor, which perfectly suited the series. One of the most iconic pieces from Moschino was a red heart-shaped purse that made a memorable appearance in an episode from the third season, paired with a black Hervé Leger mini dress. Although it only appeared once, the bag has left a lasting impression on Fran fans.
Princess Diana's iconic revenge dress is making a comeback. "I was always searching for something stylish, witty, and with a sense of humor," Cooper revealed to CNN. "As I walked through Neiman Marcus, I spotted the perfect outfit on the second floor. She's on a date, holding a heart purse - it's all about the wit."
The bag was first released by Moschino in 1995 for around $300 or $400, according to Cooper. Now, the same bag is being sold on resale sites for over $6,000. (Cooper still has the original bag used in the scene.) According to LA-based stylist and luxury vintage reseller Jennie Walker, the inflated price of the bag is largely due to its appearance on the show, The Nanny. Walker explained to CNN, "There is a frenzy around The Nanny, and fans of the show are specifically looking for that bag."
Today, there are many bags available that are reminiscent of Moschino's famous design, with brands like Kate Spade, Alaïa, Coach, Gucci, and Vivienne Westwood creating their own versions, as well as numerous fast-fashion knockoffs.
Fine in a camo print two-piece that, true to the character's form, seems design not to blend in.
CBS/Getty Images
Cooper says that when she first envisaged Frans aesthetic, it didnt reflect early 90s fashion trends. "Hunting for all of that color was a task," she recalled. "But I had a vision."
To add to the challenge, Cooper had a limited budget to work with. However, she now sees this as a blessing in disguise, as it led her to develop Fran's signature style: a short black pencil skirt, turtleneck, black tights, and suede heels. This simple yet versatile outfit allowed Fran to mix and match pieces, adding colorful blazers, coats, and accessories to create a sophisticated yet sassy look for each episode.
Fran described it as a formula, transforming elegant pieces into something more playful. In 2022, she released a book titled "The Silhouette Solution: Using What You Have to Get the Look You Want," inspired by the formula she used on the show.
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When creating costumes for modern characters, costume designers aim to give their wardrobes a timeless look and feel. Cooper achieved this with "The Nanny," demonstrating that it is possible to create a stylish wardrobe that stands the test of time, even when everyone else is wearing tan.
Despite Fran's penchant for designer clothing, her outfits are surprisingly easy to recreate on any budget. It's no surprise that even after all these years, fans of "The Nanny" and stylish TikTokers still love to dress up as Fran in droves.
And what better way to pay homage to such a beloved character than with a heart-shaped bag?
