We consider the distinctive style of award winning actress and comedienne Sandra Bernhard whose voluminous curls and sizeable lips were staple fixtures of the 1980s and 90s
“I’ve got a strange face,” Sandra Bernhard often comments, “but it works together.” Bernhard’s voluminous curls and sizeable lips were staple fixtures of the 1980s and 90s. From her award winning performance as unhinged stalker and kidnapper Masha in The King of Comedy and controversial one-woman comedy shows, to her 1992 Playboy appearance and cameo in the 1993 Chanel Spring/summer show, she became an much beloved member of the Hollywood fashion set. Many people credit this to her endearing combination of a fierce presence tempered with emotional fragility. As her song “fashion-ating” recites, “there’s nights of love and torment, there’s nights of rock and roll.”
“I’ve got a strange face, but it works together” — Sandra Bernhard
Known for her gawky silhouette and strong facial features, elements of her cabaret-style performances blend into her wardrobe – leather trousers, knee-high boots and lace, often paired with transparent tops and exposed nipples. Her stage costumes for her 2011 show, ‘I love being me, don’t you?’ were made by Chado Ralph Rucci – black and silver sequined gowns and two-piece taffeta suits. She was a champion of many iconic 80s fashion trends, such as power suits, candy socks and trainers, skater skirts and sport sweatshirts.
Her King of Comedy costumes are particularly memorable. Chosen by costumer designer Richard Bruno, who also dressed Goodfellas and The Untouchables, she wears sharp suits, seductive side-slit dresses, oversized wayfarer sunglasses and metallic heeled boots, accessorised with a gun.
