28/12/2024
28/12/2024
NEW YORK, Dec 28: Fran Fine, the dazzling nanny from Flushing, is back in the spotlight as Gen Z’s ultimate fashion inspiration. Known for her unapologetically bold and glamorous style, Fran Fine’s iconic looks from The Nanny are enjoying a resurgence, with young fashion enthusiasts embracing the vibrant, playful aesthetic she made famous.
Charissa Mattera, a 26-year-old from Bay Ridge, praised Fran Drescher's portrayal of Fran Fine, describing her as "unapologetically extra, glamorous, and sexy." Fran’s colorful, statement-making outfits, often including skimpy miniskirts and eye-catching patterns, helped her steal the show in the 1990s sitcom. Her sartorial choices, from animal prints to sequins, stood in stark contrast to the more subdued tones of her Upper East Side surroundings.
Nearly 30 years after the show’s conclusion, The Nanny-inspired fashion is thriving once again, particularly among twenty-somethings. Celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter, who was born in 1999, are championing the "Fran Fine fashion" trend. The look blends “stealth wealth” chic with “mob wives” gangster glam, offering a bold statement in today’s fashion landscape.
“She’s a New York City girl who’s not afraid to dress boldly,” said Mattera, referring to Fran’s style as an inspiration for the rising trend. “Now that the clean-girl and sporty aesthetics have passed, we’re itching for a classic and fun way to express ourselves through fashion.”
Fran Drescher, now 67, expressed her gratitude for the ongoing love and admiration for her character’s style, acknowledging that Gen Z discovered The Nanny through streaming platforms and became captivated by the show’s glamour. "I feel blessed that Fran Fine remains so current and influential to so many generations of women and girls, men and boys, and everything in between," Drescher told The Post. She also commended Gen Z for using social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube to make the iconic look their own.
The Nanny star also reflected on her favorite outfit, a black and leopard-lined skirt suit from the show’s pilot episode, which seems to have inspired modern fashionistas like Carpenter. On December 10, Carpenter wore a vintage Lillie Rubin two-piece, featuring leopard print accents, while attending The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. This look mirrored Fran Fine’s signature style, including a plush fur collar and arm cuffs.
Other celebrities, such as Cardi B and Harry Styles, have also incorporated The Nanny’s ‘90s flair into their wardrobes. However, Brenda Cooper, the costume designer behind the show's unforgettable outfits, revealed that the pre-Y2K looks were inspired by mid-century fashion. “My influence has always been the glamour of the 1940s, '50s, and '60s,” said Cooper, who cited Katharine Hepburn as a reference for Fran’s wardrobe. "I call the style 'sassy elegance,'" she added, noting that Drescher's hourglass figure was the ideal canvas for these designs.
New Yorkers like 23-year-old Elizabeth Fortmeyer are also getting in on the trend by shopping for The Nanny-inspired clothes at local thrift shops. She regularly finds pieces from brands like Moschino, Galliano, and Carolina Herrera at vintage stores like L Train Vintage and Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn. “I’ll spend around $150 on a really special designer piece,” Fortmeyer said, noting that Fran would likely splurge for a high-end look.
Sharon Aguilar Gonzalez, 24, takes a more extravagant approach, spending up to $1,000 on coats, skirts, and blazers that capture the bold essence of Fran Fine’s style. A home health aide and influencer from Queens, Gonzalez admires the character's fearless approach to fashion, stating, “Fran Fine’s fashion resonates with New York because it reflects the city’s fast-paced energy and unpredictability.”
For Gen Zers like Aguilar Gonzalez, Fran’s style is a timeless example of how fashion can be a means of self-expression. “She’s an excellent example of how to let your personality shine through style in 2025,” she added, showing how Fran Fine’s legacy continues to inspire new generations.