The Good, The Bad, The Coyote Ugly
Bartending at Coyote Ugly required three things: looks to kill, dancing shoes and a wardrobe fit for a New York City scene. The risque chick-flick Coyote Ugly (2000) put an iconic wardrobe on center stage- literally.
Coyote Cool
The hiring manager has an attitude and a megaphone. Instead of a resume´, the application is a ‘survival of the fittest’ behind one of the rowdiest bars downtown. Expected to charm and look available but never be, an unspoken requirement of this job was to spend a good portion of your paychecks shopping.
What pairs well with sweat? Marlene Stewart, the film’s costume designer, thought Western wear was best fit. Cutoff tees in all sorts of arrays: ripped, sliced, diced, embellished with rhinestones, worn backward and with oversized belt buckles. Stewart was inspired by the biker-chic aesthetic worn by many of the staff at the original bar, Hogs and Heifers in New York’s Meatpacking District. Responsible for the “Vogue” and “Material Girl” music videos, Stewart had a high profile clientele at the time of shooting working with artists such as Madonna, Cher and Janet Jackson.
Whiskey-Spilled Style
Work attire here was unique. Stylish but with the strong possibility of being doused in liquor; and dancing on slippery bars requires seriously sturdy shoes. Stewart used a mix of traditional western boots and Frye boots to keep these girls on their feet all night long. She also displayed the true undeniable power of a baby tee.
Jersey Girl
The film follows Violet Sanford, played by Piper Perabo, and she’s your classic small-town-girl-chasing-big-dreams archetype. This non-fashion movie turned into a haven for critics at the sight of her dreamy Y2K outfits. A sweet and reserved girl who suffers from stage fright hopes to make it big as a singer/songwriter dresses the part.
Her style aligns with where she is in her creative career path, with early Violet doused in soft makeup, plain tees and ponytails and Coyote Violet becoming a smoky-eyed, crop top and cowgirl boot wearing diva that conquers her fears in an unconventional way.
Dressed to Spill (Drinks and Drama)
The wild side style of Coyote Ugly still lingers- like the scent of cheap whiskey and expensive perfume. The politics of barwear is something rarely discussed in real time, but this film pours it over ice and serves it cold. Not only does it have the power to turn heads, but also tables. Coyote Ugly reminds us that even under neon lights and whiskey spills, fashion still speaks volumes. Fashion can give us the confidence needed to chase our dreams and the guts to dance on a bar.
Photo Caption: Photos taken from outside sources.
Written by
Kylie Caldwell