Pretty in Pink

Today’s post is dedicated to the 1986 film Pretty in Pink starring Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer and Andrew McCarthy. While John Hughes wrote the screenplay, the movie’s director was Howard Deutch (who also directed Some Kind of Wonderful). What’s not to love about Pretty in Pink?! The fashion, the soundtrack, the set design. A-MAZING. Shall we take a closer look?…

While John Hughes wrote the film for Molly Ringwald, Paramount wanted a higher-profile actress for the role of Andie, specifically Jennifer Beals of Flashdance. Luckily she turned down the part, because both John Hughes and Howard Deutch wanted Ringwald. When officially approached for the role, she happily accepted. By the way, if you’re interested in brat pack trivia like this, you’ve got to check out You Couldn’t Ignore Me if You Tried: The Brat Pack, John Hughes, and Their Impact on a Generation by Susannah Gora.

Another fun tidbit from the book: the character of Blane was supposed to be more of a typical hunky jock. Actors like Charlie Sheen were considered for the role. But when Andrew McCarthy auditioned, Molly Ringwald pulled for him to get the part. He had a vulnerability about him, and she really felt like this was the kind of guy she (and her character) would fall in love with. To this day, Andrew McCarthy credits her for getting him cast in the film.

Does anyone else LOVE Iona’s apartment in this movie?! Not only is Annie Potts’ portrayal of Molly’s friend and record store co-worker fabulous and quirky, Iona’s apartment is filled with Midcentury-meets-’80s flair. The Memphis-style fabrics that decorate her space have a vintage feel, so at times it’s hard to tell which selections are actually from the ’80s (which is design genius at its best). And details like hand-painted door frames and bookshelves featuring geo-tribal patterns add to the ’80s vibe. See more photos from the apartment here.

And can we give major props to James Spader, who played the teen jerk like nobody else in the ’80s?! This talented actor has a vibrant career that includes starring in the current hit series The Blacklist. But we’ll always love the suits he wore in Pretty in Pink. Let’s also shower Jon Cryer with some ’80s love, because it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing Duckie. And rocking that wardrobe!

Speaking of clothing, costume designer Marilyn Vance infused Andie’s wardrobe with an amazing mix of vintage pieces and items with New Wave style. Think floral skirts and edgy jackets, lace tempered with bold colors, and LOTS of feminine jewelry, such as dangling heart earrings juxtaposed with flowers, crystals and hoops, thanks to Ringwald’s multiple piercings.

Fun, playful accessories abound in this film, and even Blane (Andrew McCarthy) takes notice…

And we can’t forget that prom dress, which Ringwald’s character pieces together in one of the best movie montages of all time, featuring New Order’s “Thieves Like Us.”

Why all of this nostalgia? For one, Pretty in Pink is an iconic movie with a killer soundtrack. But it’s also the inspiration for a little party I’m planning. I promise to share the photos once it’s underway!…