The Craft (1996)

Nancy, Rochelle, and Bonnie, three young witches and social outcasts, are looking for the fourth witch in their coven, Sarah, whom they met in high school and quickly became inseparable. Together, the girls delve into the practice of magic, using their powers on classmates and even turning their abilities against each other. As their experimentation grows, the allure of magic begins to consume them. While some embrace their newfound power without hesitation, others fear the consequences of their actions.

This film resonated strongly with young audiences in the early 2000s, especially teenage girls, due to its realistic themes and fashion. Costume designer Deborah Everton crafted a grunge-inspired aesthetic for the coven, featuring dark colours, PVC and leather coats, chokers, beaded necklaces, and pointed boots layered over their school uniforms, perfectly complementing their witchy vibe.

Sarah, on the other hand, initially wore lighter, more relaxed clothing, like dresses with collars and hoodies, which reflected her innocence and detachment from magic. Her clothing, however, darkened and took on the same grunge-inspired style as the others as she grew more involved with the coven and magic. This change represented her growing obsession and power. By the end of the movie, Sarah returns to her original style, signifying that she had resisted being consumed by magic and rediscovered her true self.

By Ashlyn McCarthy, a student on the BA Magazine Journalism & Publishing course at London College of Communication