Quirky Fashion in Film: Welcome to the Dollhouse

Welcome to the Dollhouse is a mid-90s dark, indie comedy by the amazing Todd Solondz starring Heather Matarazzo. Heather plays Dawn Weiners, an unattractive middle-schooler who struggles to cope with un-attentive parents, snobbish classmates, a smart older brother, an attractive younger sister, and her own insecurities. Everyone is mean to her, pretty much – her sister Missy is spoiled, her teachers hate her, her peers hate her, and the school bullies torment her. This is seriously one of my most favorite films ever. It’s really what started my slight obsession with offbeat, cult classics. The attention to costuming in this film makes this movie have a visual dialog that only is punctuated by the brilliant storyline and awesome acting. And I really love Dawn because she’s not one of those fake “awkward” characters who are really attractive and intelligent but just can’t seem to get a boyfriend.I particularly love the colorful, quirky fashion in this film. Her glasses and collared shirt are my favorite!! If you have never seen Welcome to the Dollhouse then you better get on Netflix and move it to the front of your queue.

Check out the super cool trailer and photo gallery below and make sure to take a look at last week’s Fashion in Film Segment on the 90s Preppy Girl Film – Clueless!