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Rodeo Drive Honors Clueless Costume Designer Mona May in a Vibrant Celebration of Fashion and Cinema.
The arts and culture community gathered on Rodeo Drive to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the iconic 1995 film Clueless, paying tribute to its legendary costume designer, Mona May, whose visionary style continues to shape fashion and inspire generations. The star-studded event, hosted by the Rodeo Drive Committee, brought together city leaders, fashion luminaries, and arts enthusiasts to honor the intersection of film, style, and community.
A Celebration of Art and Style
The photo experience, organized by Director Maya Ito, buzzed with excitement as guests mingled for photos and interviews with Mona May and Beverly Hills officials. ACCA Journal’s Senior Director Carlos Benitez captured the magic through his lens, incorporating an innovative AI-powered prompt that digitally swapped guests’ outfits with Clueless-inspired looks, embodying the film’s playful and timeless fashion legacy. Kathy Gohari, President of the Rodeo Drive Committee, opened the event, emphasizing the synergy between Rodeo Drive and the arts. “Our third annual Rodeo Drive Celebrates Fashion is the perfect stage to honor Mona May’s transformative contributions to Clueless and the world of style,” Gohari said. “This film’s influence endures—20-year-olds today are just as obsessed with its looks as we were 30 years ago.”
Honoring a Fashion Visionary
Beverly Hills Mayor Sharon R. Nazarian lauded May’s work, stating, “Like Rodeo Drive, Clueless and Mona May’s designs have stood the test of time. Her iconic styles remain relevant and continue to inspire.” The mayor underscored the event’s role in fostering community unity, adding, “When our businesses thrive, our creative community thrives. We invite everyone to shop, dine, and experience the artistic vibrancy of Beverly Hills.” Vice Mayor John A. Mirisch reflected on the film’s cultural significance, noting, “Clueless captures a unique moment in time and showcases Beverly Hills as a cinematic and artistic hub, from The Beverly Hillbillies to Pretty Woman.”
A New Chapter for Clueless Fans
The event also marked the launch of a new podcast, Clueless on Rodeo Drive, and the announcement of Mona May’s upcoming book, Fashions of Clueless, set for release on October 31, 2025. Available for pre-order on Amazon, the book offers an intimate look at May’s creative process, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, interviews with the cast and director Amy Heckerling, and never-before-seen photos of the film’s iconic costumes. “It’s a pleasure to share this journey with the arts community,” May said. “I hope fans will love diving into the book and following my work on Instagram at @itsmonamay.
A Legacy of Creativity and Community
The event’s success highlighted Rodeo Drive’s role as a cultural beacon, uniting art, fashion, and film. As planning begins for next year’s celebration, the Rodeo Drive Committee, led by visionaries like Gohari, continues to champion the creative spirit. “With collaborators like Kirsten, Kay, and Lynn, we’re already dreaming up next year’s event,” Gohari shared. The arts and culture community is invited to pre-order Fashions of Clueless on Amazon and follow Mona May on Instagram (@itsmonamay) for updates and exclusive content. This celebration reaffirms Rodeo Drive’s legacy as a global destination for creativity, luxury, and storytelling.
Learn more. ▶︎ Designer Mona May
ACCA’s AI-powered prompt Clueless-inspired looks, embodying the film’s playful and timeless fashion legacy.
Photo by Mr.C Benitez / ACCA JOURNAL / AI-powered
Rodeo Drive Honors "Clueless" with Exclusive Reception
Photo by Mr.C Benitez / ACCA JOURNAL
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