Written by: Mavis Parks

Styled by: Mavis Parks (@mavisparks) and Emily Willis (@ewillysosilly)

Photographed by: Mindy Welland (@mindyy.w)

Modeled by: Ashlyn Sorrells (@ashlynsorrells), Emily Willis, Alexis Loftis (@uuuhhhlexus67), and Mavis Parks

Just over 30 years ago, director David Lynch released Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, a film prequel to the popular early 90s television series Twin Peaks. The show initially follows the story of Agent Dale Cooper, an FBI agent sent to investigate the murder of teenage prom queen Laura Palmer. While at first glance, Palmer and her hometown of Twin Peaks, WA are quite inconspicuous, Cooper discovers far more than he intends to. 

Both the show and the movie are perfect for anyone who enjoys wacky, surreal movies like Everything Everywhere All at Once, Beau is Afraid, and Donnie Darko. Many of the creators of these films, along with several other popular names in the film industry, have been heavily inspired by Lynch’s work. Clearly, even after several decades, Lynch’s work is still incredibly relevant in the film world. 

Surprisingly, the Twin Peaks franchise might have had an even bigger influence on the fashion sphere. Costume designer Patricia Norris revolutionized the world of costume design by showing just how effective costuming can be in developing a story. Her costuming choices are not only incredibly aesthetically pleasing but integral in the understanding of the franchise’s plot and underlying themes. It was these designs that won Norris the Outstanding Costume Design for a Series Emmy award in 1990.

In addition to her influence on costume design, Norris’ work has had a vast impact on fashion off-screen. Many big names in fashion, such as Raf Simons, Marc Jacobs, and Gucci have all taken influence from the clothing of Twin Peaks. Off the runway, streetwear designers have taken inspiration too, such as H&M. Some opt to feature the style’s early 90s grunge-adjacent pieces such as plaid skirts, silk slips, and chunky sweaters, while others simply borrow quotes and imagery from the franchise. 

Even online, Twin Peaks’ influence can be seen in fashion communities. A quick search on Pinterest of “twin peaks clothing” will return thousands of outfits inspired by the show, as well as many more styles that took influence from this iconic moment in culture. Whether or not you’ve seen the show or the movie, there’s probably a piece in your closet that has indirectly taken influence from the franchise’s exemplary costuming.