Cult Pose(y)

As White Lotus hits its pinnacle tomorrow, we’ll undoubtedly miss Parker Posey’s scene-stealing character Victoria “Lorazepam” Ratliff - the sedated wealthy mom with the most outrageous southern accent, with some of the best lines in the hit show and a fabulous wardrobe.

White Lotus is one of the most coveted “media space” for product placement in the product placement world! - all the clothes and accessories worn by the characters and cast on promo tours have been second to none in the business - front row appearances, brands campaigns, social media gigs and all.

But let’s go back to Victoria, I mean, Parker. The indie queen has always had a reputation for her cool appeal and stylish roles. None quite like her “Party Girl” character, Mary.

I stumbled upon the 95 cult classic - that according to Wikipedia was the “first feature film to premiere on the internet” - last week on Amazon Prime and found it quite delightful. Apparently it’s a remastered copy - gosh is just from 1995! - and yes, it does seem prehistoric - pre-Sex and the City… in a grittier, Rudolph Giuliani-era Manhattan, and still, it is a sweet, coming-of-age flick, with house music, clubs, sharing flats, libraries and finding love.

At one point, poor Mary (played by Posey) has to part with her beloved designer clothes to pay the rent… tragic, I know.

The outfits, to say the least, are iconic. It is pure 90’s bliss! Hats, gloves, tights, sets, prints, t-shirt layers etc. She is the embodiment of the spirit of a city on the brink of reinvention. You can practically feel the Carrie Bradshaw inspiration brewing all the way through.

“Party Girl” became a fashion cult movie thanks to Posey’s charm, bags of attitude, and amazing custom design/styling. 30 years ago.

Here some snaps from the film. Enjoy!