They say that history repeats itself – the economy rises and falls, bell bottoms go back in and out of style, and yes, even Beverly Hills, 90210 returned to prime-time television. The new version, retitled simply 90210, follows the original premise of a mid-western brother/sister duo suddenly re-rooted to the upscale, fast-paced community of Beverly Hills, California, where they encounter extraordinary trials and tribulations that viewers are manipulated to believe are somewhat ordinary occurrences for teenagers attending West Beverly High. The new 90210, subsequently, chronicles the youths’ encounters with numerous divisive issues, and with only one season under its belt has already broached the topics of alcoholism, drug abuse, and teenage pregnancy, not to mention the issues that arise from the fact that the show’s central family includes an adopted African-American son.
It’s not surprising to find that the classic teen drama series has been recreated for this generation, as its structure fits right in to the current teen television trend featuring rich high school kids living in rich, prominent cities facing rich, lifestyle dramas that most of us can hardly relate to, à la Gossip Girl, The OC, and probably countless others. But 90210, and its predecessors, owe thanks to the original Beverly Hills, 90210 – the first teen show to enter prime-time and touch controversial issues against the backdrop of the rich and fabulous. The breakthrough show stayed on TV screens for an entire decade, with a groundbreaking and influential spirit to which its replicates cannot compare.
Not only has the television show itself seen a recent reincarnation, the trends of its era are also coming back in style, with flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and over-sized blazers making the runways the past few seasons look as if they were the halls of West Beverly. That famous zip code that sparked a revolution in teen television, also created an arena to influence the world of fashion, or at least the teenage girls who tuned in weekly. Interested in incorporating some Beverly Hills, 90210 style into your wardrobe? Then take a look at the following 90s-inspired logo apparel, some of which has made a stylized comeback today:
-a baggy, colored t-shirt to tuck into your acid wash jeans like altruistic Brandon Walsh (Jason Priestly) – a style currently made popular by American Apparel’s unisex tees.
-a men’s – style denim work-shirt like dramatic sister Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) would pair with her high-waisted Levi’s – which is also featured in current Gap ads and cleverly named, “Boyfriend Chambray Shirt.”
– a leather bomber jacket for wealthy and spoiled Steve Sanders (Ian Zeiring) – whose version by Kate Moss for TopShop is constantly sold out.
-and classic Ray Ban Wayfarer-style sunglasses for bad boy Dylan McKay (Luke Perry) – which can today be seen worn by the likes of everyone from Mary-Kate Olsen to Matthew McConaughey.