Less Than Zero: A Time Capsule of '80s Excess and Fashion
Bret Easton Ellis's inaugural novel, Less Than Zero, released in 1985 and later transformed into a film in 1987, vividly portrays the extravagance of the 1980s in terms of fashion and consumer culture. The narrative centers on Los Angeles residents Clay, Blair, and Julian, surrounded by high-end brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Gucci. Ellis critiques the profit-driven Designer Industrial Complex, a concept he revisits in his 2023 work, The Shards, which is currently being adapted by Ryan Murphy. The film featured performances by Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz, and Robert Downey Jr., with Brad Pitt appearing as an extra, and costumes designed by Richard Hornung. Set designer Barbara Ling highlighted the dominance of modern art in residences. The 1980s aesthetic is making a comeback, with brands like Acne Studios and Prada tapping into this style, inspired by The Shards.
Key facts
- Bret Easton Ellis's debut novel Less Than Zero was published in 1985.
- The film adaptation of Less Than Zero was released in 1987.
- The film starred Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz, and Robert Downey Jr., with Brad Pitt as an extra.
- Costume designer Richard Hornung worked on Less Than Zero and later on Patty Hearst, Barton Fink, and Natural Born Killers.
- Hornung's mentees include Mark Bridges and Mary Zophres.
- Ellis's novel The Shards, published in 2023, is being adapted by Ryan Murphy.
- Designer labels featured in the novel include Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani, Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Ray-Ban Wayfarers.
- Set designer Barbara Ling commented on the prevalence of modern art in the film's homes, bought for investment.
- The '80s fashion aesthetic is seeing a renaissance, with designers like Acne Studios, Prada, and Saint Laurent embracing similar styles.
Entities
Artists
- Bret Easton Ellis
- Andrew McCarthy
- Jami Gertz
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Brad Pitt
- Richard Hornung
- Mark Bridges
- Mary Zophres
- Barbara Ling
- Marek Kanievska
- Ryan Murphy
- Anthony Vaccarello
- Sarah Mower
- Claude Montana
- Marc Jacobs
- Demna
Institutions
- Bennington College
- New York Times
- Vogue
- Interview Magazine
- Acne Studios
- Prada
- Saint Laurent
- Balenciaga
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States