Spice Girls, image courtesy of Instagram
This year marks two decades since the release of “Wannabe” by the iconic nineties pop group the Spice Girls. Better known under their aliases Baby, Ginger, Scary, Sporty and Posh – Emma, Geri, Mel B, Mel C and Victoria, respectively, conquered the world with a catalogue of infectiously catchy tunes.
Accompanying the debut single was a universal message of girl power, giving young women everywhere a primer on feminism in a pre-Beyoncé culture-sphere. Their influence still resonates today, with the band’s (now grown) fans continuing to spread the encouraging message while simultaneously paying tribute to the original concept. Take for example this video released last week by The Global Goals, an organization that aims to end poverty, fight inequality, and repair climate change. The clip, a remake of “Wannabe” shot in various countries around the world, proves just how global the Spice Girls’ influence really reached. Further, it demonstrates the immense impression these five English women left on a generation of 90s youth.
As is the case with most wildly famous pop groups, the Spice Girls were much more than their Top 40 hits. Each girl was branded with her own unique, over-the-top style that served as an extension of her public persona. As the world celebrates 20 years of the Spice Girls, we explore the visionary fashion identities that propelled each member to style icon status.
Baby Spice
Emma Bunton, image courtesy of Instagram
With her pastel-hued frocks, Baby Spice was the epitome of Lolita-eque fashion. Her pigtails may feel a tad out of touch today, but the candyfloss Baby-G wristwatch and never-ending wardrobe of backpacks would have Emma fitting in just fine at any of this summer’s music festivals. Though each member expressed femininity in her own way, Baby Spice was the only one to do so in such a saccharine-sweet manner.
Ginger Spice
Geri Halliwell, images courtesy of Instagram
The foil to Baby’s demurity, Ginger Spice created an image centred on glammed-up sex appeal. Today’s youth may call them flatforms, but Spice Girls fans remember watching Geri dance around the stage back when they were known as platforms. Her Union Jack minidress became so ingrained in the group’s identity that it went on to sell in a 1998 Sotheby’s auction for £41,320.
Scary Spice
Mel B, images courtesy of Instagram
When it came to animal prints, Scary Spice did not discriminate. Whether leopard, tiger, zebra – or any other creature in the animal kingdom, really – she owned it in a coordinating set of navel-revealing crop tops and trousers. Almost always finishing the look with two half-up, half-down bantu knots, Scary Spice’s signature style continues to be the most on-trend of them all.
Sporty Spice
Mel C, Images courtesy of Instagram
Sporty Spice’s wardrobe consisted of athletic sports bras and track pants, which was perfect for the obligatory on-stage backflip or two. If the Spice Girls were rebranded for today’s generation, she would probably be transformed into a Tumblr-obsessed health goth version of herself, and street style bloggers would be snapping her photo at fashion week.
Posh Spice
Victoria Beckham, Images courtesy of Instagram
Before becoming everyone’s favourite pop star turned fashion designer she was Posh Spice, a nickname given to Victoria because of her penchant for all things designer. As the ultimate testament to 90s fashion, the often black-clad Beckham wore strapless minidresses in a style that can only conjure up images of Donatella Versace. Her affinity for leather leads us to believe that the Posh Spice of today would feel right at home in one of Zana Bayne’s handmade bustiers.