On November 3, 1993, a cosmetics saleswoman from Flushing, Queens arrived at the fancy Manhattan residence of the Sheffield family. Fran Fine, portrayed by the unforgettable Fran Drescher, was a fashionable, loud, and unabashedly New York woman. She became a nanny to the Sheffield family’s three children in the hit TV show “The Nanny,” which aired on CBS from 1993 to 1999. With her charming wit and exuberant nature, Fran Fine became a ’90s style icon, known for her bold and audacious fashion sense.
To celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary, Yahoo Entertainment sat down with the costume designers of “The Nanny” to explore the show’s lasting impact and how they created some of the most iconic costumes in television history. Their stories, along with archival photos, are just as entertaining as the show itself.
Brenda Cooper, the Emmy Award-winning costume designer, was responsible for Fran’s iconic look. It all began with a colored-striped vest worn by supermodel Twiggy on another show. Cooper, who was a low-ranking assistant at the time, caught Fran Drescher’s eye with her vision. Drescher knew Cooper was the perfect fit to design the costumes for “The Nanny.”
The vest became a key element in Fran’s overall style, which showcased sass, wit, and elegance. The rest of her wardrobe, including turtlenecks, strong patterns, black mini skirts, opaque tights, and suede high heels, evolved naturally throughout the series. Cooper drew inspiration from Edith Head, the iconic costume designer of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She had the freedom to create Fran’s look and was grateful to Drescher for giving her wings to fly.
Drescher, along with her then-husband Peter Marc Jacobson, created and executive-produced “The Nanny.” They didn’t anticipate becoming trendsetters in the world of fashion, but their unique approach resonated with audiences. Cooper recalls the moment they knew they had something special after completing the pilot episode. People weren’t used to seeing TV stars dressed like Fran at the time. Her vibrant appearance made a statement that couldn’t be ignored.
After three seasons, Cooper left the show to start a family, passing the baton to assistants Shawn-Holly Cookson and Terry Gordon. They continued Cooper’s vision and brought their own touch to the costumes. Cookson ensured the essence of Fran’s character remained intact, striking a balance between interesting and ridiculous. Keeping Fran visually and energetically distinctive was essential. Jacobson often likened Fran to a beautiful leaf that stood out amidst a sea of others.
While Cookson focused on styling the female characters, Gordon dressed the male stars. Her efforts were recognized by men’s fashion expert Alan Flusser, who praised the rich elegance and sophistication she brought to the costumes. The show’s success also brought attention from top fashion houses. Gordon fondly remembers the years when she could call any fashion house in New York and receive immediate assistance. Dressing A-list guest stars became a highlight, and the experience was one big celebration in Drescher’s “party room.”
“The Nanny” left a lasting impact on fashion culture, and Fran’s looks are considered the epitome of 1990s glamour. Clothing designers draw inspiration from her style, and social media accounts like @WhatFranWore have gained a massive following. Cooper’s influence helped popularize the “Fran style” and brought attention to designers like Todd Oldham. Fran Fine was a trendsetter before the term was even coined.
Even decades later, Fran Fine’s fashion choices continue to transcend trends and captivate audiences. Her iconic style lives on, inspiring new generations of fashion enthusiasts. “The Nanny” may have been a hit TV show, but its impact on fashion was truly historic.
