When you close your eyes and think of '90s fashion, chances are you are picturing something from 1994: a killer black dress held together by safety pins, dark red lips and nails, and Jennifer Aniston’s iconic Friends haircut.
Okay, we admit we might be a little biased—after all, 1994 was the year a little magazine named InStyle launched—but in the 12 months that brought the world Jared Leto as Jordan Catalano, supermodels baring it all for PETA, and multiple Grammy love for Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” (hereafter the soundtrack for just about every romantic moment in life) we’re pretty sure 1994 has stood the test of time.
So what else made 1994 so great? Click through our gallery for a look back at the year’s best style and pop culture moments.
Elizabeth Hurley's Safety Pin Dress
Rupaul Became the Face of MAC
"The Rachel" Started a Hair Frenzy
When Jennifer Aniston first starred in Friends in 1994, her "Rachel" haircut ignited a hair revolution. Suddenly her choppy, layered locks became one of the most coveted and adored hairstyles.
Vamp is the Color of the Year
The new sassy, sexy ruby red Vamp nail polish was everywhere. And the Chanel shade is really unforgettable on Uma Thurman in the 1994 hit film Pulp Fiction.
John Travolta is Cool Again
Speaking of Pulp Fiction, John Travolta had a major career comeback in the Quentin Tarantino flick playing Vincent Vega, dancing the twist and earning an Oscar nomination.
The Bra Came Out From Hiding
MY SO-CALLED LIFE Debuts
Claire Danes starred as Angela Chase in the short-lived TV teen drama, which earned her an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe. And Jared Leto, who played Jordan Catalano, gave viewers a reason to swoon.
High Fashion Got Its Close-Up
The fashion documentary, Unzipped, was filmed as it followed designer Isaac Mizrahi’s planning and showing his 1994 fall collection. The era’s hottest supermodels appeared in the film.
WE ALL FELL IN LOVE WITH WHITNEY HOUSTON
WINONA RYDER ROCKED REALITY BITES
Famously known as an anthem to the Gen-X culture and style, the film Reality Bites became a classic starring Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, and Ben Stiller (who also directed the film.)
BOBBI BROWN LAUNCHED A BEAUTY EMPIRE
GEORGE CLOONEY BECAME A HUNK
ER, an NBC TV medical drama, became the stuff of water cooler conversation. Meanwhile, a young doctor, Douglas "Doug" Ross, M.D., was played by a relatively unknown George Clooney.
MTV’S FIRST SHOCKING KISS
SUPERMODELS SAID NO TO FUR
PRINCESS DIANA MADE THE ULTIMATE STYLE STATEMENT
WE SAID FAREWELL TO JACKIE O
At just 64, the beloved former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died from cancer. Known for her quiet strength and iconic style, Jackie O had a special knack for wearing pill box hats and big sunglasses.
MAKEUP ARTIST KEVYN AUCOIN BECAME A STAR
THE WONDERBRA LIFTED US UP
