Style On Screen: The Nanny
Welcome to the first episode of Style On Screen! Let's explore the iconic fashion of The Nanny.
I have always cherished fond memories of the sitcom The Nanny. When I was about ten years old, the show frequently aired on Italian television, and I often watched it with my mother during lunchtime. Italian TV used to air reruns of The Nanny, and although I was just a kid at the time, I found the show incredibly funny. I caught many episodes across different seasons, but only recently did I watch the entire series from beginning to end.
The Nanny is a popular American sitcom that originally aired from 1993 to 1999. The show was co-created by Fran Drescher and her then-husband Peter Marc Jacobson, drawing inspiration from Drescher's Jewish upbringing in the Queens district of New York. Their personal experiences and attention to detail helped shape the show's distinctive voice and enduring appeal.
The show follows the story of Fran Fine, a vibrant young Jewish woman from Queens who unexpectedly lands a job as the nanny for a wealthy Broadway producer's children. The series takes place in a luxurious Manhattan townhouse and centers around the dynamic relationship between Fran and her employer, Maxwell Sheffield. Initially, Maxwell views Fran as an unconventional and unqualified choice for a nanny, leading to many lively moments throughout the series.
Despite the initial skepticism, Fran's warm and unique approach quickly endears her to the Sheffield children and the rest of the household. As Fran and Maxwell's professional relationship evolves, so does their growing attraction to each other, resulting in humorous and touching moments across the show's six seasons.
The Nanny is renowned for its sharp wit, clever humor, and occasionally outlandish situations. Fran Drescher's comedic timing infuses the show with light-heartedness, while the interactions between characters provide a rich source of laughter. From Fran's sassy one-liners to the dry humor of Niles, the British butler, the series is brimming with memorable comedic moments.
It is packed with cultural references, drawing on contemporary events, pop culture, and celebrity news of the time. These references not only add depth to the show's humor but also make it more relatable to its audience by engaging with current trends and topics. It also features a range of celebrity guest stars, including Ray Charles, Joan Collins, and Whoopi Goldberg, whose appearances bring fresh and exciting elements to the series and further solidify its status as a beloved sitcom.
Set primarily in Manhattan, the show occasionally takes viewers to other locations around the world, such as London, the Caribbeans, Hollywood and Paris (although the scenes in Paris were actually shot in front of a green screen). Despite being filmed mainly at Culver Studios in California, the show skillfully creates the illusion of a New York setting, mainly because most scenes are shot indoors and the set design is meticulously crafted.
On a personal note, I have always watched The Nanny in its Italian translation (titled La Tata). This version features a few notable differences from the original American edition, which I find interesting to explore.
In the Italian version of The Nanny, Fran Fine was transformed into Francesca Cacace, a young woman from central Italy who completes high school and moves to New York to live with her Aunt Assunta and Uncle Antonio. These two characters correspond to Fran's mother and father in the original series. Francesca's best friend Val was also renamed Lalla, another Italian character.
The decision to give the show an Italian twist stemmed from Fran's Jewish background in the original series, which includes numerous Yiddish phrases that might not have been as familiar to Italian audiences. To better connect with viewers, these references were adapted to Italian culture in the dubbed version.
This transition was handled skillfully, ensuring the humor and comedy remained intact. The dialogues were thoughtfully adapted to resonate with the Italian audience, and the show retained its charm and wit, making it just as enjoyable in the Italian version (although it was maintained that Fran had Jewish relatives because Bar Mitzvah and Passover scenes would often appear throughout the series).
The Nanny had a significant impact on the television landscape during its original run, both in the United States and internationally. The show became a household name and introduced audiences to a new type of female protagonist—one who was unapologetically herself. Fran Fine's character set a precedent for sitcoms featuring strong, independent women in lead roles, influencing many other female characters in TV shows that followed.
The sitcom’s enduring popularity is evident in its continued streaming success. It remains one of the most viewed shows on platforms like HBO Max, Peacock and Prime Video, where I recently watched it. The Nanny boasts a dedicated fanbase that values its humor, nostalgic appeal, and standout fashion. The series has remained a touchstone of '90s television and continues to be a cultural phenomenon with a lasting legacy.
It is amazing how many websites and social media pages continue to celebrate Fran Fine and her iconic style. Some of the most popular include The Fran Fine Fashion Database website and the Instagram page Fran Fine Fashion, where fans can find a catalog of all the outfits Fran wore on The Nanny. Another popular Instagram page, The Nanny Fashion, has more than 10,000 followers and features a vast collection of outfits worn not only by Fran but also by other characters like Sylvia, Yetta, Val, and Maggie from the show.
One of the defining aspects of The Nanny is Fran Fine's impeccable and daring fashion sense. Her colorful outfits and distinctive ensembles became synonymous with the show, reflecting her bold, confident personality. This aspect of Fran's character resonated deeply with viewers, solidifying her status as a style icon of the '90s.
Interestingly, the yellow plaid suit by Jean Paul Gaultier worn by Alicia Silverstone's character Cher in the movie Clueless was previously worn by Fran Fine in an episode of The Nanny. This crossover illustrates Fran's influence on fashion, even beyond the scope of the show.
While the characters in The Nanny each have their own carefully curated style, the show's costume designers crafted a distinct contrast between Fran's vibrant wardrobe and the more formal, English-influenced style of the Sheffield family. Fran's ensembles are characterized by bold colors, patterns, and textures, as seen in some of her outfits from designer Emanuel Ungaro. Leopard prints from brands like Alaïa, Versace, and Norma Kamali are also prominent in her wardrobe. This fashion flair often led viewers to wonder how Fran could afford such expensive pieces on a nanny's salary, but her stylish looks added to her character's appeal and the sitcom's overall charm.
A key element of Fran's wardrobe on The Nanny has always been her affinity for tight-fitting silhouettes. Costume designer Brenda Cooper emphasized that most of Fran's garments were tailored or modified to accentuate her figure and enhance her appearance. These alterations helped make Fran's style even more striking and distinctive, reflecting her confident personality. The costume designer told hellogiggles.com “I intentionally wanted to make a statement of style, wit, and humor, all combined. I wanted color, I wanted it to be sexy. And there was lots of color available in 1993. We would always shop in Beverly Hills. Going to Neiman Marcus was just like style heaven.”
Fran's distinctive style plays a major role in defining her character, showcasing her confidence, playfulness, and individuality. Her bold fashion choices highlight her fearless approach to life and her unapologetic authenticity, making her a truly memorable character on The Nanny. “Her character is iconic. That style that I created was made to transcend the test of time. It wasn’t created to be trendy. It is as wearable today as it is then. It’s bold, it’s bright, it makes a statement. […] The way she presented herself was very motivational and inspirational for people. Someone who was outspoken, who was loud and proud, who had her style. A lot of people consider image superficial. It’s not superficial, because it’s an expression. Your outward image is an expression of your inner self. For me, it’s always about the marrying of the inner and the outer. That’s why, to think that the creation of the look of that character has actually helped people, is really inspirational and very moving for me. At the heart of our style is confidence, and I love how I can get people to be confident through what they’re putting on the outside.”
I have never perceived Fran's style as tacky or excessive; rather, her fashion choices give her a well-defined identity and allow her to fully express herself. One of her most iconic outfits is the M&M's candy mini dress by Jeannette Kastenberg (who still has her own shop on Etsy!), which Fran paired with a black turtleneck.
Although this look may not be to everyone's taste, it speaks volumes about a character who is unafraid to embrace her unique style and unconcerned with the opinions of others. Fran's approach to fashion underscores her confidence and willingness to stand out, making her a beloved and memorable character.
I completely agree with YouTuber and content creator Mina Le who a few years ago, in her video-essay The Fashion In The Nanny is STILL SO GOOD said: “All her outfits, while loud, are very harmonious which I think makes her look more elegant in high fashion.”
The style in The Nanny evolved over time as the show's budget increased with each season. This allowed for more elaborate and high-end fashion choices, further enhancing Fran's wardrobe and contributing to the show's iconic visual appeal. A few years ago Brenda Cooper published a style manual in collaboration with Fran Drescher that includes fashion principles from The Nanny, which would be, as written by Rachel Syme of The New Yorker in The Fashion Comeback of Fran Drescher in “The Nanny,” with Help from Cardi B, “wear form-fitting clothing, in classic silhouettes; don’t be afraid of color; and build outfits from a base layer of black turtleneck and black tights.”
Fran's outfits in The Nanny often feature pieces worn over a turtleneck, helping to tone down her overall look. She also sported many vests from designers like Todd Oldham and Donna Karan, reflecting the fashion sensibilities of the 1970s.
Faux fur coats in vibrant colors are a staple of Fran's wardrobe throughout the series. One of the most notable pieces is an orange faux fur coat by Betsey Johnson, which remains unforgettable to fans of the show. Additionally, Fran frequently wore a white fur coat from Diesel in various episodes during the fourth and sixth seasons.
The miniskirt is a central element of Fran's signature look on The Nanny. This iconic piece of clothing gives the character a fresh, '60s-inspired vibe reminiscent of Mary Quant. Many of Fran's designer skirts have been shortened to create a mischievous, sexy, and jaunty appearance.
Fran often pairs her miniskirts with blazers, creating a stylish ensemble that is in line with '90s fashion trends. Throughout the series, she wears numerous two-piece suits from designers like Moschino and Anna Sui.
Another staple of Fran's wardrobe is the white frilly shirt, which she frequently wears under blazers. These blazers, devoid of shoulder pads and more form-fitting, lend the look a youthful energy, contrasting with the '80s power suit that has seen a recent resurgence thanks to the latest Yves Saint Laurent collections by Anthony Vaccarello.
Brenda Cooper and the other costume designers who worked on The Nanny did an excellent job crafting a unique style for Fran that transcends the '90s and remains relevant in modern times. Her look blends high-end designers with thrift store finds, creating a colorful style that feels both fresh and timeless.
Fran's vibrant fashion choices bring to mind my own mother's style, while my personal preference aligns more closely with C.C. Babcock's approach to what we now call 'quiet luxury.' This more understated style emphasizes sophistication and elegance, contrasting with Fran's more expressive ensembles.
There are numerous memorable looks worn by Fran in The Nanny, many of which feature iconic Moschino outfits. For example, Fran sports a checkered Moschino skirt paired with a red turtleneck (S03E18) and a Moschino Cheap and Chic camouflage two-piece suit (S04E18) —a style that experienced a resurgence in the early 2000s.
Other standout pieces include the Moschino Cheap and Chic Union Jack blazer (S04E26) and the Fruit Dress (S04E22). Fran's Moschino Heart-Shaped bag (S03E13), paired with a Hervé Léger little black dress, is another unforgettable ensemble.
In addition to Moschino, Fran often wore colorful tops by Todd Oldham throughout the series, which were also worn by her friend Val. These vibrant looks contributed to Fran's signature style and the sitcom's enduring fashion legacy.
Some of my favorite outfits worn by Fran in The Nanny include a black and white checkered two-piece suit by New York designer Rose Marie Woulfe (S03E11), a red two-piece suit by Christian Lacroix from the Fall/Winter 1996 collection (S04E10), and a tartan two-piece by Anna Sui from the Fall/Winter 1997 collection (S05E12). Fran also wore a particularly striking ensemble featuring a Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 1993 tartan blazer paired with a white ruffle shirt (S01E13). This look stood out as one of my favorites due to its stylish combination of classic elements and bold patterns.
However, if I had to choose my all-time favorite dress worn by Fran, it would be the Polo Ralph Lauren tartan dress (S02E14). This look encapsulates Fran's daring fashion sense and remains an iconic moment in the series.
It is remarkable how The Nanny continues to captivate audiences more than 30 years after its debut, proving its lasting appeal across generations. The show's blend of iconic fashion, engaging plotlines, and unforgettable characters has made it a timeless classic. In recent years Fran Drescher has suggested that a revival or cast reunion could happen, sparking excitement among fans who hope to catch up with the beloved characters and see how their stories have evolved. Here's to hoping for a new chapter in The Nanny's enduring legacy!