#TBT: Courtney Love’s ‘90s Riot Girl Look
Courtney Love in 1995. (Photo: Getty Images)
Love her or hate her, Courtney Love is good at getting attention. She caught mine in the spring of 1994 when Hole’s video for “Doll Parts” was in steady rotation on MTV. It immediately made me want to change my whole look. I swapped my wardrobe of Nirvana-inspired flannel shirts, baggy jeans, and Converse sneakers for baby barrettes, slept-in hair, lipstick, vintage babydoll dresses, and Mary Janes. I added some shredded tights and a tiara to be Courtney for Halloween.
But Love was about way more than just her look. She was fierce on stage, commanding the audience, holding everyone’s attention, and screaming into the mic with such conviction it was hard not to be inspired. I have her to thank for making this awkward teen realize that confidence is a pretty kickass quality. I know she made other girls feel the same way. Looking back, she may not have been the best role model of all time for an impressionable 13-year-old, but I feel grateful that I found her when I did.
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