Sarah Michelle Gellar Reflects on ‘Cruel Intentions’ Wardrobe and ’90s Legacy
Sarah Michelle Gellar, the actress synonymous with late-90s pop culture, recently cast a nostalgic glance back at one of her most memorable roles, declaring an undeniable desire to raid the closet of her “Cruel Intentions” character, Kathryn Merteuil. As the cult classic approaches its 25th anniversary, Gellar’s revelation to PEOPLE magazine highlights the enduring influence of the film’s sophisticated and often scandalous aesthetic.
“That’s easy,” the 48-year-old Gellar stated when asked which ’90s or early 2000s character’s wardrobe she’d most like to inherit. “She had an incredible closet.” Her top pick? Merteuil’s iconic sleek blazer and bustier combination, a look that perfectly encapsulated the character’s formidable and seductive persona. Gellar recounted the bespoke process behind these pivotal outfits, revealing that at just 20 years old during the film’s production, costume designers took her to Los Angeles’ renowned Trashy Lingerie. There, the intricate corset underpinning the famed suit was custom-made, a formative experience for the then-burgeoning star. “It was really the first time I think I’d had anything tailor-made like that, where they take your measurements and they build it from scratch,” she explained, emphasizing the meticulous craftsmanship that went into defining Merteuil’s powerful style.
Released in 1999, “Cruel Intentions” captivated audiences with its edgy take on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 novel “Dangerous Liaisons.” Directed by Roger Kumble, the film brought the intricate web of seduction and deceit to the elite circles of a New York City prep school. Gellar starred alongside a burgeoning cast including Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe, and Selma Blair, in a narrative that saw her character, the wealthy and manipulative Upper East Sider Kathryn Merteuil, orchestrate a series of cruel bets. Despite a modest budget of $10.5 million, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $75.9 million worldwide, and became a defining teen drama of its era, celebrated for its subversive storylines and sharp dialogue.
Beyond revisiting her personal style preferences, Gellar is actively celebrating ’90s culture through a partnership with eBay for its 30th anniversary. The collaboration introduces “The ’95 Shop,” a curated retail experience and online destination. This venture, named in tribute to eBay’s founding year, showcases iconic fashion, collectibles, and even classic motors from the decade. Among the high-profile items are a 1995 Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Rue Cambon Paris Belt and a 1994-95 Michael Jordan autographed Bulls M&N White #45 Jersey. In a charitable twist, Gellar has personally signed several collectible pieces from her “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” days, which will be auctioned online for one week, with all proceeds dedicated to the Make-A-Wish foundation.
The enduring appeal of “Cruel Intentions” is further underscored by its expanded universe, which includes a direct-to-video sequel and a recent spin-off series streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Gellar’s continued engagement with the film’s legacy, from reflecting on its iconic fashion to spearheading initiatives that celebrate the era, solidifies her status as a cultural touchstone whose influence extends far beyond her on-screen performances.
