As a genuine, longtime fan of the Betty and Veronica comics, Rachel Antonoff was stoked to bring the characters’ spirit to life, pondering what the duo would be like now and what they might wear. And rather than focus on their rivalry as “Archie’s Girls,” she decided to shift her focus to one of best friends who support each other.
Antonoff organized the presentation as a comic strip come to life, complete with drop-down speech bubbles scripted by Lena Dunham that had an anti-slut-shaming message. The sets included a tennis court, a school hallway, a park and the Choklit Shoppe — all places Betty and Veronica might find themselves.
The clothes reflected the characters — literally, as face prints, and figuratively, referencing a playful, kitschy style that skewed very young. Friendship and female power were big themes, with items that could be bought and worn together with a friend, such as large screen prints of the characters’ faces and the words “I’m With Betty” or “I’m With Veronica.” Playful prints included speech-bubble polka dots, graphic black-and-white collage illustrations and comical trompe l’oeil dresses.