In The Pink

Pretty in Pink came out in ’86. It works because of this constant visual tension—Molly’s thrifted, remade wardrobe against the gloss and certainty of the prep-school world. Her clothes aren’t trying to convince you of anything; they’re just honest. That pink prom dress, whatever the movie does with its ending, remains this perfect object—something made from nothing into something that’s unmistakably you. I think about it sometimes when I’m working on something and feeling like the materials aren’t good enough. They always are if you’re paying attention.