Fashion Influential #78: Daisy Duke
DAISY DUKE
First Apparence: 1979
Last Apparence: 1985
Occupation: Server at the Boar's Nest, sex symbol
Vehicles: 1974 Plymouth Road Runner, 1980 Jeep CJ-7
Beginnings.
The device of adding a sex symbol to a storyline has been around since before the invention of television, but few characters’ attire leaves so little to the imagination while leaving pubescent boys wanting so much more. And, aside from Daisy Duke, are there any other characters whose namesake entered the American lexicon as a clothing item? It’s unclear when exactly “Daisy Dukes” became the acceptable vernacular for cutoff denim short-shorts, but I’m guessing it was some time in 1982. The Dukes of Hazzard was in its third season and Daisy was well on her way to establishing herself as a sharp-witted, “I can handle myself” Southern belle-type character on the show.
Career Highs.
Daisy Duke is, of course, a fictional character. She’s on this list because we find it incredible that one sexpot of a character could have such an onscreen impact we would name a pair of short shorts after her. Catherine Bach, who played Daisy, actually made many of the costumes Daisy wore, including the classic red bikini featured in the first episode.
Bo Duke: Daisy Duke, if you wasn't my cousin, I'd marry you!
Daisy Duke: Never stopped anybody in this family before.
Jessica Simpson is no Daisy Duke.
Career Lows.Jessica Simpson’s portrayal of Daisy in 2005’s feature film Dukes of Hazzard was categorically panned by fans and critics alike. For starters, she was blond. Add to that she a lack of the confidence and spirit of Bach’s Daisy Duke, plus a much more sexed up manner of dress. She was in no way as clever or as bold as Bach, and in fact undid some of the “typical female” mold-breaking the original Daisy achieved.
Legacy.
Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Gisele Bundchen (who some are crediting with bringing the cutoffs back) all owe homage to Daisy Duke for making the world safe for confrontationally short denim cutoffs. Naughty, soapy carwashes and summer hayrides have always seen the sawed-off trousers, but it was Daisy Duke who gave them a name and purpose.
This poster outsold Farrah Fawcett and Raquel Welch.Get the Look.
I think we all know what must be done here. Good luck, and see you in line for the StairMaster(tm).
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