The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, who were convicted for the murder of their parents, have become style icons after the release of the hit series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” The Netflix show has spurred viewers to adopt the brothers’ preppy, ’80s fashion, which is also referred to as “old money style.” Online, fashion enthusiasts are recreating their looks with Polo shirts, popped collars, white slacks, pastel sweaters, and aviator shades. The series’ wardrobe has even inspired Reddit fans to source pieces from the show.
Creators on TikTok are emulating the Menendez brothers’ fashion by dressing in similar outfits and hairstyles to those worn by Erik and Lyle in the series. Some fans have praised the brothers’ “rich boy style” as clean, stylish, and back en vogue. A viral video by content creators Nicolas and Emiliano, who are also brothers, showcases various fashion looks from the show, ranging from prison garb to colorful sweaters worn during court appearances. While most viewers love the fashion trend, some critics find it disturbing and insensitive to glamorize real-life tragedies.
Despite the negative feedback, there is a celebrity-backed movement to free the Menendez brothers from prison, where they are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. This movement has been fueled in part by the popularity of the Netflix series, which sheds light on the brothers’ allegations of sexual abuse by their father. The brothers’ story has captured the attention of audiences who are not only interested in their fashion but also in the circumstances surrounding their conviction.
The newfound celebrity status of actors Cooper Koch and Nicholas Chavez, who play Erik and Lyle Menendez in the series, has propelled them to heartthrob status. Audience members are not only fans of the actors but also admirers of the country club chic style worn by their characters. For Halloween or everyday wear, people are adopting the classic, preppy fashion seen in the show. The style has become a popular trend among fashion enthusiasts, with many seeking to recreate the iconic looks from the Menendez brothers.
While the fashion trend inspired by the Menendez brothers’ style has garnered widespread praise and admiration, there are some who find it problematic and insensitive. Critics argue that by glamorizing the characters from a real-life tragedy, viewers are trivializing the events that shaped the brothers’ lives. Some believe that role-playing as the Menendez brothers is inappropriate and disrespectful, considering the serious crimes they were convicted of. However, the trend continues to attract fans who appreciate the fashion sense of the brothers and the iconic looks featured in the series.
