The character of Mrs. Roper from the sitcom ‘Three’s Company’ inspires a local fashion enthusiast to embrace vintage style and the tiki trend.
In the vibrant realm of fashion influenced by vintage television, the character of Mrs. Roper from the iconic sitcom “Three’s Company” continues to inspire. Helen Roper, known for her saucy demeanor and distinctive style, has sparked a burgeoning trend, particularly in the tiki scene. A dedicated participant in this trend is a local enthusiast who has embraced Ms. Roper’s aesthetic by collecting authentic vintage caftans and accessories.
This fashion aficionado, who prefers to remain anonymous, disclosed in an interview with Indianapolis Monthly Magazine that she has been part of the tiki scene for several years and resonates deeply with the caftan culture. “When Mrs. Roper Romps became popular, I knew I had to get involved,” she stated, highlighting her love for the vintage lifestyle and the quirky charm of characters like Mrs. Roper. Her current outfit—a vintage caftan sourced from the collection of Babs Davis—exemplifies that spirit. The caftan, featuring branding from Hawaiian Textiles authentic to the late 1970s, reflects the nostalgic flair of the era.
This fashion enthusiast has assembled a noteworthy collection of Mrs. Roper-inspired outfits, acknowledging that her experience in the tiki scene helped her prepare for this trend. “I actually started collecting vintage caftans because I was part of the tiki scene,” she remarked, revealing her versatility as a maker who has sewn and sold several caftans. Her keen eye for accessorizing includes various thrift store finds and treasures gathered from her travels around the world.
In her daily life as a Realtor, she adapts her wardrobe to her schedule, donning “practical but funky ensembles” for client meetings while also enjoying casual athleisure at home with her dogs. She explains, “Overall, my personal style is funky and colorful with a bit of an edge.” Her style not only reflects her profession but also her personality, manifesting a diverse approach to fashion based on her daily activities.
The local shopping scene is also a part of her fashion journey, with Thrifty Threads at 86th and Ditch being a regular stop for her. While she enjoys hunting for unique finds in stores, she admits to primarily shopping online for plus-size options that are often more readily available.
Additionally, Helen has found inspiration from notable style icons like Iris Apfel, whom she describes as “flamboyant with oversized glasses.” She humorously notes her aspiration to become the “funky old lady with outrageous outfits and big glasses,” which reflects her dedication to maintaining a colorful personal style. She also admires Edna Mode from Pixar’s “The Incredibles,” further emphasizing her commitment to unique and daring fashion.
Looking ahead, she is actively organizing a special event— a spring Mrs. Roper Romp— set to take place in Fountain Square on March 22. The event aims to gather fellow fans and enthusiasts, and details can be found through their public Facebook group, The International Order of Mrs. Ropers Indiana Chapter. This event represents a serendipitous blending of nostalgia, community, and individual expression through fashion that celebrates an iconic television character.
Source: Noah Wire Services
