From Cindy Lou Who to Rock Goddess: Taylor Momsen’s Most Iconic Shoe Moments

Best known today as the lead singer of The Pretty Reckless, Taylor Momsen has undergone a striking transformation from child star to rock icon.

Her early breakout role as Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas introduced her to millions, but her evolving career, bold fashion choices, and headline-making footwear have kept her in the spotlight ever since.

From Child Star to Cult Classic: Cindy Lou Who’s Impact

Taylor Momsen was born on July 26, 1993. At six years old, she filmed her role as Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, released in November 2000.

Starring alongside Jim Carrey and directed by Ron Howard, Momsen received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Performance by a Younger Actor.

Taylor Momsen as the adorable Cindy Lou Who, with her iconic hairstyle, in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) (Credit: Universal Pictures)

The Flip Side of Fame: Overcoming Bullying

However, her success in the film also had a downside, as she faced bullying in school because of her role. Momsen shared these experiences on the “Podcrushed” podcast, co-hosted by Penn Badgley, her former co-star from Gossip Girl. She revealed that in new schools and social environments, she was often mockingly called “Grinch Girl.”

“Making friends was always challenging for me,” she said and added her family moved around a lot while she was growing up.

“First of all, ‘The Grinch’ changed my life in a multitude of ways — one of them being I was made fun of relentlessly. So, every time I would start a new school or go somewhere else, I don’t even think the kids knew my name. I was just ‘Grinch Girl.’ So, it’s Grinch Girl, Grinch Girl, Grinch Girl. Not even the character name, just Grinch Girl. I got used to it, but it was alienating.”

Cindy Lou Who, played by Taylor Momsen, shares a heartwarming moment with Jim Carrey’s Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) (Credit: Universal Pictures)

Behind the Scenes: Memories From The Grinch

In December 2020, Taylor shared her experiences from the set during a special interview on the Today show. Reflecting on her time filming the beloved Christmas movie, she described it as a fun experience, particularly highlighting the “Who school” where actors trained to perform the film’s intricate stunts.

Too young to wear the prosthetic makeup that was a hallmark of the film’s character designs, the film’s script included a specific line to explain why Cindy Lou Who appeared distinct from the rest of the Whoville characters.

“They wrote a line into the film, ‘She hasn’t even grown into her nose yet,’ because I couldn’t have all the [prosthetics], so they just put a little blush on my nose,” she shared.

“I just remember he was so kind, so concerned but so methodical with what he was doing,” Momsen added about working with Jim Carrey. “Even at that young of an age, I remember watching him and thinking, ‘I’m watching an artist at work.'”

Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who shares a festive moment with Jim Carrey’s Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) (Credit: Universal Pictures)

From Whoville to Rock Venues: Taylor’s Musical Journey

“It’s certainly funny now when people don’t realize I played Cindy Lou Who and they might know me from my music or something and they put two and two together and you get the giant reaction of ‘I can’t believe that’s the same girl from How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ And I get a huge kick out of that,” she said. “I grew up, but I think deep down I’ve still got a lot of Cindy Lou Who in me.”

“The Grinch was the first time I went into a recording studio,” she said. “I’ll never forget walking into this beautiful studio with a massive console in front of me and putting headphones on and singing into a microphone for the first time… It was such an impactful moment in my life. It made me go, I want to make music for the rest of my life. I love being in a recording studio.”

Taylor Momsen: A Fashion Evolution

Since Taylor Momsen quit acting to become a rock star, her fashion choices have been a bit … questionable. We’re talking about pants-less ensembles and an overdose of eyeliner. Who could forget those stripper heels with the “Tips” platforms?

Taylor Momsen stuns in a chic black mini dress with leather accents, paired with strappy heels and a bold red lip for a sleek, edgy look (Credit: Molly McClain / Jeff Grossman / WENN)

However, Taylor has learned when to tone down the over-the-top sex appeal, which she demonstrated at the Alice+Olivia Spring/Summer 2014 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

With her long blonde hair swept back and her makeup — dare we say it? — tasteful, the then-19-year-old was nearly unrecognizable.

Taylor Momsen with Paris Hilton at the Alice+Olivia Spring/Summer 2014 presentation in New York City on September 9, 2013 (Credit: Molly McClain / Jeff Grossman / WENN)

Taylor showed off her modelesque figure in a demure Alice+Olivia “Daynah” dress but kept her rocker vibe with studded pumps in black distressed leather, also from Alice+Olivia. We’re in love with this look and Taylor’s elegant poise!

We spotted the former Gossip Girl star posing alongside Paris Hilton, who was also looking hot at the event.

Taylor Momsen reveals toe cleavage in black distressed leather pumps (Credit: Molly McClain / Jeff Grossman / WENN)

What do you think of Taylor’s unexpectedly polished look?

Her strappy, studded pumps are the definition of rocker chic — edgy yet classy. Would you wear them? Tonal spikes accent slender straps on these smooth leather pointed-toe pumps.

Alice + Olivia Drixa Strappy d’Orsay Pumps, $495

Stepping Into Taylor Momsen’s Iconic Style Moments

From her early days on Gossip Girl to her transformation into a rock icon with The Pretty Reckless, Taylor Momsen has consistently made bold fashion statements. Let’s explore some of her most memorable style moments:

Gothic Glamour: Taylor’s Signature Look

• Event: Music Video Shoot in New York City
• Outfit: Taylor embraced her gothic roots with an all-black ensemble, featuring a fitted tank top and knee-high boots.
• Accessory: She added a pop of color with a bright green color-block handbag, reminiscent of her Gossip Girl character, Jenny Humphrey.
• Read more: Gothic Taylor Momsen Channels Jenny Humphrey With Green Bag

Red Carpet Rebel: MTV Europe Music Awards

• Event: 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards in Madrid
• Outfit: Taylor turned heads in a lopsided buttoned men’s shirt, exuding her signature edgy style.
• Footwear: She completed the look with Alexander McQueen’s Grinling Gibbons gold-heeled thigh-high boots.
• Discover more: Taylor Momsen Rocks Bold McQueen Boots at the 2010 MTV EMAs

From Grunge to Glam: Marchesa Fashion Show

• Event: Marchesa Fall 2012 Show during New York Fashion Week
• Outfit: Taylor surprised fans with a sheer, lacy navy dress by Marchesa, showcasing a more refined side.
• Footwear: She paired the dress with classic nude pointy-toe pumps, elongating her frame.
• See more: Taylor Momsen Wows in Lace Dress and Nude Heels at Marchesa NYFW Show

Taylor Momsen Embraces Gothic Glamour at The Crow Premiere

At the world premiere of Lionsgate’s The Crow on August 20, 2024, at the Village East by Angelika in New York City, Taylor Momsen delivered a dramatic fashion statement in sync with the film’s ominous tone.

Channeling her signature rockstar aesthetic, she stepped out in a structured crushed patent leather outfit by Courrèges. The paneled design, dark palette, and sharply styled accessories created a cohesive, high-impact look that stood out on the black carpet.

Taylor Momsen brought her gothic aesthetic to the black carpet in a paneled crushed patent leather Courrèges bustier minidress and matching jacket, styled with towering lace-up platform boots and layered silver necklaces (Credit: Marion Curtis / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Rockstar Accessories: BBC Studios Appearance

• Event: Outside BBC Studios in London
• Outfit: Embracing a ’90s rock star vibe, Taylor donned a flannel shirt over a Led Zeppelin graphic tee.
• Footwear: She opted for black creepers with socks, adding to her rebellious look.
• Explore her style: Taylor Momsen’s Rock Star Fashion Evolution

Controversial Footwear: Vans Warped Tour

• Event: Vans Warped Tour Performance
• Outfit: Taylor’s provocative stage outfit included a revealing ensemble that sparked discussions.
• Footwear: She wore Pleaser “Tip Jar” heels with clear platforms designed to hold dollar bills.
• Read more: Taylor Momsen Rocks Clear Hooker Heels Stuffed With Dollar Bills

These moments highlight Taylor Momsen’s fearless approach to fashion, blending grunge, glam, and rock elements to create her unique style narrative.