There is something unique about girlhood represented on television – but what is shown on Paper Dolls isn’t the “glitz and glam” ideology normally shown, it is messier, chaotic, and most importantly, real.
Pop girl group Harlow can be likened to Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants; Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child but there is something darker about Paper Dolls.
Paper Dolls is loosely inspired by real events.
(Image: Ten)There was little fear when discussing the dark sides of the entertainment industry, and it was these negatives which ensured the Harlow members remained divided. However, these moments bonded the actresses.
“I feel like as things got harder, we just got closer,” Emalia, who portrays Izzy, tells TV WEEK.
“It was a beautiful experience to have that support and people who understand and get it. It’s been really lovely to have each other through this experience, grow together and see these girls flourish in these roles and just its inspiring, I feel inspired.”
For Courtney Monsma, portraying the loveable Lilian, revealed the friendship was “the greatest gift.”
“These aren’t just 1999 issues, they are 2023 issues.”
(Image: Ten)“To share this experience together is insane, it’s just not your average show, it’s so special,” Miah Madden, who stars as Charlie, agreed.
Paper Dolls discusses exploitation within the industry, and as young women, the Harlow actresses agree it is a “sad” reality.
“These aren’t just 1999 issues, they are 2023 issues,” Courtney Monsma stated. “I think it’s an honour to be able to represent that in a way and to be safe doing it. We obviously all related to a lot of the issues, as I’m sure a lot of people watching it will.”
The shows intense scenes were often disguised behind the “glitz and glam” that was the epitome of 90s and 2000s style.
Everyone loves Charlie’s wardrobe.
(Image: Ten)But it seems Charlie was the envy of the party, with all the girls wanting to steal from her vintage Versace and Dior closet.
“On one of the final weeks we were all allowed to go into the wardrobe truck and find something. [Courtney and I] both tried on these knee-high denim boots with tassels everywhere and zips, we were like ‘should we split the prize and share them?’,” Courtney Clarke, who stars as Jade, laughed.
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