Web shows and films have become an integral part of our systems and certainly our wardrobes too, and my constant urge to look out for Maddy’s black cut-out dress, from Euphoria is a proof I could’ve skipped mentioning thou. From character traits, accessories to the make-up, we have nurtured our being with what our favourite characters on the screen are dressing up in and well, you can’t blame us for that, the looks themselves are so terrific. While it’s hard to curate a cult-like following within today’s generation, that switches interests like outfits, one show which indeed has got the Gen-Z obsessing over itself since day one is none other than HBO’s popular title– Euphoria. A narrative that by the looks of it seems pretty much like a teen drama but has a lot more for its audience to experience through the characters, plot lines and interestingly wardrobe too. And talking about which, we’re here to share with you all the interesting details we know about Euphoria‘s instagrammable, famous fashion and make-up style, which is much more than just the glimmer and trend.
However many stories and theories have fuelled our curiosity on the internet, these connected dots have actually proved to be facts and we think costume designer Heidi Bivens, make-up artist Doniella Davy, and creator of the show Sam Levinson in the words (altered) of Ms Maddy, ‘are absolutely G!”
While every character’s outfit defines his/her character traits throughout the show, we love how wonderfully both Heidi and Doniella put together looks with regard to the characters’ current stage in the plot.
1. Talking about our very own Ms Cassie, who represents a barbie-doll like persona in the first half of season 2, she is fragile and sensitive. A big change as we saw Cassie take over, was the swift shift in her wardrobe according to the men in her life. Mirroring the ideologies of how ‘my man would like to see me in’ Cassie’s glammed-up outfits in season 2, that almost resemble Maddy’s (pretty much like a cosplay), present her inner turmoil of emotions after falling in love with Nate. Hoarding a line-up of clothes that do not seem to nod on a similar aesthetic, (the coloured co-ord set to the Oklahoma dress), talk how Cassie is confused and has lost her identity and all she wants to look like is– beautiful and desirable in the eyes of Nate. Her overall blush pink face, also talks about the anxiety hidden beneath the layers of make-up, which unravels its truest forms, post a punch from ma’am Maddy.
Also Read: ‘Euphoria’s Sydney Sweeney Is Reportedly Engaged To Boyfriend Jonathan Davino. Fans Do ‘Nate’ Seem Happy
2. While the internet is an absolute home for all things fun, it also helps investigate a lot of hidden tales that go unseen in popular shows and films. And being our best bud, throughout this research, many Euphoria fans pointed out the similarity between Jules and Faye’s closets, which at times is uncanny and we too agree. I mean, to give y’ll a little backstory, Faye was once spotted wearing a similar skirt as worn by Jules in the previous episodes, and we couldn’t help but say *same pinch.* Breaking that down for us, costume designer Heidi shared with Dazed, how Sam Levinson’s love for anime reflected in the aesthetic of both the characters and influenced pretty much everything that both Jules and Faye wore on screen. Fun Fact: Faye’s character look was inspired by the character Faye Valentine from Cowboy Bebop.
3. The ‘ emotional glam’ make-up as revealed by Doniella Davy, is an insight into the world of the character that wears it. Talking about our very own Maddy who’s pretty much the ‘It girl’ of Euphoria High, paints her lids with the sharpest of strokes, something the rest of the cast doesn’t wear or at times replicate to showcase signs of confidence. As sharp as a knife, Maddy’s eyeliner has the perfect wing and with even her baby hair dressed in the most sauve way possible, shares the strong persona that Maddy holds.
4. The real queen of Euphoria as revealed by the finale episode, was none other than the G herself– Lexi. A girl who indeed turned her Miu-Miu collection of cheerful-hued plaid dresses, soft face-glam, into deeper tones, dramatic winged liner, painted lashes and darker lip shades, revealed the final arc of her character and the intensity of her role that finally stepped away from the shadows, by the end of the season (remember Lexi’s popular play). A tool used by costume stylist Heidi, throughout season 2, all of it expressed the changing roles of every character and the plot line venturing into intense rooms of drug overdoses, betrayal, broken friendships and relationships.
Also Read: Twitter’s List Of Questions After ‘Euphoria’ Season 2 Finale Is Longer Than Elliot’s Song. We Demand Answers!
5. Maddy and Samantha’s brief bond. Many pointed out the deeper meaning behind Maddy and Samantha’s relationship, the woman whose child she babysits. Aspirational eyes always looking at Samantha’s wardrobe with a desire to live in, Maddy’s sneaky time in her boss’ closet unravelled her hidden desires. And as suggested by many fan theories (including ourselves) on the internet, it expressed symbolism of some kind when Samantha chose to surprise Maddy with the purple sequinned dress as a gift. Not any usual, glimmer number, the iconic mermaid gown comes from the archives of celebrated designer Norman Norell’s designs. Holding significance in the year 1960’s, Norman’s famous mermaid gown defined luxury for American fashion back in the day. Hence, the outfit in some ways was a perfect start for Maddy’s journey towards her dreams, plus the colour hints at Maddy’s most loved shade in the season.
6. The idea of sustainability. While we all are aware of the growing consciousness amongst fashionistas about the environment around us, television shows in some ways are now taking charge to spread the word. Opting for vintage clothing for almost all character wardrobes, costume designer Heidi Bivens incorporated tonnes of pre-loved, iconic pieces to match the characteristics of every person in the show. Be it Samantha’s designer-filled closet that hails from–the LA based, Aralda Vintage store, or even some gorgeous pieces in Lexi’s closet and Jean Paul Gaultier designs sported by Rue, Heidi wanted to encourage the idea of making sustainable choices to the viewers.
7. Rue’s muted wardrobe. Well, we all know that Rue is not a big fan of loud and visibly stylish attires as compared to her fellow friends in Euphoria, Rue’s slightly changing style quotient defines her character graph throughout the season. Representing fluidity borrowed from her gender identity and sexuality, Rue’s outfits pretty much consisted of checkered shirts, a pair of striped pyjamas, Converse shoes and her dad’s red jacket which is much more than a piece of clothing. Someone who likes to be a part of the crowd, or at times hidden behind doors, Rue’s wardrobe and its muted colour palette defines her personality in the show. But an interesting fact as pointed out by Heidi unravels that Rue’s yellow t-shirt in the last episode of season 2, signals an undying hope for her future in the upcoming instalments of the show. I mean, didn’t we all love the sober Rue, cheering for Lexi’s play? The hair and makeup was a conscious effort to establish a positive change in her.
8. Well, you’d think how on Earth can a girl’s manicure express her emotional state of mind, but let me tell you, it has the power to do that and how. Just like in Euphoria, every girl and her painted claws define their emotional journey on the show. Executed by nail artist, Natalie Minerva, season 2 reveals Cassie’s long nails dipped in the shade black directly from nude pink, after her ‘mera toh dil hi toot gaya’ episode with Nate. Additionally the show-stopper Maddy claws, that had a moment of their own, projected an unsaid narrative. The well-dressed nails, with not a piece out of place, signified Maddy’s inherent nature, post the big fight scene. This also pretty much answered, ‘who’s wilder,’ (sorry Cassie, but definitely not you).
9. Kat’s change in aesthetic. From being herself to trying to be someone else to again finding her personal style, Kat’s wardrobe shift has had a full journey from a pair of spectacles, grunge-esqué chokers, a lot more black to now print-on-print ensembles and colourful eye shadows. This also represents her journey of finding her true being. Starting from a strong character in Season 1, Kat’s wardrobe pretty much blended between lines just like her plotline in season 2. The colour palette as followed by Kat’s wardrobe looks softer from her edgier self as shown in season 1, as she re-connects with Maddy in season 2 and the two pretty much share a similar aesthetic throughout the season.
10. As compared to her experimental, cloud-laden looks in season two, Jules’ wardrobe in the second instalment instantly shifts from edgy-well-defined eyes and red inner corners to soft glam, with her changing equation with Rue, confused state of mind and the inner turmoil. Episode four, however, described the relationship of the two leads through iconic film scenes and make-up borrowed from pop culture references and personalities like Frida Kahlo.
Tell us your favourite Euphoria fashion moment in the comments below.
Image Credits: Instagram