The Fashion Behind Euphoria

Euphoria is all the rave right now. The unique thing about Euphoria is not necessarily the story that keeps people coming back, but the deep artistry of the show. From the filming style, to the makeup, clothing and nails, each aspect works together to create a form of artwork within the film industry. Specifically, the costume design has hit the world and inspired a new wave of inspiration for the viewers. Heidi Bivens is the mastermind behind this new effort to shape the characters around their fashion adding to their on screen persona.

This wasn't Biven's first rodeo but it put her name on the map of costume design. Her choice for each character is so specific in order to develop who each character represents. Through style, color, and design each character's outfits provide variety to the cast. This variety and uniqueness of each character allows the viewers to begin to find a connection and embody the personalities. Rue, the main protagonist of the show, is styled in a more masculine form. Her outfits typically include a flannel shirt, baggy jeans, and old sneakers.

Whereas Maddy embodies something completely different. Maddy's iconic mini dresses and high heels, reflects her bold personality. From popular brands like I.AM.GIA and Balenciaga, Maddy always has this edgy and girly fashion. Collaboration is a huge aspect of completing the fashion of Euphoria.

Bivens explains about Maddy that “She understands the idea that this character can be iconic,” she says. “I think she understands that there is real opportunity there.”

Cassie is another iconic character for her ongoing changing personality. Throughout Euphoria Cassie seems to be confused on who she really is. This shines through her style, changing from episode to episode. Unlike Maddy who wears outfits that would be very unrealistic for a high schooler, Cassie becomes more relatable. She wears typical social media branded outfits that are more accessible and affordable. She is finding herself which we see through fashion.

“For Cassie, it’s important for me that the fashion is really accessible because I think she’s someone who is trying to figure out who she is and who she wants to be — she wants people to perceive her as she’s presenting herself, she’s looking at a lot of other people in the world, whether it’s on social media or other people.”

Whereas for Jules, clothing plays a different role in regards to gender identity. Throughout the show we truly get to follow Jules love life and how she sees herself in regards to sex and gender. We often see Jules in mix and match outfits, ranging from pants to mini skirts. Her changing and unique style reflects her strong individuality.

“You’re taking three different pieces from three different designers and pairing them together — the chances of someone else already having created that look are pretty slim.”

The fashion of Euphoria inspires all ages, being the show isn't necessarily realistic for high schoolers. Biven worked from high end designers, to small brands, to thrifted clothes. This provides a variety for viewers to be inspired in different ways. Shining light to small brands helps then get exposure in the fashion world, which changes those brands forever. Bivens has also changed costume design by incorporating genderless brands. Costume design goes beyond the show, it spreads all the way to exposing viewers to new brands and inspiration. Inspiration for themselves but also inspiration about who they are. Bivens visionary attitude to the design produces new trends. Especially around TikTok we now see people pushing their own style to reflect their own personalities and creative expression. Some may think of Euphoria as just the show, but others find it as an inspiration to push confidence and individuality.