A New Chapter for Euphoria’s Wardrobe
When costume designer Natasha Newman-Thomas was enlisted for Euphoria season 3, she faced the challenge of evolving the show’s iconic visual language. Five years after the events of high school, the characters have entered their twenties, navigating the complex, often dark realities of adulthood. “Those are big shoes to fill,” Newman-Thomas notes, acknowledging the foundational work of previous costume director Heidi Bivens. “We had a five-year gap to fill in. It was so fun to think about what each character did in between high school and the present day.”
Newman-Thomas, who previously collaborated with Sam Levinson on The Idol, approached the new season as a sociological and psychological exploration. By working closely with the actors and the director, she crafted narratives for each character’s growth, allowing their clothing to reflect their new environments—whether that be the world of a Hollywood career climber or the gritty atmosphere of a strip club.
Vintage Narratives and Character Evolution
For characters like Lexi, played by Maude Apatow, the wardrobe shift reflects a transition toward a more sustainable, curated identity. Newman-Thomas imagined Lexi attending a liberal arts college, leading her to reject fast fashion in favor of vintage pieces. “She’s working toward her dream career and trying to emulate some of the women in film like Diane Keaton and Shelley Duvall,” she explains. To achieve this, the team sourced authentic vintage items from the Warner Brothers costume department, aiming for a look that feels both Hollywood-appropriate and grounded in reality.
Meanwhile, Rue’s style remains a testament to her emotional stagnation. Newman-Thomas notes that Rue continues to “chameleon” her way through different worlds, often adopting the aesthetic of her surroundings, such as the strip club, to maintain a facade of assimilation. This season also features subtle nods to the past; viewers should keep an eye out for “Easter eggs” like Rue’s old shirts appearing on Jules, or Fezco’s clothing being repurposed by Rue to keep his memory alive.
The Iconic Bedazzled Neck Brace
One of the most talked-about elements of the new season is the look of Rosalía’s character, Magick. The striking, bedazzled neck brace was a collaborative effort, brought to life by prop master Joshua Bramer. “We definitely wanted it to be bedazzled, and I think it’s hilarious. It’s very fitting,” says Newman-Thomas. The overall aesthetic for the strip club scenes was designed to straddle the line between burlesque and Western, creating a sense of being suspended in time.
As the characters continue to perform for different audiences—whether it is Cassie attempting to maintain Nate’s gaze or the group navigating their post-high school lives—the wardrobe serves as a vital tool in storytelling. Through careful sourcing and character-driven design, Newman-Thomas has successfully ushered Euphoria into its mature new era.
