The Euphoria Effect
We all know and love Euphoria. Like most of you, I look forward to my Sunday night viewing of the latest episode. As season two wraps up, let’s take a look at how the immensely popular show has impacted current fashion, trends, and culture.
Although the first season of Euphoria premiered in 2019, it became really popular in the summer of 2020. The show focuses on very heavy subjects like drug addiction and abuse. However, there are also lighter sides to Euphoria like fashion and makeup. From Rue’s laid-back gender-fluid vibe and Jules’ elaborate outfits to Kat’s transformation from shy to badass, and Maddy’s revealing-meets-classy style, there is a reason viewers are obsessed with what all the characters are wearing.
In season one, the characters had very intense makeup looks and outfits to express what they were currently feeling or going through. For the second season, the show’s lead makeup artist Donni Davy decided to use more understated looks that are reminiscent of 1960s trends. The actors and actresses have been sporting lighter, more matte shades of eyeshadow in comparison to the first season. Many take guesses of the symbolism behind it. Whether the look symbolizes the character growing up, conforming, or something else, everyone loves to guess. Every look Davy has done is very purposeful and meticulous. Since season 1 and now season 2, I have experienced a surge in colorful and artistic makeup. I am calling it now, 1960s trends are going to return in 2022 thanks to Euphoria.
In the show, fashion is also an outlet for the young characters who are wanting to express themselves or who they want to be as they figure it out themselves. The show’s costume designer Heidi Bivens calls the show’s style a ‘time capsule’ of how teens dress today. The fashion and beauty choices made by the characters have resonated with viewers, especially Gen Z. These looks that the show has created speak to the experimental and boundary-pushing spirit of Gen Z.
To fully understand the great effect Euphoria fashion has had on people, you must know the statistics. After the premiere of season 2, internet searches for “black cutout dresses” increased by 890 percent, referencing the Akna Store black cutout dress worn by actress Alexa Demie who plays Maddy Perez. The gladiator-made-chic Amina Muaddi heels her character paired the dress with also influenced viewers, with searches for “lace-up heels” increasing by 125 percent after the premiere of the New Year’s Eve episode. Additionally, Sydney Sweeney’s character Cassie also influenced internet searches with her blue House of CB dress, causing searches for “blue strappy dresses” to increase by 143 percent.
So while many would never dare attempt some of the more experimental fashions Euphoria showcases, the show has definitely influenced people to take more fashion risks. What makes most of these outfits so desirable, besides the fashion itself, is the confidence exuded by the characters when they wear them. So next time you see Maddy rocking a killer set, or Jules with glitter eyeshadow, wear it too. Wear it with confidence.
