A New Chapter for Euphoria
When costume designer Natasha Newman-Thomas was enlisted for Euphoria season 3, she faced the daunting task of evolving the show’s iconic visual language. Five years after the events of high school, the characters have entered a turbulent adulthood defined by the complexities of crime, career, and personal identity. Newman-Thomas, who previously worked on Sam Levinson’s The Idol, sought to honor the foundation laid by Heidi Bivens while pushing the aesthetic into a more mature, grounded space.
“Those are big shoes to fill,” Newman-Thomas notes. “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.”
Character Narratives and Sartorial Evolution
For characters like Lexi, Newman-Thomas imagined a post-collegiate life influenced by a rejection of fast fashion. By sourcing vintage pieces from the Warner Brothers costume department, she crafted a look that feels both sustainable and uniquely Hollywood-appropriate. Meanwhile, Rue’s wardrobe remains a reflection of her environment, with the designer noting that Rue often adopts the aesthetic of the worlds she drifts through, such as the strip club, to maintain a sense of assimilation.
The Iconic Neck Brace and Easter Eggs
One of the most discussed elements of the new season is the wardrobe of Magick, played by Rosalía. The character’s bedazzled neck brace, created by prop master Joshua Bramer, serves as a standout visual piece. Newman-Thomas explains that the goal for the strip club aesthetic was to straddle the line between burlesque and Western, creating a look that feels suspended in time.
For eagle-eyed fans, the season is packed with subtle nods to the past. Newman-Thomas reveals that viewers should look for specific artistic evolution markers, such as Jules wearing some of Rue’s old shirts, or Rue incorporating pieces from the late Fezco’s wardrobe to keep his spirit alive within the narrative.
