'Gossip Woman' 2.0 Returns With a Trendy Throuple, Spicy Vogue Jokes and Blair Waldorfian Headbands
Warning: Spoilers for the primary two episodes of ‘Gossip Woman’ season two beneath.
“It is sooner, meaner, funnier,” says longtime “Gossip Woman” costume designer Eric Daman, forward of the Dec. 1 premiere of season two of two.0. “It has catfights and other people gunning for crowns and … headbands. It simply seems like a fan’s dream.”
The HBO Max reboot’s sophomore run picks up instantly after an eventful New 12 months’s Eve in Hudson, however the present’s return undoubtedly feels a lot spicier. The dialogue is stacked with cackle-inducing, fashion-related rapid-fire jokes — largely quips between the scheming Monet (Savannah Lee Smith) and teenage spin physician Luna (Zión Moreno). Hear rigorously for extortion involving Legislation Roach, shade at Weight-reduction plan Prada and New York Metropolis-specific retail burns. (Hudson Yards simply can’t catch a break, huh?)
After six seasons of the unique and one for two.0, Daman retains pushing the “Gossip Woman” envelope, taking the Constance Billard and St. Jude’s co-eds into their subsequent levels, scandals, entanglements and, sure, private progress. Forward, the costume designer discusses trend highlights from episodes one and two, in addition to outfit (and plot) teasers to return.
Julien’s Zoya-Wannabe Overalls
Julien (Jordan Alexander)’s actually in a brand new place now, since downsizing and transferring in with half-sister Zoya (Whitney Peak) and her cash-strapped father, Nick (Jonathan Fernandez). Refraining from her repeated makes an attempt to reunite with snooze-fest ex Obie (Eli Brown), Julien is specializing in bettering herself.
“She’s extra aware, however she’s nonetheless Julien Calloway, so it is a bit of misguided,” says Daman.
In fact, the principle means influencer Julien expresses herself is thru trend (and ill-advised social subterfuge). As a sister is wont to do, she decides to “emulate” Zoya’s steadfast (if not generally sanctimonious) dedication to her values by copping her low-key aesthetic.
“I do know they’re your factor, however I hope you do not thoughts I augmented it a bit of bit,” says Julien, proudly debuting her new overalls at breakfast. She finally ends up inciting her half-sibling’s jealousy, as Nick marvels, “Every thing you put on simply works, would not it?”
Zoya’s dad is correct: Julien inevitably kicks off an overalls development at in school, regardless of Monet’s and Luna’s snooty skepticism.
Daman rebuilt a Constance uniform right into a “up to date” Julien-friendly silhouette, whereas taking inspiration from Liz Hurley’s iconic 1994 security pin-embellished Versace gown. “Julien cobbled it collectively [with Versace-referential] kilt pins as buckles, her little cropped shirt and her Dior scarf,” says Daman. “She’s teetering between the 2 worlds of fine intentions, however barely misguided and probably not understanding what the larger image is.”
The luxurious brand-loving Julien — by way of Daman, in fact — can also be making an effort to uplift and help BIPOC designers by her social platform and clout in school. As a cherry on high of her elevated Zoya ‘match, Julien (with zero self-awareness) wears an “overly-embellished” Rhude Le Valley varsity jacket embroidered with: “How a lot can I get away with and nonetheless go to heaven?”
Julien’s Debutante Ball Robe
As Julien makes an attempt to step away from the highlight, Monet readies to grab it. Cue a requisite “Gossip Woman” black-tie affair in a really public discussion board: a refresh of the antiquated debutante ball.
“It is so unusual to place all these younger ladies in bridal attire. It is this actually bizarre world that also exists,” says Daman.
He went to Andrea Pitter’s Pantora Bridal for one of many “Making the Reduce” winner’s traditional marriage ceremony kinds from the “Honor” assortment: a sleeveless, deep V-neck robe with an outsized bow. She made six variations of the gown in only a four-week interval, for the reason that night ends with a full-on brawl between Julien and Monet (and a bunch of debs turning on one another).
“For Julian to go to a younger Black feminine designer in Brooklyn can also be storyline; she’s being aware and attempting to embrace Zoya’s ideology in a means,” says Daman.
In help of the New York Metropolis Garment District, which was battered by the pandemic, Daman custom-made Monet’s coming-out sequined mermaid robe with supplies sourced from Diana Materials. “I had one thing very particular in thoughts,” he says, including that he took colour inspo from the runways: “I needed to do a nude phantasm with sequins and have or not it’s this very impactful turquoise blue.”
The Julien v. Monet Vogue Face-Off
Give Julien the quilt!!
Photograph: Barbara Nitke/HBO Max
Luna — a.ok.a. Constance Billard’s resident Samantha Jones — convinces Julien to vie in opposition to Monet for the “Most Influential Teen” cowl of Spectator journal, maybe a stand-in for New York, since former workers author Hunter Harris joined the “Gossip Woman” writers room for season two. Harris additionally makes a cameo as a Spectator author (very meta) who clearly is aware of Julien already: “You look wonderful. Who’re you sporting?” she asks Julien, who responds with, “Theophilio.”
And Julien does look fairly wonderful in a colorfully-striped body-con jumpsuit from designer Edvin Thompson’s “Homecoming” assortment, which celebrates his Jamaican heritage. (For out of doors scenes, Daman completely paired it with a vibrant crochet back-paneled trench coat by Monse. *Chef’s kiss.*)
“And I am Monet. Dolce. Classic,” says Julien’s unwarranted rival, flexing with out studying the room — due to course Monet would put on the controversial model.
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Luna (Zión Moreno), spin, spin, spinning, and Monet (Savannah Lee Smith) in Dolce & Gabbana, scheming.
Photograph: Barbara Nitke/Courtesy of HBO Max
Monet’s thirst comes by within the extravagant, crystal-embellished robe.
“She’s lined in jewels,” says Daman. “Then, Julien is low-key, tremendous downtown, excessive trend — once more, attempting to be aware.”
The costume designer wanted to supply just a few of the opulent designer robes, too, since Monet actually commits to the manufactured battle and throws herself in a fountain. However, once more, Julien prevails.
“To have Theophilio versus Dolce, that is a very good second,” says Daman.
Max’s Softer Aspect
A delicate Max (Thomas Doherty).
Photograph: Barbara Nitke/Courtesy of HBO Max
Onerous-partying pleasure-seeker Max (Thomas Doherty) finds himself in uncharted waters: Now that longtime couple Aki (Evan Mock) and Audrey (Emily Alyn Lind) have prolonged their bond to incorporate him, he is exploring his unguarded facet and experiencing emotions.
“[He has] a bit of bit extra of a softer, romantic fey-ness to his costumes,” says Daman. “Every thing’s just a bit bit softer and extra weak.”
Max’s emotional maturation comes by in his chunky sweaters and comfy, tactile layers — assume Burberry cardigans versus his sharp, tailor-made fits and ornate shirts of final season. “Just a bit extra like a cocoon,” Daman says. “Nearly like a safety blanket, versus placing on a coat of arms of a super-tailored swimsuit.”
Throuple Coordinated Model
Aki (Evan Mock), Max and Audrey (Emily Alyn Lind) try a coming-out dinner.
Photograph: Barbara Nitke/Courtesy of HBO Max
{Couples} and finest associates typically begin dressing alike — so does the official throuple that’s Aki, Audrey and Max.
“They’re coordinating,” says Daman, noting how, within the authentic collection, he would typically match Blair (Leighton Meester)’s headband with Chuck (Ed Westwick)’s pocket sq.. “It actually helped inform a narrative in sure scenes, once you need their power to be related.”
Daman factors to the scene (above) when the three try to announce their triad romance with a dinner, which, in true “Gossip Woman” type, goes comically awry. As a composite, Audrey’s peach-toned Stella McCartney mini with delicate lace ruffles on the bodice, Aki’s monochrome grey Pimples set and Max’s muted brown Lardini swimsuit and graphic 73 London shirt all subtly mesh — “like a chalky softness and earthiness to the colours that they’ve on that feels very related,” says Daman.
The transfer from couple to throuple (and anxiousness of being the third wheel to Aki and Max) additionally influences Audrey’s Previous Hollywood-referential type, which Daman describes as “a spot between a Brigitte Bardot meets Diane Keaton in ‘Annie Corridor.'”
Audrey’s daytime faculty appears to be like veer towards a historically “menswear-inspired” vibe, like a stellar classic Saint Laurent tartan hooded cape, white Simone Rocha shirt below a boxy cable-knit Princess Polly vest, and cropped J.W. Anderson pants. Her oft-strapless nighttime social gathering appears to be like skew extra strapless “intercourse bomb evening-wear,” like a sultry classic velvet Alexander McQueen gown worn to the “Kiss on the Lips” social gathering (with which Max coordinates in a McQueen blazer).
The Return of the Headband
Monet and ‘The Assist,’ as she refers to her teams of minions.
Photograph: Barbara Nitke/HBO Max
Within the premiere of two.0 season one, Daman and the franchise successfully renounced Blair Waldorf’s iconic headband from the unique “G.G.”: “She has a headband on,” sniffed Monet, throwing shade at then-freshman beginner Zoya.
“To be sincere, there was numerous pushback from followers about that second,” says Daman. “Now we have flipped that with Monet, particularly, and have her gunning for the crown and emulating the O.G. Queen Bee.”
To foreshadow her hostile takeover of Constance Billard, Monet even attire like Blair in checked bouclé skirt units, lace-trimmed Peter Pan collars, designer ribbon ties and, in fact, headbands — “only a full echo of Blair Waldorf,” says Daman, who loved reuniting with Jennifer Behr, purveyor of Ms. Waldorf’s headpieces, but additionally incorporating smaller unbiased designers, like Lele Sadoughi and Deepa Gurnani.
However Daman admits: “Monet is way more opulent and nouveau than Blair was.”
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