Euphoria [1]'s cast and crew know damn well we're waiting for Rue and Jules [2] to come back into our lives — perhaps not so patiently. HBO's release of two special bridge episodes [3] in between seasons one and two [4], titled "Rue," are the solution. The first episode airs in the UK on Sky Atlantic on Sunday 6 Dec. From the trailer [5], it's fair to assume Rue harps on her decision to let Jules leave town without her [6], calling Ali, her unofficial sponsor, for advice. While we weren't exactly surprised to see that her red hoodie makes a comeback — you know, the one she wears often in memory of her dad — we did have questions for costume designer Heidi Bivens [7] about what it's like to pick up and style two freestanding episodes rather than a season all at once.
Bivens confirmed that we'll see a lot of flashbacks in "Rue: Part 1," so there aren't a ton of new looks. "I had started prepping season two earlier this year before the pandemic hit, so when production came back up to do the two bridge episodes, I was already in good shape and prepared," she told POPSUGAR. Euphoria [8] was set to resume filming season two in March, right before the crew closed up shop due to COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions. As far as calling in new product goes, Bivens had a leg up. She also noted the difference in fine-tuning a character's style over time working on a television series in comparison to a film feature, where you can't be as experimental with clothing.
"Euphoria, as a television show, gives more of an opportunity to get to know the characters and create nuance in the costumes where needed or wanted. Because each season shoots over many months, it gives [me] time to try many things," she said. For the special episodes, that included collaborating with t-shirt brand Online Ceramics [9], and ensuring that Rue continued to dress from a perspective that speaks to her character's rollercoaster of experiences. Ahead, get a few sneak peeks of the outfits worn in the upcoming episode.
Rue's Red Hoodie
The sweatshirt, which Zendaya famously hung onto [11] after season one filming wrapped, belonged to Rue's dad, and we see her wear it consistently. HBO even released a logo version of the zip-up [12] on its shop, which is on sale for $22. Sure enough, it's back for the special episodes. Bivens says Rue continues to wear it because "it has sentimental value and it gives her comfort in the memory of her father's love."
How Rue's Character Affects Her Style
"The things we've come to know about her character inform Rue's decisions in what she wears and how she presents herself to the world just like any real person. There is a kind of filter of character and experience that all the questions can run through when deciding what she'll wear. It has a lot to do with trying to empathize with and get into the mind of the character," Bivens says of her process. Here, Rue wears a lived-in tee, sport shorts, and high socks.
Standout Style Moments
Bivens confirms that this scene of Jules and Rue on a bed, where they appear to be decorating a pair of Vans, is part of a special anecdote that's important to the unfolding of the episode. As far as her favourite moments to style, Bivens says, "I collaborated with Online Ceramics [13], who I love. I have been wanting to work with them for awhile. I think there will be more opportunities for further collaborations in the future." So we expect to see some vintage-like, lived-in graphic tees here too.