Miu Miu + Prada Symbolism in Euphoria

I'm surprised this became a damn essay but here we are

Fashion has long been a tool the media utilizes to speak to their audience. 2022 marks the 15 year anniversary of Gossip Girl’s debut and folks are still talking about, referencing and coveting the looks costume designer Eric Daman curated. Likewise with Sex and the City, and The Nanny, and Downton Abbey, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel AND Mad Men, you get the picture.

Euphoria is a generation defining show gen-z will be referencing for decades to come. The impact it has on cultivating and setting fashion trends, makeup and nail looks, hair styles, and even giving emerging brands a stage is remarkable. Given the nature of my job as a trend analyst, I can’t help but pick up on the symbolism of these intentional, but subtle choices in the wardrobe and styling.

What struck me most is Lexi Howard’s character development building in tandem with her almost exclusive Miu Miu wardrobe in season 2. This was a intentional, planned decision from the wardrobe department; a brilliant one no less. Lets dive in.

Lexi waring an eyelet collared Miu Miu blouse S2E3

Miu Miu is often referred to as “Prada’s little sister.” Accurate as Miu Miu was launched 80 years after Prada to give Miuccia an outlet to express her unconventional, whimsical and feminine spirit she wasn’t able to capture through Prada. Prada has the reputation, the logo, the legacy. Bergdorf Goodman, Net-A-Porter, hell even Depop will never not have Prada listed as a top designer. While Miu Miu shares similar silhouettes, gorgeous fabric sensibilities and tailoring, Miu Miu is simply more sweet, more girly, yet generally less coveted than Prada, much like the dynamics between the Howard sisters in Euphoria.

Lexi Howard is the meek younger sister who’s often in big sis Cassie’s shadow. The cliché dynamics between the Howard sisters can be boiled down to bombshell mommy milker boy-crazy hypersexual old sister Cassie, and mousy brunette shy always-does-her-homework artsy quirky little sister Lexi.

A painting titled “Cassie Howard wears Prada heels while cowering in a bathtub after fucking her best friends abusive ex”

Cassie often dresses in skin tight silhouettes, plunging necklines, and pastel miniskirts. To be honest nothing about Lexi’s style in season 1 stands out to me with the exception of that lovely hot air balloon sweater. However this season, she’s the best dressed character. What draws me to her style so much is she’s not trying to be sexy, in the obvious way at least. This is something I resonate with as it captures a slice of my own personal style ethos.

The wardrobe and costume designers in Euphoria have made a thoughtful choice to dress Lexi in Miu Miu this season. What I find so compelling is the dynamic between Cassie and Lexi mirrors that of Prada and Miu Miu. Something I’ve observed as a long time Prada/Miu Miu fan is there seems to be two types of Prada customers. Those who lust after this seasons *it* item i.e. platform loafers, reedition nylon bag, ect. and those who seek out pieces that don’t necessarily have to be adorned with that shiny upside down triangle, they are buying for the quality and truly appreciate how Prada designs. In contrast Miu Miu fans foam at the mouth when a new batch of listings go up on The Real Real, they can spot a FW15 crocodile embossed leather skirt from a mile away, they are REALLY into Miu Miu. I’m speaking generally, of course, however if I had to pin down a designer that made me care about fashion in the first place it’s Miu Miu.

Dressing Cassie in Prada, and Lexi in Miu Miu is a genius way to highlight the dynamic in this sisterhood. Cassie has long been the center of attention; the glamorous, desirable one everyone wants to fuck then run to the group chat to gloat about their prize, like wearing a pair of Prada loafers on Instagram. An instant status symbol.

Cassie as a shoe

However a lace peter pan collared Miu Miu dress has a subdued symbolism, if you know you know, if you don’t it’s still a pretty dress. Lexi coming into her own, staying true to her aesthetic while working undercover to expose her inner circle through a school play rebellion IS the main character fantasy we needed.

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