The White Lotus: A Crime of Fashion?
From Hawaii to Sicily, from crazy to… crazier, The White Lotus’ sophomore season dials up the glamor with a new cast, a new plot, and a nuanced wardrobe. The series surrounds the promise of a “crime of passion” with an ominous season-opening-flash-forward; however, what arguably stole the show were the crimes of fashion committed by some characters and the fabulous lack thereof from others. Acclaimed costume designer, Alex Boviard, curated an eclectic arsenal of looks that masterfully define each character and even provide glimpses into their impending fates. So, as we journey through a character-by-character breakdown of this season’s fashion fails and flourishes, be careful and keep in mind that some of these looks can kill…
How else could we begin with anyone other than the fan-favorite deranged heiress, Tanya (played by Jennifer Coolidge) and her myriad of Dolce and Gabbana. As the only character returning to the White Lotus resort chain, audiences have a unique insight into Tanya’s character in observing how her style changes from season to season. Departing from her laid-back Hawaiian wardrobe, Tanya sports an array of loud floral prints, high heels, and an enviable collection of Valentino purses on her Sicillian getaway. Why this sudden change? Perhaps Tanya’s peacocking comes from a fear for her relationship with a newfound husband who might not be who he says he is… Don’t worry, this is a spoiler free zone, so we’ll move on from Tanya’s fashionable clues to newbie Portia (played by Haley Lu Richardson) who’s style can only be described as… busy.
Photo: Tanya in The White Lotus Season 2 on HBO Max
Portia, Tanya’s indecisive Gen Z assistant, commits many fashion faux pas during her time at the White Lotus. Described as a child of the internet, Portia’s wardrobe– looking as though it was purchased straight from a series of Instagram ads– is chock-full of trendy brands like House of Sunny and Crap Eyewear. In an interview with Vogue, costume designer Alex Boviard explains that “Portia is completely lost, and we wanted her wardrobe to reflect that”. Her scattered style borrows from almost every fashion era; however, even the most enticing vintage piece could not save the random assortment of garments Portia pieces together.
Photo: Portia in The White Lotus Season 2 on HBO Max
As for the rest of the eclectic bunch, frenemy couples Cameron and Daphne (played by Theo James and Meghann Fahy) and Ethan and Harper (played by Will Sharpe and Aubrey Plaza) make for some interesting fashion outtakes. While Harper’s New York lawyer aesthetic is reflected through her Bottega bags, Loewe swimsuits, and plethora of well-styled vintage– Daphne begins the series as the antithesis to this, giving very much classy Hamptons mom.
Photo: Ethan, Harper, Daphne and Cameron (left to right) in The White Lotus Season 2 on HBO Max
With a repertoire of beachy and breezy Zimmerman and Gucci pieces, Daphne could not be more different to Harper style wise or personality wise. However, as the season progresses and a “friendship” blossoms, Harper and Daphne’s styles converge to the point of twinning– drawing a very fine line between their convoluted relationship with one another and with their husbands.
Photo: Daphne and Harper in The White Lotus Season 2 on HBO Max