The Idols’ costumes have sparked mixed reactions from critics since the first two episodes premiered. While the HBO series is centered around highlighting the sinister side of fame, many are displeased with the risque fashion on display. From lace dresses to lots of barely-there bra tops and many more, the costume choices have been deemed inappropriate. However, while mixed reactions continue, the truth behind The Idols’ costumes has been revealed. According to costume designer Natasha Newman-Thomas, they were intentionally created in this way.
What Is the Truth Behind ‘The Idols’ Costumes
On Sunday, Newman-Thomas sat for an exclusive chat session with E! News. During the interview, the costume designer opened up about the truth behind The Idols’ racy costumes. Firstly, the award winner shared that to portray the show’s twisted fantasy, the costumes were intentionally meant to be “a little scandalous.” According to the designer, they intended to bring a sense of sleaziness and darkness.
“You don’t always see pop stars or the underbelly of the music world portrayed that way,” she added.
Furthermore, Newman-Thomas shed more light on the main character Jocelyn’s attention-grabbing wardrobe. She explained that being a pop star at Jocelyn’s level entailed wearing outfits that were unattainable, to keep the fantasy status. For Newman-Thomas, it was necessary to let viewers know that Jocelyn wasn’t a normal person. Next, the actress shared another truth behind her costume. For Jocelyn, the designer wanted to showcase the character’s transformation through her outfits.
According to Newman-Thomas, Jocelyn didn’t take charge of her destiny. But eventually, she realized her potential and projected the newly found confidence through her clothes.
“There’s definitely a narrative arc to it that changes after she meets Tedros. We wanted to portray her transformation through the clothes and sensibility toward harnessing power,” Newman-Thomas added.
Regarding the inspiration for Jocelyn’s costumes, the designer said she turned to the likes of Thierry Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier. According to her, they had traditional sensibilities with their own twists and didn’t follow trends. As a result, Mugler and Gaultier were the perfect people to create a timeless look for an iconic superstar.
The Idols costume is as attention-grabbing as the plot. The series centers around an aspiring pop star forced to cancel her last tour after having a nervous breakdown. Following the tour’s cancellation, she begins a complicated relationship with a self-help guru and the head of a contemporary cult. The series’ first two episodes premiered on May 22, 2023, at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. Then on June 4, 2023, it began airing on HBO. Now, with the truth behind The Idols costume revealed, viewers can perhaps watch with a new perspective.