Euphoria's Costume Designer Breaks Down the Looks in the New Special Episode — Yes, Rue's Red Hoodie Is Back

Euphoria's cast and crew knew damn well we were waiting for Rue and Jules to come back into our lives — perhaps not so patiently. HBO's release of two special bridge episodes in between seasons one and two is the solution. In the first, "Part 1: Rue," which came out on Dec. 6, Rue harps on her decision to let Jules leave town without her, calling Ali, her unofficial sponsor, for advice on Christmas Eve. While we weren't exactly surprised to see her red hoodie make a comeback — you know, the one she wears often in memory of her dad — we did have questions for costume designer Heidi Bivens about what it's like to pick up and style two freestanding episodes rather than a season all at once.

Bivens confirmed that because of the storyline in "Part 1: Rue," 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 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 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 and ensuring that Rue continued to dress from a perspective that speaks to her character's roller coaster of experiences. Ahead, get details on the outfits worn in the first of the two special episodes.

Rue's Red Hoodie
HBO

Rue's Red Hoodie

The sweatshirt, which Zendaya famously hung onto 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 on its shop, which is on sale for $22. Sure enough, it's back for the special episodes. Bivens said 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
HBO

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," Bivens said of her process. "It has a lot to do with trying to empathize with and get into the mind of the character." Here, Rue wears a lived-in tee, sport shorts, and high socks during a scene in which she imagines what it would be like if she'd gone to New York with Jules.

Standout Style Moments
HBO

Standout Style Moments

In the beginning of the episode, Rue imagines her life in New York with Jules, and the fantasy comes with her watching Jules get all dressed up to present a collection as a designer. Jules puts on an oversize button-down splashed in blue paint and sport pants, while Rue lounges around in a vintage lived-in graphic tee from Online Ceramics. "I collaborated with Online Ceramics, who I love," Bivens said. "I have been wanting to work with them for a while. I think there will be more opportunities for further collaborations in the future."