Must-See HBO Max Series for Design Enthusiasts

HBO’s classic series that revolutionized television and fashion in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Sex and the City explores the world of four New York City women navigating love, friendships, and careers. The iconic costumes, designed by Patricia Field, serve as a visual commentary on each character’s personality and lifestyle. From Carrie Bradshaw’s eclectic, trend-setting style to Miranda Hobbes’ pragmatic attire, fashion plays a crucial role in defining each character’s individuality.

The cast of Sex And The City. Courtesy Hbo

Costume designer Patricia Field incorporates high fashion pieces from designers like Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Dolce & Gabbana into the characters’ wardrobes, reflecting the show’s aspirational aesthetic. The series showcases how fashion is not just clothing but a form of self-expression, identity, and empowerment. The iconic looks from Sex and the City continue to influence the fashion industry and pop culture today.

Inventing Anna

Loosely based on the true story of Anna Sorokin, a Russian con artist who posed as a wealthy New York socialite named Anna Delvey, Inventing Anna delves into the world of high society and deception. The costumes, designed by Sarah Laux, play a crucial role in portraying Anna’s fabricated image of wealth and glamour.

Inventing Anna. Courtesy Hbo

From designer labels to chic ensembles, the costumes highlight the contrast between Anna’s fraudulent persona and the reality of her financial situation. The lavish outfits and accessories mirror the extravagant lifestyle Anna tries to portray, showcasing the seductive allure of luxury and social status. Inventing Anna explores how appearances can be deceiving and how fashion can be a powerful tool for self-reinvention.

The White Lotus

Set in a luxury resort in Hawaii, The White Lotus delves into the lives of guests and staff interacting in a paradise setting. The vibrant costumes and lush interiors transport viewers to a world of privilege, leisure, and hidden tensions.

The White Lotus. Courtesy Hbo

Costume designer Alex Bovaird captures the essence of each character through their wardrobe choices, reflecting their personalities, desires, and conflicts. The sumptuous resort setting, designed by Laura Fox, serves as a backdrop for the characters’ interactions, highlighting the disparities in wealth and social dynamics. The White Lotus juxtaposes beauty and tension, creating a visually compelling narrative that immerses viewers in a world of luxury and intrigue.

Overall, these HBO Max productions showcase the power of design in storytelling, as interiors, furnishings, and costumes become integral elements of the narrative. From the understated luxury of Succession to the extravagant opulence of The Gilded Age, each series and film creates a visual world that enriches the characters’ experiences and relationships. Whether exploring themes of wealth, status, identity, or deception, these productions use design to immerse viewers in a captivating and visually stunning universe. As HBO Max continues to expand its reach globally, audiences can look forward to more compelling stories where design plays a central role in shaping the narrative and engaging viewers in new and exciting ways.