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In the second season of the highly anticipated series 'Rivals,' costume designer Ray Holman delves deeper into the vibrant and power-driven fashion of the 1980s. With amplified shoulder pads, sharper suits, and dazzling embellishments, the characters' wardrobes mirror the heightened stakes of the corporate world. Holman drew inspiration from '80s icons and collaborated with renowned brands to craft a distinctive and evolving style for each character.

Season 2 plunges viewers into a fierce corporate rivalry between Tony Baddingham's Corinium network and the upstart Venturer, led by Rupert, Declan, and Freddie. This intense struggle is reflected in the characters' attire, which becomes more extravagant and tailored, emphasizing their ambition and power. Holman's meticulous attention to detail, from customized suits to carefully selected accessories, ensures that each costume tells a story, enhancing the narrative's dramatic flair.

The Evolution of Style in 'Rivals' Season 2

Ray Holman, the costume designer for 'Rivals,' sheds light on the sartorial advancements in the show's second season, focusing on a more exaggerated 1980s aesthetic. Following the success of the first season, Holman embraced a naturalistic yet elevated approach, securing collaborations with prestigious brands like Dunhill, Mulberry, Ray-Ban, Longines, Omega, and Burberry. These partnerships allowed him access to authentic '80s archives, ensuring historical accuracy and luxury. The design process involved revisiting each character's Season 1 wardrobe and strategically enhancing their looks to signify growth and increased prominence within the narrative, introducing more pronounced shoulder pads, sharper tailoring, and eye-catching details.

Holman's inspiration for the new season was deeply rooted in the fashion of the 1980s, drawing extensively from his personal collection of British 'Vogue,' 'The Face,' and 'Tatler' magazines from 1987. Key fashion figures like Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell influenced the overall aesthetic, while musical icons such as Sade and Whitney Houston specifically inspired Nafessa Williams's character, Cameron Cook. Hayley Atwell's newcomer character, Rupert's ex-wife, also channeled the dramatic styles of Cindy and Linda Evangelista, featuring bespoke wide-brimmed hats, broad shoulders, cinched waists, and precise tailoring. For Taggie O'Hara, portrayed by Bella Maclean, her naturalistic style evolved with embroidered white cotton shirts, Levi's, cowboy boots, and the addition of vintage cashmere jumpers, reflecting her newfound financial independence. Cameron's wardrobe also softened, opting for subtle tailoring and longer skirts, incorporating pieces from Armani, Lolita Lempicka, and Azzedine Alaïa, and even paying homage to Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel designs from the era.

Tailored Identities: Male Characters' Wardrobe and Accessories

The male characters in 'Rivals' Season 2 each possess a distinct sartorial identity that reflects their personalities and positions. Ray Holman meticulously designed their wardrobes to differentiate them. Tony Baddingham, inspired by the gangster aesthetic of 'Bugsy Malone,' favors opulent, bespoke double-breasted, chalk-striped suits, complete with waistcoats, vibrant braces, decorative hankies, buckled shoes, and bold socks, showcasing his flashy and powerful demeanor. His accessories include multiple flashy watches, symbolizing his ostentatious wealth. In contrast, Rupert Campbell-Black's style is more understated and classic, leaning towards Prince of Wales checks, brogues, and houndstooth coats. His suits, though less ostentatious, exude a timeless quality, often featuring blues and grays, and reflecting his political role as an MP with a touch of tweediness inspired by his equestrian pursuits. Rupert's choice of a Longines watch subtly nods to the brand's '80s polo sponsorships, aligning with his refined image.

Declan O'Hara, the dashing journalist, is characterized by pure Irish tweed, emphasizing his roots and a more rugged elegance. Freddie Jones, the self-made businessman, embraces a brasher style, with his clothing choices and accessories, such as an '80s gold digital watch, reflecting his ambitious and less traditional background. Holman's detailed approach to each character's attire extends to their accessories, which serve as crucial elements in defining their individual personas. The careful selection of watches—Tony's flashy timepieces, Rupert's classic Longines, and Declan's Omega—further enhances their distinct identities. This thoughtful costuming ensures that even the minor characters, such as Valerie, Maud, and Monica, are impeccably dressed, adding depth and visual richness to the series' vibrant '80s setting.