Shifter Selects: Euphoria's in Full Swing
Graphic by Samantha N. Olson. Photos from left to right: Hunter Schafer/HBO, Mariama/Instagram, Billie Eilish and Rosalía/Matty Vogel and Zhamak Fullad.
Welcome to Shifter Selects, a new addition to our digital component where we’ll highlight the latest trends in music, film/TV and fashion. Here’s how it’ll go down: on Monday of every week, we’ll be on the lookout for trending topics and give our hot takes on the matter. Sound like something you’d be interested in? Look no further than our Shifter Selects for the week of Jan. 25–29.
This week, there’s been a massive push from HBO’s beloved drama, "Euphoria." With new music from Billie Eilish and Rosalía to the final installation of the show’s 2-part special, what’s not to love? Oh, and who can forget the Y2K fashion and beauty trends the cult classic has reignited for a new generation? Let’s dive right in and see if "Euphoria" is worth all the hype.
Content warning: "Euphoria" spoilers ahead.
Music
Billie Eilish and Rosalía team up on "Lo Vas A Olvidar"
by Valerie Galarza
Where to listen: Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube
Billie Eilish and Rosalía just dropped a groundbreaking collaboration for HBO’S hit show “Euphoria.” The song "Lo Vas a Olvidar" ("You Will Forget Her") was recently featured on the soundtrack for a special episode titled "Part Two: Jules.” This is Billie’s first time releasing a song sung mostly in Spanish and we already want more.
“I remember when we were writing the song, I remember her saying something about, 'It should be in English.' And I was like, 'No, no, no. It should be in Spanish. It's so beautiful,” Eilish said in an interview with Apple Music. With its melancholy lyrics sung by the enchanting voices of Billie Eilish and Rosalía combined with the deep bass, the bilingual song has a dream-like aesthetic that fits perfectly into the theme of the show. You can check out the newly released song on Apple Music and Spotify along with the music video on YouTube!
Film/TV
"Euphoria" releases final installment of two-part special
by Camille Ruiz Mangual
Where to watch: HBO Max
In the first episode of the two-part "Euphoria" special, "Trouble Don’t Always Last," Rue and her Narcotics Anonymous sponsor, Ali opened up about addiction, heartbreak, mental health and finding power within yourself. Part Two, "Fuck Anyone Who’s Not a Sea Blob," has a similar setup in that it is a conversation between two characters; in this case, Jules and her therapist, Dr. Nichols. The episode was co-written by Hunter Shafer, who portrays Jules, and premiered Sunday, Jan. 24 on HBO.
Over the course of an hour, Jules expresses complicated feelings about her transition and considers going off her hormones. She talks about finding out that Nate posed as “Tyler” to manipulate her. Jules also reveals the burden she feels in being responsible for Rue’s sobriety, revealing that her mother is also an addict. The episode provides depth and grounding to a character that, up until now, has only been portrayed through Rue’s eyes. You can watch the episode now on HBO Max!
Fashion
Beloved Y2K trends are making a comeback
by Brianna Bradley
Where to follow: Miu Miu, Juicy Couture
Photo by Peter Bucks on Unsplash
The year is 2000. The shift of the millennium has sparked a wave of experimental fashion influenced by rave culture and space imagery. From sheer tops to iridescent accessories, the Y2K aesthetic illustrates that “the future is now.” Much like the beloved styles of the 80s and 90s, Y2K trends have made a comeback in recent years. This can be seen within pop culture, with shows like HBO’s “Euphoria” introducing Y2K to a new generation of teens and young adults. Bold eye makeup looks — bright shades, sparkling glitter and shining gemstones — are taking over Instagram feeds and high-fashion runways.
Leather clothes, mesh materials, and two-piece sets are all the rage. Accessories like cat-eye sunglasses, butterfly clips and hoop earrings have never looked so stylish. Y2K fashion is all about making a statement and being seen. Jump onto the trend: dig into your closet and live like it’s the 2000s.
Want to keep up with the latest trends?
Tune in next Monday for our next installment of Shifter Selects!