I Love LA: An Inside Look at the Well-Executed Looks on HBO’s New Hit Series
Written by Avery Charlesworth
Kenny Laubbacher/HBO
For anyone who has ever lived in Los Angeles or knows anyone who has, I Love LA really hits the mark a little bit too accurately. I Love LA has created a lot of buzz, primarily because of the authentic play on LA as a whole. The language, the character cliches, the “La La Land” struggles, and most of all, the fashion. Based on hit shows like Sex and the City, Entourage, and Girls, the show follows a close-knit, codependent group of friends who navigate Los Angeles and all that comes with it.
The first episode was released on November 2nd and is still being released every Sunday. This show is for anyone who is chronically online, has dreams of making it in a big city, or has even made it in a big city.
Tailored and made by costume designer Christina Flannery, the idea behind it was to be as LA as possible, but not overboard. Flannery's designs were based on the first season of Sex and the City, becoming her foundational inspiration, to style without wanting to be too authentic.
LA fashion does not follow guidelines, but still always needs to make sense, no matter how out of the ordinary some pieces are. But then again, being basic is a tried-and-true part of being an LA native. Flannery hits the mark when it comes to executing the Gen-Z LA fashion world just as well as the show executes the glamour and grit lifestyle of living in Los Angeles.
Kenny Laubbacher/HBO
Maia, the main character, is an ambitious creative marketing strategist for a trendy agency, striving for success. Deeply wanting to “make it” in LA, she showcases that in LA, with beauty comes pain. Flannery’s benchmark being Sex and the City creates Maia being the West Coast Carrie. Her style is chic but modern, and effortlessly fashionable, perfectly matching LA’s mix of luxury and laid-back culture. Her looks go from a stunning Dolce and Gabbana dress to blank, to a basic look from Edikted. Maia’s closet consists of vintage designer steals and basic LA girl staples. Maia’s style embodies the fashion-forward yet approachable LA aesthetics, without crossing the line.
Kenny Laubbacher/HBO
Tallulah Stiel, a bold and unapologetically herself, up-and-coming influencer who moved from NY to LA, like most do, to reconnect with her old friends. She is a New York girl, but her fashion is a little grungy. Every time she comes on screen, it looks like she has lived in that outfit; it's always a little funky but somehow works on her. In her stolen Balenciaga bag, once spilled over, was filled with dead vapes, crumbs, and tampon wrappers. Her wardrobe is like this; it might not be aesthetically pleasing, but it is truly and unapologetically her.
Kenny Laubbacher/HBO
Charlie, the epitome of a gay celebrity stylist, has the most distinctive high-end style, featuring even a comical printed shirt saying, “What’s going on with my career?” in Episode 5. His pieces are curated, playfully dramatic, and always flow. By flow, I don’t put it lightly, he still exercises his freedom in colors and textures. A relevant statement piece is his beloved pink ERL designer jacket in Episode 4. He puts passion and thought behind his outfits, which all viewers appreciate.
Kenny Laubbacher/HBO
And of course, the ultimate representation of an LA nepo baby, Alani. Alani has a combination of that effortlessly cool aesthetic mixed with an array of designer looks. Her closet consists of Prada, Attico, and even a YSL fringe purse. Most of the time, she meets the LA girl stereotype. In episode 1, the scene with Alani and Tallulah driving to the beach and pit spot at Erewhon is spot on. Pictured above in the bathing suit, the cropped cargo pants, and the shaal, it builds a perfect picture of a California daddy's money boy, who drives a blue bronco.
Overall, the clothing is just a fraction of what makes this show so uncomfortably accurate. I love LA is honest, fresh, and addictive. I am patiently awaiting the next episode this Sunday.
Which I Love LA character's style do you want? I would choose Alani.
Edited by Ana Massoglia
