Empire Fashion Recap: All Hands On Deck
We’re going to be honest: It was a little hard to focus on the fashion on last night’s episode of Empire. With the company in danger, the Lyon clan didn’t have much time for clothing changes—in fact, other than Anika, everyone wore one outfit throughout the episode. Though that leaves less room for discussion in our fashion recap, we applaud costume designer Rita McGhee’s choice. Because, when you’ve got an empire to save, a killer outfit is the last thing you’re thinking about. Here, our recap.
Anika: Mess with the Bull, Get the Horns
Red is definitely Anika’s power color: she wore it to backstab Cookie and she’s wearing it again to take down Empire. Red is obviously the color of passion and rage, but it’s also what matadors use to tempt the bull—and Anika better be prepared to get the horns. Her double cross might have huge financial implications for the company, but Anika’s outfit proves this isn’t strictly business. Bodycon, off-the-shoulder, with a plunging back, the fiery red frock is just as suitable for a seduction as it is for a hostile takeover. Which, considering Berretti’s touchy-feely behavior, might be the same thing for Anika.
Cookie Means Business
In contrast to Anika, Cookie sticks to an uncharacteristically sedate palette of black-and-white. Though there’s nothing calm about Cookie herself (throwing Anika’s stuff out the window was a nice, if unnecessary, touch). This episode she’s channeling her passion into saving the company, and she’s dressed to take care of business in structured black and white top and black leather trench.
Jamal & Hakeem Step Up
What an upgrade! In place of their signature hoodies and tank tops, the younger Lyon brothers show off their business savvy with new looks: a crisp light pink shirt and gold chain for Jamal, and a studded shirt and black velvet blazer for Hakeem (because one can only grow up so much so fast).
Andre Unravels
Andre has managed to mask his mental illness from the rest of the Lyon clan, but with tensions running high—and his father’s disparaging comments running through his mind—the facade is starting to crumble. At a glance, he might look like a conscientious board member in his sharp grey suit, but look closer and you’ll see that his shirt is untucked, his suit slightly askew and—tellingly—the collar on his jacket is half flipped up to reveal a bright red lining. Costume designer Rita McGhee told us to look out for a palette change in Andre’s mostly-neutral wardrobe, and this is it. The fact that it pops up on the lining of his suitis significant: though Andre does his best to seem in control, deep inside his emotions are at chaos.
