The Queen's Gambit: The Link Between Prada and Beth Harmon
After binge watching the hugely successful series The Queen's Gambit, there's no denying that Beth Harmon was not only an unbeatable chess prodigy but also had an infallible sense of style. The series is not just one worth watching thanks to Anya Joy Taylor's Emmy-worthy acting, but we can also learn something from it in terms of her impeccable style.
All credit, of course, goes to the costume designer who managed to wrap Beth and the cast in looks straight out of the 50s and 60s, with a meticulous eye for detail that's also seen in the striking make-up, hairstyles and accessories. In addition to that, we spotted a number of stylish déjà vu moments. On the Instagram account @diet_prada, Beth's style is linked to several iconic Prada collections. No, Beth is not accused of plagiarism, but the inspiration taken from the Italian fashion house is undeniable ...
We do know that Miuccia did not design vintage clothing, but the series takes place in the late 50s to 60s, an era the designer refers to time and again. Sometimes her fascination is in aesthetic - an obscure midcentury print or the intricate pattern of a vintage design garment. However, it often goes beyond the surface and examines the complex social structures of the time. Being in the Prada universe always occupies a central place for women.
Does it sound familiar? The visible link between Prada and Beth Harmon doesn't just lie in its clothing, but also in the underlying tones of feminism. After all, being a female grandmaster in the 1960s is certainly no easy feat. Here, we take a deeper dive into the two.