I am completely in love with all 3 seasons of the British teen drama Skins. The show’s storylines are entertaining, but what has me hooked is the fantastic styling of costume designer, Edward K Gibbon. Edward creates costumes that tell you something integral about the character upon visual observation, but that are also completely stylish in their own idiosyncratic way. I am infatuated with all almost all of the character’s style, but somehow narrowed it down to my top five.
1. Cassie Ainsworth Season 1 & 2
Cassie beats to the tune of her own drummer. She favors vintage and one-of-a-kind clothing that give her a style all of her own to match her quirk-ridden personality. She battles personal demons of self-loathing manifesting as anorexia and other self-destructive behavior, but she is the first person to see all the wonderful qualities of others. Life never ceases to amze her and she is in a constant state of “wow”.
2. Effy Stonem Season 1, 2 & 3
Effy is a complex character and the only one to play in all 3 season. At times she is a wee bit of a sociopath, like her brother Tony, void of any outer emotion and manipulating others feelings in a human chess game. At first, her style is good English girl by day, wild child by night, but by season 3 she is an all the time bad girl. Her style is total f*cking rock star. Even when she is dressed trashy, there is an editorial quality to the look that makes you want to be at least a little bit like her.
3. Naomi Campbell Season 3
Naomi is extremely passionate about her ideals, politics and principles. She isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right and that is evident in her style, which stands out on it’s own and doesn’t feel the need to follow any trend of the moment. She is often headstrong and certain of herself, until, well a personal journey takes place which leaves her certainly unsure of herself. Her style is always full of interesting ideas that will inspire personal style.
4. Chris Miles Season 1 & 2
Chris is the consummate party boy. He is the guy you think you will hate, but you end up loving. Chris is always up for experiencing whatever life has to offer and without thought will follow wherever the fun is taking him. Chris lives in the now, he does what will make him the happiest in that particular moment, which is evident in his personal style which is part clown, part raver and all pure fun.
5. Thomas Tomone Season 3
Thomas, an immigrant from Congo, is full of unconditional love for life. He has a maturity and a human kindness that isn’t often found in teenage characters. His style is never fussy and showcases his cool, casual and bright disposition. If there was a character that I wished was a real person in the world, it would be Thomas.
