What Prada and 'The Queen's Gambit' Have in Common

After watching the hugely successful series The Queen's Gambit, there's no denying that protagonist Beth Harmon was not only an unbeatable chess prodigy, but also had an infallible sense of style. L'OFFICIEL star Anya Taylor-Joy's Emmy-worthy acting draws viewers in, and fashion buffs will recognize her character's wardrobe as reminiscent of Prada's archives.

All credit goes to costume designer Gabriele Binder who managed to wrap the whole cast in looks straight out of the '50s and '60s, with a meticulous eye for detail as seen in the striking makeup, hairstyles, and accessories. In addition, a number of stylish déjà vu moments emerged. Instagram account @dietprada, first linked Beth's style to some of Prada's most iconic collections. No, Beth is not accused of plagiarism, but the inspiration of the Italian fashion house on her closet is undeniable.

While Miuccia Prada was not designing in the '50s or '60s, it is an era that designers, especially Prada, refer to time and again. Often her fascination is in the aesthetics—an obscure midcentury print or the intricate pattern of a vintage design garment. However, it sometimes goes beyond the surface and examines the complex social structures of the time. In contrast to the time period, women have always been central to the Prada universe.

Similarly, in The Queen's Gambit, Beth finds herself in an unusual position as a woman in a male-dominated field. The visible link between Prada and Beth not only drips off the clothing, but also in their underlying acts of feminism. L'OFFICIEL looks at both with these five comparative looks.