“The Aesthetics of Deception: Netflix’s ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ Serves Style with Substance”
In the latest addition to Netflix’s compelling repertoire, fashion and fraud intertwine in a narrative that’s as meticulously styled as it is disturbing. “Apple Cider Vinegar” presents Kaitlyn Dever in perhaps her most sartorially nuanced role to date, embodying Belle Gibson – a wellness influencer whose carefully curated aesthetic became the smoke and mirrors of an elaborate deception.
The series, which navigates through various timelines between 2009 and 2015, uses costume design as a brilliant narrative device. Gibson’s evolution from mommy-board participant to wellness maven is tracked through increasingly polished ensembles and what can only be described as a masterclass in influencer aesthetic development. The transformation of her personal brand – from accessible wellness enthusiast to glossy lifestyle guru – is punctuated by the evolution of her veneers, which become increasingly luminescent as her influence grows.
In a masterful stroke of visual storytelling, the wardrobe department creates distinct aesthetic universes for each character. While Gibson’s world becomes increasingly luxe and curated, we see Milla (played by Alycia Debnam-Carey) and Lucy (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) existing in a more tactile, lived-in reality. Their wardrobes tell stories of lives interrupted, of comfort prioritized over presentation – a stark contrast to Gibson’s carefully orchestrated appearances.
The pinnacle of the series’ fashion narrative arrives in a recreation of Gibson’s infamous “60 Minutes” interview. The choice of a pink turtleneck sweater – a piece that would typically connote innocence and approachability – becomes an ironic statement piece that fashion historians will undoubtedly reference for years to come. It’s a moment where clothing transcends its material nature to become a character itself, speaking volumes about perception, presentation, and the power of sartorial choices in crafting public personas.
What makes “Apple Cider Vinegar” particularly relevant to today’s fashion landscape is its examination of the wellness-luxury intersection – a space where green juices are served in crystal glasses, and “healing” retreats come with designer gift bags. The series serves as a stark reminder of how aesthetic perfection can be weaponized, how the carefully curated flat lay can be used to sell not just products, but entire fictional narratives.
In an era where influencer culture has become inextricably linked with fashion and lifestyle content, “Apple Cider Vinegar” offers a sobering look at the darker side of digital perfection. It’s a reminder that behind every perfectly styled Instagram post might lie a more complex – and sometimes troubling – reality.
