'GOSSIP GIRL' 2.0 RETURNS WITH A STYLISH THROUPLE, AND BLAIR WALDORFIAN HEADBAND

The HBO Max reboot's sophomore season begins immediately after an eventful New Year's Eve in Hudson, but the show's return is much hotter. The dialogue is full of cackle-inducing, fashion-related rapid-fire jokes, mostly between the scheming Monet (Savannah Lee Smith) and the teen spin doctor Luna (Zión Moreno). Pay close attention for extortion involving Law Roach, shade at Diet Prada, and retail burns unique to New York City.

Daman continues to push the "Gossip Girl" envelope, taking the Constance Billard and St. Jude's co-eds into their next stages, scandals, entanglements, and, yes, personal growth, after six seasons of the original and one for 2.0. The costume designer talks about fashion highlights from episodes one and two, as well as upcoming outfit (and plot) teasers.

JULIEN'S ZOYA-WANNABE OVERALLS

Julien (Jordan Alexander) is literally starting over after downsizing and moving in with half-sister Zoya (Whitney Peak) and her cash-strapped father, Nick (Jonathan Fernandez). Julien is focusing on bettering herself rather than reuniting with her snooze-fest ex Obie (Eli Brown).

"She's more aware, but she's still Julien Calloway, so it's a little misguided," Daman says.

Of course, fashion is the primary way Julien expresses herself (and ill-advised social subterfuge). She decides to "emulate" Zoya's steadfast (if sometimes sanctimonious) commitment to her values by copping her low-key aesthetic, as sisters are wont to do.

JULIEN'S DEBUTANTE BALL GOWN. the rivalry with monet

Monet is ready to seize the spotlight as Julien attempts to step away from it. Cue the obligatory "Gossip Girl" black-tie affair in a very public setting: a modernization of the antiquated debutante ball.

Luna — a.k.a. Constance Billard's resident Samantha Jones — persuades Julien to compete against Monet for the "Most Influential Teen" cover of Spectator magazine, possibly as a stand-in for New York, given that former staff writer Hunter Harris has joined the "Gossip Girl" writers room for season two.

Because Monet fully commits to the manufactured conflict and throws herself in a fountain, the costume designer had to source a few of the opulent designer gowns as well. But, once again, Julien triumphs.

MAX'S SOFTER SIDE

Max (Thomas Doherty), a hard-partying pleasure seeker, finds himself in uncharted territory: now that longtime couple Aki (Evan Mock) and Audrey (Emily Alyn Lind) have extended their bond to include him, he's exploring his unguarded side and experiencing feelings.

Max's emotional maturation is visible in his chunky sweaters and cozy, tactile layers — think Burberry cardigans versus last season's sharp, tailored suits and ornate shirts.

THROUPLE COORDINATED STYLE

Couples and best friends often start dressing alike — so does the official throuple that is Aki, Audrey and Max.

"They're coordinating," says Daman, noting how, in the original series, he would often match Blair (Leighton Meester)'s headband with Chuck (Ed Westwick)'s pocket square. "It really helped tell a story in certain scenes, when you want their energy to be connected."

Daman points to the scene (above) when the three attempt to announce their triad romance with a dinner, which, in true "Gossip Girl" style, goes comically awry.

THE RETURN OF THE HEADBAND

Monet even dresses like Blair in checked bouclé skirt sets, lace-trimmed Peter Pan collars, designer ribbon ties, and, of course, headbands — "just a complete echo of Blair Waldorf," says Daman, who enjoyed reuniting with Jennifer Behr, purveyor of Ms. Waldorf's headpieces, but also incorporating smaller independent designers, such as Lele Sadoughi and Deepa Gurnani.