As the fourth season of HBO’s intense financial drama, “Industry,” unfolds, it’s becoming strikingly clear that its central figure, Whitney Halberstram, is far from a typical tech aspirant. Without revealing crucial plot twists, the financial figures behind Halberstram’s ambitious market disruptor just aren’t adding up. (Consider this your spoiler alert!)
Remarkably, Halberstram, brilliantly portrayed by Max Minghella, stands out not just as one of TV’s most impeccably dressed characters, but also as a living testament to how the right attire can often pave a smoother path than a virtuous one.
Laura Smith, the talented costume designer for the show’s last two seasons, explains Halberstram’s sartorial strategy: “Whitney understands the necessity of projecting social acceptability. He’s a keen observer of consumer culture, leveraging its unspoken rules to gain access to exclusive circles.”
Introduced this season, Halberstram is an American, a Stanford alumnus with a past as murky as London’s Thames, now holding the CFO position at Tender, a burgeoning banking startup. His wardrobe—refined yet understated, poised rather than flashy—serves as his entry into the hierarchical world of London’s finance, a realm where an insatiable hunger for wealth clashes with deeply entrenched class traditions.
Minghella’s character is frequently seen in single-breasted Richard James suits. These navy-hued garments feature soft shoulders and are impeccably tailored, signaling a cultivated background or, at the very least, meticulous preparation. He pairs these with crew necks in complementary shades or crisp powder blue dress shirts from Budd, a renowned British shirtmaker. These aren’t your average off-the-rack collars; they command attention, just like Halberstram’s upright demeanor. His choice of footwear? Crockett & Jones, a venerable name in British shoemaking.
Throughout its run, “Industry” has consistently highlighted the pivotal role of appropriate attire. In its debut season, a rookie banker faced severe reprimand for donning a cheap suit. The series maintains its clear stance on the power of presentation. In the current season’s opening episode, when Halberstram orchestrated a swift takeover of his company from his hoodie-clad friend and co-founder, Jonah Atterbury (played by Kal Penn), one justification cited was Atterbury’s “general hygiene not befitting status of executive function.” As the power shift occurred, Halberstram presided from across the boardroom table, radiating confidence in his perfectly fitted suit and pristine blue shirt.
Pocket squares? Never. Halberstram isn’t aiming for a ‘Shark Tank’ vibe. Colors? Only subtle, earthy tones, nothing too attention-grabbing. Designer sneakers? Absolutely not; he strives to be perceived as a serious industry player, not a flashy heir like Kendall Roy. His look is handsome, yet subtly nondescript. And that, precisely, is his intention.
Echoing the calculated minimalism of figures like Elizabeth Holmes, though with less severity, Ms. Smith intentionally crafted a concise, almost uniform-like wardrobe for Halberstram.
“It’s one fewer decision, one fewer deception he has to craft each day,” Ms. Smith noted. His collection of fine-gauge sweaters, navy suits, and understated ties forms a dozen reliable pieces for manipulating perceptions. She draws parallels to Tom Ripley, another character who masterfully used outward appearance to navigate high society. Halberstram, much like Ripley, is portrayed as a “class interloper.”
For this season’s preparation, Ms. Smith immersed herself in London’s financial district, observing real-life “banker bros.” She witnessed instances where individuals were denied entry to upscale restaurants and clubs due to inappropriate dress. The season deliberately explores these power dynamics, particularly through the use of neckties. Ms. Smith observed that ties were often deployed by characters when they were seeking to exert influence or make a request.
In a recent episode, the tie made its significant appearance on Halberstram. Trapped within the glass walls of his corner office, he engaged in a heated debate with a short seller on CNN. His attire? The quintessential armor of upper management: a sharp single-breasted suit paired with a subtle sepia necktie. This polished image played a crucial role in keeping his company afloat, if only for a few more crucial days.