And Just Like that, I Got Carried* Away Again
Shot by Zeno Watson
Ahead of the much-anticipated reboot, here’s another Homage to Carrie, and the Style Genius that is Patricia Field
As the world awaits, with breath that is bated*, for the Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That…, I can’t help but reminisce about my favourite season of the show, the final season, and all the deliciously decadent and frothy-pretty looks that Carrie, in particular, wears. Her clothes are so much an expression of her character - possibly more than any other on-screen character I’ve ever admired - that the evolution of her style tells her story almost as well as she does, and she is our narrator-extraordinaire!
Out of the Frying Pan (S6, E16) is the episode in which this look appears. We see Carrie ‘travelling the world’ with the Russian. When he comes to pick her up for their date, she appears on her iconic steps dressed to the nines in a froth of white tulle. I love how she reacts when he says: ”You look…” and she just simply replies “Why thank you!” The way every compliment should be received, no? Petrovsky then reveals he’s cooking at her place… She is literally all dressed up with nowhere to go!
I saw this piece on the Coast website in summertime, however, at that point, it was actually a dress! The bodice had a sweetheart, illusion neckline and a drop waist. As soon as I spotted it I saw its potential as a dupe of Carrie’s look. So I bought it and had my wonderful tailor at Q Seamstress take it apart and create a skirt and top for me.
The bustier (Zara) came later… a happy accident I found online while browsing (as you do)!
They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. To that end, Patricia Field’s work deserves to be copied. I hasten to add, I’m not one for trying to look like other people or shamelessly copying looks that I like, however, for this, and for several other ‘Carrie looks’ I can make an exception. Field’s creations are so inspiring, unexpected and, dare I say, unique, that they deserve to be studied, learned from, emulated. And frankly, they just feel so damn good fun to wear!
At the age of 79, Patricia Field has more than paid her dues… and is arguably more vital and inspiring than ever. The multi-award winning costume designer first met Sarah Jessica Parker on the ‘95 movie, Miami Rhapsody, where they became friends. When Darren Star and Parker asked Field to work on SATC, I can’t help but wonder if they had any idea just how successful the collaboration, the show and the character would become! Not likely.
Although I had white booties that I could’ve used in the look, I wanted to add my own twist with my jewel-embellished Christopher Kane red patent booties. They’re like jewellery for the feet and they simply don’t get enough pavement time, so here they are, immortalised in Zeno’s beautiful photographs!
What are you most looking forward to about the SATC reboot? Much as I’m dying to know how their stories progress, if I’m really honest, it’s the fabulous fashion and the City itself I’m craving more of!
Until the Girls strut again, my friends, thanks for reading!
Nx
PS: check out more of Zeno’s fantastic work or make a booking here!