Pat Field on styling Emily in Paris
It’s no surprise that the new series by Darren Star, creator of Sex and the City, is trending on Netflix. The story of a marketing and social media pro from Chicago trying to make it in the City of Lights is full of humorous scenes about cultural clashes, French office code, romance, and ultra-chic looks à la Parisienne.
When Pat Field whispered to me last year at New York Fashion Week that she was filming a new series with the Sex and the City crew, in Paris, I knew we were in for a treat! So if watching Emily in Paris made you repeatedly ask “I wonder who she’s wearing,” you were probably remarking on a familiar styling signature. Patricia Field (78), the Oscar-nominated costume designer behind Carrie Bradshaw, once again nailed it with her mixes of high with low and vintage with trendy. This time, dressing Lily Collins and her co-stars in the French capital. And who could forget the fun accessories that must have sent fans into shopping frenzies (as Emily’s phone case that looked like a vintage camera came from Field’s personal wardrobe.)
I couldn’t help but call Pat for her behind-the-scenes styling insights.
What was your inspiration for styling Emily?
Lily Collins herself was the main inspiration. But of course, the storyline and the exciting energy of Paris, as well.
Do you have a favorite “Emily look”?
Actually, we created my favorite one quite unexpectedly when we mixed a Chanel turquoise classic jacket and purse with a Dope Tavio patchwork dress.
Where did you shop the looks for the series?
All over the place. Literally everywhere I found myself.
Favorite scene?
At the ballet when Emily wore a Christian Siriano black tulle dress! It was a homage to Audrey Hepburn.
Each character had such a distinct style. How did you approach dressing Emily’s difficult boss, Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), or her Parisian friend Camille (Camille Razat)?
Sylvie epitomizes French chic. I used brands like Rick Owens and Yohji Yamamoto in classic chic silhouettes. For her, I stuck to a Parisian color wheel including grays, navies, olives, etc. She was my opportunity to play with “French chic,” even though that style has been influenced so much by American fashion recently, like sneakers, hoodies, etc. So I wanted to bring it back. Camille is
a young version of a French classic. But even in her style, we see the influence of the ‘American classic’ look...
Is there a connection between dressing Emily Cooper and Carrie Bradshaw?
Most definitely — their fashion is expressive, original, and optimistic.
Photos: Netflix
How different was styling fashionista characters in Paris versus in New York for Sex and the City? And how do you view French and American style?
Sex and the City and Emily in Paris are two different shows in two different places with a different cast. But Paris and New York style is actually becoming one and the same. I was quite surprised to see the influence of the American style in France! I do not think that we Americans give ourselves enough credit for our influence on style worldwide.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on another TV series. This time in Harlem, New York, involving four best friends, their professions, their boyfriends, and all the shenanigans (laughing).