Iconic American television series Sex and the City is set to return with a brand-new season later this year and with it, so will the stylish ensembles, bold humor, and scenes of bustling Manhattan. Exploring the lives of four dynamic New York-based women, the two-decade-year-old show is responsible for fashion legacies aplenty, introducing raging sartorial trends that defined the aughts: From iconic tube tops, tutus, and plush coats to cowboy hats and oversized sunglasses. With Carrie Bradshaw delivering chic New Yorker style, Miranda Hobbes sleek pant looks, and Charlotte York-Goldenblatt elegant day dresses, fans of the show are waiting to see how their favorite characters will dress in the 2021 reboot named And Just Like That...
There are some glimpses of star cast Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis, who have been filming the HBO Max series around New York City over the past few months. Parker, in particular, has been spotted recycling her character Carrie Bradshaw’s signature staples, like the sequined Fendi Baguette that has now achieved cult status, Manolo Blahnik pumps, and the giant blossom on her lapel from the third season of the show. But before all of these, Bradshaw’s wide, studded black leather belt by Streets Ahead made among the first few comebacks, last seen with a few outfits on Bradshaw in the 2008 Sex and The City movie.
Additionally, when Parker stepped out in a Dries Van Noten floral blazer, her feathered cap was reminiscent of the giant feather headpiece Carrie wore while tying the knot with Big in the same movie. Back then, the original costume designer, Patricia Field, paired the blue feather number with a Vivienne Westwood wedding gown for the memorable scene. Interestingly, since January this year, faux feathers have become a major addition in fashion, with celebrities like Harry Styles and Lady Gaga donning the look, and designers like Bottega Veneta and Valentino assimilating the ornament in their collections. In 2021, a time calling for an end to fast fashion, the reappearing pieces – styled by the reboot’s costume designer Molly Rogers – are not only easter eggs for fans and a part of the character’s personality, but also send a message of sustainability.
Parker in the alleged Forever 21 dress. Photo: Getty
However, this can’t be said for all looks emerging from the show so far, as one in particular sent style sleuths investigating the origins of a dress that appeared to have been from Forever 21. Worn by Bradshaw, the paisley maxi dress allegedly from a mall brand made fans question its adoption by a designer label-loving character, and the way it had been styled over a blue oxford shirt didn’t seem to help either. While the ensemble can pass as a more realistic high-low mix since it also included the Gucci x Balenciaga Hourglass bag and Terry DeHavilland platform sandals, it is the possibility of a fast fashion brand appearing on-screen that upset fans and critics. Forever 21 or not, the divisive nature of the looks overall has also led to a general consensus that the outfits leave something to be desired. But almost 20 years later, is it too much to expect the show to still have the sartorial influence it did?
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