10 feb 20214 Min. de lectura

HOW SATC CHANGED THE FASHION INDUSTRY DURING THE LATE 90s AND EARLY 2000s

Sex and the city singlehandly made Manolo Blanik a household name. Brands like Fendi were almost bankrupt until they started borrowing pieces for the show till every designer wanted it to put their pieces on hold for a glimpse of the glam of the show. Here are a few pieces that the show popularized and changed the perspective of how we used to dress back then:

1- Purses & Mini Bags:

Fendi, Dior, Hermés, Gucci, you name it. Every season of Sex and the City has a stament piece for every character, if we pay attention to Carrie’s style, mini bags are a must have on her wardobre. The fashion on Sex and the City was bold and groundbreaking. Many of the outfits seemed over the top during SATC’s original run, so it has come as a surprise how well many of the purses have aged. Samantha went all in with a hot red Fendi Du Jour Patent Shoulder Bag, Charlotte with a classy Chanel Timeless CC Satchel or the Resort 2007/8 Collection flap shoulder bag. Miranda on the other hand went for a striking Alexander McQueen Elvie patent leather bag on it’s show’s run.

FENDI BAGUETTE:

Starting of with the classic Fendi Baguette, also known as the first ‘It Bag’, is considered a signature accessory on Bradshaw’s outfits. Fendi holds a special spot in SATC fashion history as the first major designer to lend its wares to the show. The brand even had it’s own non fashionista concept featured on besides the bags, resembling the fake fendis as a deeper meaning of a relationship or a struggle in life.Anyhow, this bag has aged remarkably well; though it briefly fell out of favor in the mid-2000s, in fact, it aged so well that the brand reissued the iconic piece for the SS19 collection of Jacquemus, introducing the concept of a tiny, non-functional posh purse with once again, a deeper meaning behind.

DIOR SADDLE BAG: Such an iconic purse, even today, when models like Gigi & Bella Hadid wear it on a regular basis. This bag became famously and distinctively representative of its type.

HERMÉS BIRKIN: Quintessential. archetypal. epochal. exemplary. These are just a few words to describe the Birkin. It’s not just a bag, it’s a Birkin, a fashion statement and even a long run investment. An incredibly exclusive product that can only be bought if you are a major celebrity even if the concept of exclusive changed throught the decades. This 12,000 dollars bag stands for exclusivity and it’s only available through a waiting list.

GUCCI’S BELT BAG: while i'm not a fan of the classic fanny pack, this purse was major and unfortunately, still is. In the show is featured with low waisted skirts/shorts and turtleneck crop tops, a very early 2000s vibe.

2- ANIMAL PRINT

A print generally worn for teens and children, turned into a more colorful fabric. Zebra, leopard, giraffe and more, is valued for its eye-catching quality. When used in female clothing it can signify independence, confidence, sexuality and nonconformity, depending on the nature of the clothing or accessory. It's often seen in women like Samntha Jones and Carrie Bradshaw.

3- HEADBANDS

Worn by the one and only Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, this new yorker accessory became a staple for romantic Charlotte York.Another item that used to be seen just in infantils, took a turn into the conservative values and traditional values of femininity in the world of structure, generally associated with the classic tiaras from the royal family, they represented status.

4- POWER SUITS

Women’s independency it’s the main plot of the show, each and every one of them in their own way. From Samantha with her bright- bubbly and vibrant colors like red or fuchsia to a more conservative and neutral color palette like Miranda’s, this trend changed the game.

5- LINGERIE AS IN AND OUT GARMENTS?

Slip dresses and exposed bras were the most game changing trends of all. The slip dresses fitted every character on SATC. Charlotte and Miranda with a more conservative style versus a more sexy version of Samantha and Carrie. Goes perfect with everything and can be worn with very minimalistic accessories to ace it, the same goes for exposed bras, a trend that Victoria’s Secret popularized a few years back with the bralette.

6- Hairstyle vs Haircuts

Miranda’s androgynous short red hair, Carrie’s youthful curls, Samantha’s blonde long locks and Charlotte brunette chic style complemented all four women. Each with their own individual style and personality reflected on the costume design.