I know this is not the popular opinion but I must admit that I quite enjoy the Sex & The City films - to clarify, I'm talking strictly the first, we won't even go into the second of the two. Granted it shirked it's radical portrayal of what it is to be female; the societal pressures, claiming ownership over one's sexuality, being able to experiment with one's sexuality, embracing the female body, exploring religion, parenthood, fertility, infertility, infidelity, female friendships, sisterhood... Now, however, as Carrie sums up in the opening credits of the movie, it's all about the two L's: labels and love.
Though arguably, the order in which these two are recited illustrates that Carrie remains first and foremost a stalwart fashion enthusiast, the fact that the opening scene depicts her rendezvousing with Mr Big and not say, having coffee with her girl friends speaks volumes of the shift in focus here. The show is not so much about raw subject matter anymore, rather it riffs on cheap laughs and cringe inducing overshares (Charlotte's 'little incident' in my opinion isn't boundary breaking, it's just plain yuck). Though I could wax on and on, my focus, as ever, remains upon the clothes.
Before the opening credits have even rolled right the way through, Carrie has donned four different outfits (five if you're including the slinky pyjama set). And it's here, in the opening scene, that for me, the first outfit of serious note appears. My wardrobe is void of any greenery, a choice I have not consciously made but sometimes nonsensical things happen. However, the emerald green, strapless number with the contrasting yet complimentary green over coat is the stuff of dreams, or at least my dreams anyway. (You wouldn't believe how difficult it was to refrain from sounding like a lovesick teenager whilst writing that sentence then!) Also I feel that it's important to note the mix of hardware (studded belt and black heels) with frivolity (see Eiffel Tower bag - Ps I need one of these in my life. The End) it's truly a masterclass in what, for most, is considered an impossible feat.
Though, as I've already noted, the film lacks the certain rawness that the show was once famed for, it does touch upon the reality of a woman's closet, in that the 'wear once' mantra is both impractical and pretty vulgar in these recession hit times. Carrie's string of pearls for instance gets a fair few outings as does the studded belt I've already spotlighted. Basics get a turn, which isn't something that necessarily happened throughout the series, ever.
The first outfit Carrie wears once back in rainy New York city, after the honeymoon-cum-girls holiday, is an oversized scarf, nondescript white tee, classic leather jacket, cropped jeans and signature heels. It's a recipe for understated chic, however the beauty lies in the fact that, unlike much of Carrie's previous wears, this isn't an aspirational outfit, it's founded upon a principle of distinct accessibility. Check in your wardrobe, I guarantee there are at least three of the above items already taking residence there.
Next when interviewing a series of (unrealistic) prospective assistants, Carrie dons a grey chunky knit and simple black necklace - again stalwart items found in every girls closet. However, whilst this universality delights me, there was always something enjoyably voyeuristic about watching Carrie wear her eccentric ensembles whilst jaunting across New York. Carrie took the communicative possibilities of clothing to its zenith, punctuating her point of view with a pair of killer heels, always. Her toned down attire in this instance could be a visual incarnation of her apparent heartache (she was jilted at the altar after all), or, possibly a move towards a more approachable aesthetic. Either way, it's refreshing, if a little safe at times - I think I actually spied Miss Bradshaw in a pair of leggings!
SATC has always been about female expression, be that verbally, or through their physicality. It explored the taboo and the ridiculous, highlighting the sidelines and exposing the power of sisterhood. Yes the girls embodied stereotypes in some respects (Charlotte the prude, Miranda the cynic, Samantha the sexual deviant and Carrie the 'all of the above-er') and by the time the films were produced they had become borderline caricatures of their original characters, but the show still continues to offer an informed commentary on today's society. Encouraging discussion and an awareness of female issues all whilst showcasing some of the most fabulous clothing out there. Making a statement whilst statement dressing? Uh, yes please!
(Images via: telegraph, huffington post, pinterest & hercampus.com)
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