Sarah Jessica Parker Talks Sex and The City, Fashion Journey at Communications Event
Graphic by Claudia Johnson
In the world of pop culture, one of the biggest style icons is easily Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw. From correcting a robber on the style of bag she wore, exclaiming “It’s a Baguette,” in season one, to the many scenes framed in her overflowing closet during the whole show, the character’s consciousness and costume design inspires.
Yet, behind the character’s famous Manolo Blahnik heels is actress and television producer Sarah Jessica Parker. This past weekend, Parker visited Northwestern’s campus. In anticipation of her style and advice, 290 tickets were reserved to see her Dialogue with the Dean for the School of Communications in Josephine Louis Theater.
When Communications sophomore Avery Meigs first heard about Parker being the guest speaker, she immediately sent the information to her group chat, knowing some of her friends would be fans.
“I think it's really inspiring, because Northwestern has all these connections and resources,” Meigs said. “I feel grateful that they're willing to share them with students like this and we can learn from these amazing people.”
Communications Dean E. Patrick Johnson knew Parker prior to the dialogue at the event and were able to share an understanding of the professional in their common industry and the personal in their own lives. The conversation started with a reflection of Parker’s upbringing being from a big family, similar to Johnson’s.
“I really liked her perspective coming from a low-income background into being a well-renowned television star,” Meigs said.
The hour and a half event additionally dove deeper into the newest season of And Just Like That… a revival and sequel to Sex and the City.
Medill sophomore Kaprice Daniels watched both series and said she has emulated some of the fashion in the shows herself. Daniels described Bradshaw’s looks, including mini skirt silhouettes and kitten heels, as her favorites.
“It changed my perspective on how I view celebrities with all the jokes she was cracking, [especially] how she was laughing with us,” Daniels said. “She’s a normal person, but she has this amazing legacy.”
Parker’s outfit at the event was completely thrifted, aside from her boots which were from her own line. She wore a white blouse layered with a black square neck corset over top and black wide-leg slacks. In neutrals, Parker’s silhouette stood out with open sleeves and a collar peeking over her corset.
“The character that I played and get to play for so long has such a fevered relationship with shoes and fashion, and it’s so different from my relationship with both those things,” Parker said.
She says the role of Bradshaw has grown her appreciation for the work of fashion. Parker described the fittings for the show as “inspired” and “dreamy,” and highlighted the relationships she has built with some of the most talented designers of the time.
Although Parker says fashion doesn’t dominate her life, she said she inherited a love for it from her mother, who made efforts to buy beautiful pieces at more affordable prices from church tag sales. Offering life learnings from her growing up and experience in the industry, Parker touched on her early roles in Annie on Broadway and the sitcom series Square Pegs, the value of disappointment and relationships with her husband and kids.
Communications alumna Francesca Mennella came back to campus for the event as a fan of Parker’s Broadway performances and her leading role in Sex and the City. At the same time, she said she was able to reconnect with NU’s Theater program.
As a New Yorker, Mennella said the show is one of her favorites and said she especially loves its exploration of female friendships that can be alongside you through life.
“I find that her advice, me being 10 years out of school, resonated very well,” Mennela said. “I think it was cool to just hear her perspective on life that applies to both current students and people like me who are quite a few years out of school.”