“I’m sorry. I can’t. Don’t hate me. This is the conversation Carrie Bradshaw would have with Crocs.
When costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago thought about the shoes Carrie, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, would wear after her hip surgery in HBO Max’s “And Just Like That…”, the divisive Crocs clog was handed out in question. “We had to have them there because we had to consider what you wear when you come out of the hospital,” Rogers said. “But, you know, we’re not a documentary. Luckily, we found these awesome pom-pom slides.
Rogers said they went “crazy” pulling a range of different shoe styles for the stage. Eventually, they landed on a pair of tomo Koizumi x Emilio Pucci in ruffled tulle and leather.
Another major shoe moment the designers envisioned was whether or not high-heel fanatic Carrie would wear sneakers. It’s been nearly 20 years since the TV series “Sex and the City” ended, and since then sneakers have invaded the footwear space at almost every brand and price point.
“New York women wear fierce sneakers and most people have a sneaker. But the more I thought about it, the more I was like, ‘No, that’s not part of that story on this new show,’ Rogers said “It was more exciting to explore what she would wear when she had a hip problem, to come up with our own creative ideas for replacing the sneaker.”
Cynthia Nixon and Sarah Jessica Parker in “And just like that…” episode 5. CREDIT: Craig Blankenhorn/Courtesy of HBO
One style being the Birkenstock. In “Tragically Hip,” the fifth episode of “And Just Like That,” Carrie compares herself to a Vermont art teacher wearing a pair of “disturbing” olive green Birkenstock sandals with white socks in the waiting room of the hospital.
After the surgery, however, he was back in a pair of shimmering gold Christian Louboutin pumps and all was well with the world again. Fans will remember the same stilettos from the opening scene of the movie “Sex and the City 2.”
Sarah Jessica Parker in “And just like that…” episode 5. CREDIT: Craig Blankenhorn/Courtesy of HBO
“Shoes are important to the brand, especially when it comes to Carrie and her love of shoes and how she’s basically given many brands household names from the TV show. So this series is a continuation of that,” Santiago said.
Outside of the now infamous shower scene and Manolo Blahnik blue satin pumps cameo – which was scripted – the designers brought back archival shoes from Parker’s own collection, custom pairs and “the most beautiful shoes of the season,” Santiago said. Carrie could also be seen in a pair of charcoal pumps from Parker’s SJP collection which were actually adorned with crystal earrings as shoe clips.
Another standout style came in the form of Valentino Couture gold metallic platforms. Carrie doesn’t wear the shoes, but they are on full display in the closet scene in episode 5. It was a one of a kind piece made in Parker’s size as there were only a limited supply made for the track. “We called or tried to find every shoe in the world. We had every type of shoe we could get our hands on,” Rogers said.
While high heels are the quintessential symbol of Carrie Bradshaw’s character, Rogers and Santiago said a common misconception is that Carrie dresses feet first. In fact, this is the last step. “We always put together an outfit and then go find the shoes,” Rogers said.
Yet two decades have passed and the show and its characters continue to put fashion front and center. Rogers said the ethos of “Sex and the City” — where she worked in the wardrobe (run by Patricia Field) during the show’s run — was that it was a moving fashion magazine.
“It was such good DNA to have for this show because you had someone who knew what clothes could do and knew how to move with it. And that was Sarah Jessica. It was a really perfect storm.
Costume designers Danny Santiago and Molly Rogers have created a new collection of belts with Streets Ahead. The line reflects the whimsy, sparkle and glamor the designers collectively bring to their projects. Prices range from $69 to $395. CREDIT: courtesy image
This perfect storm continues in “And just like that…” This time around, every look was put under the microscope, and while there was a lot of scrutiny, the designers were more than happy to be of return.
Shoe options seen in the dressing room for “And just like that…” CREDIT: courtesy image
“When we were in the dressing room, it was like seeing a long-lost friend,” Rogers said. “And I think the fans felt that and the fans felt that about certain props. People were so happy to see these pieces coming back.
