In the world of fashion and television, few moments can trigger as much chatter as Carrie Bradshaw's latest sartorial choice in the third season of And Just Like That.... On 20 May 2024, Sarah Jessica Parker was photographed in New York sporting an oversized gingham bonnet, a striking piece that left viewers more bewildered than ever. The hat, likened to a pillowcase, provoked a wave of reactions online, ranging from playful comparisons to 1980s Strawberry Shortcake dolls to outright bewilderment, with comments such as “I can get behind the wildest of Carrie’s fashion choices but this duvet cover of a hat is truly unhinged.” This moment reflects the bold approach to fashion that Sex and the City fans have come to expect.

The hat, officially dubbed "Head in the Clouds," is a €450 (£379) creation by designer Maryam Keyhani, who noted its purpose as an invitation to express individuality and challenge societal norms. “She looks like she’s completely disregarding what mainstream culture tells her,” Keyhani explained, adding that embracing one's unique style is liberating at a certain age. This sentiment resonates with the overarching themes of And Just Like That..., which aims to celebrate personal expression, particularly for women navigating their identities in the contemporary world.

Carrie's extraordinary ensemble doesn't merely stop at the hat; it also includes a vintage Ossie Clark dress paired with Dr Scholl’s sandals, culminating in an outfit that many viewed as bordering on performance art. Lauren Garroni and Chelsea Fairless, hosts of the fashion podcast Every Outfit, echoed this notion, arguing that the hat’s magnitude transformed it into a sort of theatrical statement within the vibrant narrative of New York. The lack of acknowledgment from her character's friends in the scene—where they enjoy ice cream in Washington Square Park—only amplifies the boldness of Carrie's fashion choice. It speaks volumes about her confidence and the freedom she feels in her style.

Much of the costume's inception can be traced back to the creative minds of costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago, who are known for pushing fashion boundaries just as Patricia Field did during the original series' run. Rogers hinted that this season's creative direction drew inspiration from significant life changes for Carrie, particularly her shift from writing a sex memoir to exploring romance in her literary pursuits. The hat itself might be a nod to the whimsical bonnets of romantic literature, bridging the past and present in an overtly stylish package.

As with all avant-garde fashion, the hat has generated mixed reactions from audiences. While some fans express deep admiration for Carrie's audacious sense of style, others favour a more traditional approach to fashion, wishing to see her in elegant, bias-cut dresses rather than grandiose statements. Fairless illustrated this divide, suggesting that even amid polarising reactions, the boldness of Carrie’s outfits serves a purpose: it challenges viewers to reconsider their notions of good taste.

Perhaps the greatest takeaway from this bold fashion moment lies in the dialogue it ignites—between fans, critics, and the fashion industry itself. As history shows, outrageous fashion is often what captivates audiences and prompts discussions about identity, expression, and cultural norms. While some may argue that the hat represents a visual misstep, others revel in the idea that such daring choices are what keep us engaged in the narrative of And Just Like That....

As the legacy of Sex and the City continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: Carrie's impact on fashion is far from over. Whether or not large gingham hats gain mainstream traction remains to be seen; however, they are emblematic of a show that isn’t afraid to provoke, challenge, and entertain its audience through the lens of eccentric style.

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Source: Noah Wire Services