Carrie Bradshaw’s Blue Norma Kamali Dress Review

And Just Like That costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago wanted six samples of the blue Norma Kamali dress Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) wears in episode seven of the HBO Max hit series. It is the look she chooses for her first foray again into the relationship world (do not fake you were not questioning what she’d put on . . . ), and it isn’t a nasty selection. It is formfitting, it really works as an ideal piece to layer with, and it is effortlessly attractive when teamed with a silver-foiled Max Mara blazer, Aquazzura jewel-strap heels, and Paco Rabanne snake-effect metallic clutch.

“She actually knew learn how to work the gown down that alleyway. The image of that with the gold mild behind her — it is a cowl! It is quintessential Carrie,” Rogers gushed to me over the cellphone. “It’s totally editorial,” Santiago agreed throughout our dialog. And it’s . . . till she throws up throughout it. After a number of too many drinks along with her new love curiosity Peter (performed by Jon Tenney), it quickly turns into clear why the wardrobe team wanted a number of additional samples for filming takes. “OK, who’s bought six of the identical gown after a pandemic?” Rogers laughed concerning the “stunt” they dressed Parker for on this scene. Media retailers took word of paparazzi photos on set previous to the present’s premiere, and in a single day, the eye-catching blue quantity was seemingly dubbed the “new Carrie gown.” Because it retails on the comparatively accessible worth level of $205 and in addition is available in a mess of colours (FYI: Rogers initially tried to supply it for Carrie in pink), I needed to strive it out.

Famend designer Norma Kamali defined that the Diana silhouette in query hails from the ’70s and has since been up to date with a built-in bodysuit for flatter and performance. She notably likes it on Parker due to the way it strikes on her physique. “[Parker] continues to exemplify that it’s attainable to be match at any age. She is proving simply that by sporting it, she is timeless no matter her age,” Kamali advised me, confirming that the response to her model and the ever-popular Diana (additionally just lately worn by Miley Cyrus on SNL) has been nice.

Kamali’s personal favourite method to type it’s with flat sandals or heavy lug boots. Nonetheless, when she despatched me one in all my very own, I took a tip from Carrie and opted for sandals, particularly since, at 5’1″, the gown match me slightly lengthy. Parker had the identical difficulty. “The minute SJ tried it on in her dressing room in between scenes, she was like, ‘That is going to completely work, I simply need it slightly shorter.’ And that was it. After I noticed it on her, I assumed, everybody’s going to check this to that brownish T-shirt gown she wears with sun shades on the road. It was so body-conscious, and you possibly can actually see her toned physique in it. I simply knew folks have been going to make that correlation,” Rogers mentioned, referring to the recent little mini from Intercourse and the Metropolis season two episode 15, when Carrie goes on a date with Vaughn Wysel (Justin Theroux).

Picture Supply: Moviestore/Shutterstock Above: Carrie Bradshaw wears her well-known charcoal T-shirt gown in Intercourse and the Metropolis season two.

Whereas its figure-enhancing high quality might be one cause everybody’s so hyped concerning the design, having worn it myself, I believe there’s additionally one thing to be mentioned about its versatility and luxury. Due to the gown’s four-way stretch poly-lycra bodysuit, I may dance the night time away at a marriage with out having to fret about adjusting the neckline, snapping an all-too-thin strap, or feeling restricted. The shirred sides create a fluid, lengthening search for your body, so even should you shorten it like Carrie did, it’ll nonetheless movement seamlessly with a blazer — or, as Santiago prefers to name it, the soft-slouch jacket. “We have been utilizing this look lots for the present, which, for us, is like the best way you’d put on a jean jacket. It is one thing you throw on over every thing. It all the time appears nice and stylish. However generally you want an additional layer should you’re in New York Metropolis, relying on the place you are going. You go exterior and it is slightly bit cooler,” he defined. I attempted it on with a number of of my coats — starting from informal to fancy, fitted to outsized — and preferred it simply as a lot.

Whereas Kamali has reworked the Diana all through the years, experimenting with totally different heights, finishes, and colorways (some variations unique to sure retailers), it all the time comes with a budget-friendly tag and in sizes starting from XXS to XL. I would argue that it now additionally presents a dose of Carrie’s confidence, and Rogers agrees. “I really feel like folks responded to that blue gown like they did to the customized Missoni within the closet scene when she will get again into heels. As a result of she reveals her physique a lot in these two silhouettes, folks actually assume to themselves, Ooh, Carrie goes out,” she mentioned, buzzing with pleasure. In spite of everything, sporting a “Carrie outfit” at any age emits that distinctive brand of mystique her character has turn out to be recognized for. Even after getting sick and struggling a wardrobe mishap within the gown, you guess Carrie will get a second date.

Forward, scroll to buy the “New Carrie,” aka Norma Kamali’s Diana, in a few of my favourite shades.