KO Review of Happy Clothes A Film About Patricia Field

Last year I received a biography called: Pat in the City. It was a hard copy book, a biography on Patricia Field from my friend Jeff on my birthday. The book is all about growing up as a Greek Immigrant in the dry cleaning shops her parents owned and falling in love with fabrics and fashion- leading to a fabulous life as the top stylist of all time, complete with pictures. I adored it. When I heard about the film coming out- I jumped on the opportunity to watch and write this review!

In Happy Clothes, director Michael Selditch offers an intimate and spirited exploration of the life and work of Patricia Field, a name synonymous with bold, groundbreaking fashion. This documentary goes beyond the usual glossy biopic, capturing not just Field’s greatest hits in costume design—Sex and the City, The Devil Wears Prada, and Emily in Paris—but also the grit, authenticity, and relentless passion that have shaped her six-decade career.

Right from the start, the film immerses us in Field’s world, presenting a candid and unvarnished portrayal of a woman who has built her empire by defying the odds. Field’s story is one of resilience: as a gay, first-generation American woman, she not only survived but thrived in an era when everything seemed stacked against her. Happy Clothes showcases her rise, from opening her iconic store in 1960s New York City to becoming the go-to stylist for cultural juggernauts.

Happy Clothes features a star-studded lineup of interviews that not only adds credibility to Patricia Field’s legendary status but also offers a glimpse into the profound influence she has had on Hollywood’s most fashionable celebrities.

Kim Cattrall, known for her iconic role as Samantha Jones in Sex and the City, brings her sharp wit and reflective insights to the film. Her personal and professional relationship with Field is palpable, as she speaks about how Field’s costumes helped shape the bold, unapologetic essence of her character. Cattrall, with her rich acting career and undeniable charm, is a standout in the documentary, providing both humor and gravitas.

Lily Collins, star of Emily in Paris and daughter of famed musician Phil Collins, also makes a noteworthy appearance. Collins reflects on the power of Field’s costume design in shaping the whimsical, Parisian aesthetic of her Netflix character. Collins’ admiration for Field’s creativity and vision highlights the costume designer’s enduring relevance in today’s Hollywood, where fashion continues to play a crucial role in storytelling.

David Dalrymple, who collaborated closely with Field on the “House of Field” collection, offers insight into the energy and rawness of New York’s downtown scene that Field so expertly translated into wearable art. His anecdotes about their shared fashion adventures inject a dose of vibrant, behind-the-scenes allure into the documentary, reminding viewers of Field’s connection to the grittier, more rebellious side of fashion.

Creator and showrunner Darren Star, whose series Sex and the City and Emily in Paris owe much of their visual appeal to Field’s costume work, shares how her bold designs brought depth to his characters. Star’s praise of Field goes beyond aesthetics; he credits her with helping to build the iconic look of his shows that have become touchstones of pop culture.

Sarah Jessica Parker, who portrayed Carrie Bradshaw, perhaps Field’s most famous muse, offers some of the most heartfelt commentary in the documentary. As a fashion icon in her own right, Parker reflects on the transformative power of Field’s designs and their collaboration over the years. Her presence in Happy Clothes is a nostalgic nod to the magic of Sex and the City, where Field’s costumes became characters in their own right.

These celebrity interviews give Happy Clothes an added layer of star power and emotional depth, as they each recount how Field’s vision not only dressed them but also shaped the characters that fans have come to love. Each star’s reverence for Field’s talent speaks volumes about her lasting impact on both their careers and popular culture.

What stands out in this documentary is the juxtaposition of Field’s personal philosophy with her professional accomplishments. The fly-on-the-wall style effectively reveals her unsentimental approach to work—Field’s leadership style is raw, unapologetic, and refreshing. It’s easy to see how she not only redefined what characters could wear on screen but also how viewers engaged with fashion. Field’s costumes in Sex and the City didn’t just complement characters; they became characters themselves, deeply woven into the fabric of the show’s storytelling.

However, what makes Happy Clothes truly compelling is how it balances both nostalgia and relevance. While Field’s legacy in pop culture is undeniable, the documentary doesn’t feel like a trip down memory lane. It keeps her firmly rooted in the present, especially through contemporary interviews and footage of her current projects, showing how she continues to evolve and influence younger generations. Watching Field in action today—whether on a set or mentoring—is a testament to her enduring relevance in an industry that constantly shifts with the winds of trend.

At its heart, Happy Clothes is a tribute not only to the art of costume design but also to the essence of female empowerment. Field’s straight-shooting, no-nonsense attitude is a refreshing counterpoint to today’s image-obsessed fashion culture. She’s a woman who leads by example, grounded by her instincts and self-reliance, and the documentary makes no effort to polish or soften her edges, which is a choice I deeply appreciate.

The documentary’s pacing is brisk, but at times it can feel like it glosses over parts of Field’s vast career. While Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada are given ample attention, I found myself wanting more depth into her earlier years or the quieter moments that shaped her unique perspective. The archival footage and interviews are rich, but occasionally the film seems to skim over some of the cultural context that could have added a deeper layer to her story.

That said, Happy Clothes delivers what fans of Field’s work crave: an inside look at her creative process, a glimpse into her New York roots, and a celebration of her unyielding drive. The film doesn’t attempt to glamorize her journey; instead, it lays bare the challenges, the victories, and the uncompromising spirit of a woman whose impact on fashion will be felt for generations. If you want more after watching it- buy the book!

If you’re a lover of fashion, film, or simply a fan of trailblazers, this documentary is a must-watch. It’s a vibrant, colorful ode to a woman who has dressed some of our favorite characters, all while remaining true to her own. Like her clothes, Patricia Field herself is happy, bold, and unmistakably iconic.

In Theatres and Everywhere You Rent Movies September 20, 2024.
Running Time: 101 minutes.