Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field
Photo by Yaniv Edry
If Patricia Field's name doesn't ring a bell, you've probably admired her creations without realizing it. After running her boutique retail store for 50 years, Field transitioned into costume design, shaping some of cinema's most unforgettable looks. She even lays claim to inventing leggings.
When film director Michael Selditch first met Emmy-award winning Field whilst working on a separate documentary series, he turned to his crew and said “somebody needs to make a documentary on that woman”. And so they did - Selditch's brainchild, Happy Clothes.
“Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field” is a fly-on-the-wall observation of Patricia’s life as a costume designer. This documentary is more than just a retelling of the past - it is an observation of her in action. It's a candid peek behind the curtains of her creative process intertwined with reflections on her extraordinary career.
Selditch captures Patricia’s decision-making at fittings and while scouting for character-defining pieces, showcasing Field's fashion principles - her penchant for experimental attire, blending high and low fashion, the power of mismatched patterns, and a disdain for trend-chasing.
The film features interviews with industry iluminaries, including Kim Cattrall (Sex and the City), Lily Collins (Emily in Paris), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex and the City), Darren Star (creator of Sex and the City and Emily in Paris), Michael Urie (Ugly Betty), and Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty) - showcasing the profound respect and admiration for Field's inventive work and her cherished friendships.
What particularly interests me about Selditch’s approach in this film is his creative, unorthodox ways. He introduces the film with an underwater view of an empty pool before Field plunges in.
Selditch explains that “I wanted to make people think, are you in the right movie?”.
“At first, I was like, what does the pool scene have to do with it,” queries Patricia Field.
On first watch, this opening scene struck me as odd and unrelated to the story, but then I came to appreciate how such an unorthodox scene was both artful and necessary to a story about Field, with her stand-out red hair, eccentric patterns, and bold colors that would put the “quiet luxury” trends of today to shame.
Selditch's unconventional storytelling mirrors the very essence of Patricia Field—an icon who defies norms.
In Sex and the City, Patricia Field styled Sarah Jessica Parker in a tutu. This choice became part of film fashion history for being so iconic and unprecedented. “The swimming scene is my tutu moment,” says Selditch.
Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field will debut to the public shortly. In the meantime, check out her store, where you can purchase vibrant and bold clothing almost as daring as Patricia herself.
Article by Richelle Hodson, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine
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