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And just like that, one of Carrie Bradshaw’s most iconic outfits is up for grabs.
Famed “Sex and the City” costume designer Patricia Field has donated the pink tank top and white tutu seen on Sarah Jessica Parker in the series’ opening credits to this year’s Housing Works Fashion for Action fundraiser.
The sale, which will also include contributions from Kathy Hilton, Joan Jett, Chloë Sevigny and more stars, raises money for the organization’s lifesaving services and advocacy for those impacted by HIV/AIDS and homelessness.
And while shoppers will be able to peruse new designer pieces marked up to 80% off during the event, we’re guessing interested parties will need to pony up a bit more dough for Field’s special donation — despite the fact that she herself snagged it for a steal back in the ’90s.
“This look really happened by chance,” the designer told Page Six Style. “I was in some showroom and there was a bin of items for like $5 each or something; I can’t remember for sure. But I grabbed this tulle skirt and thought, ‘Let’s take it. We’ll see.’”
The ballerina-inspired outfit was an instant hit with the HBO show’s stylish leading lady.
“I showed it to Sarah Jessica and she loved it. She just got it immediately,” Field recalled.
“You know, Sarah Jessica really understands fashion and isn’t afraid to try something unexpected. We thought, let’s pair it with a little T-shirt or tank top, something classic.”
But “Sex and the City” creator Darren Star wasn’t immediately sold, nor were the series’ producers.
“They didn’t understand it. I think to them it seemed too unconventional, especially for the opening credits,” Field said.
“They wanted to play it safe, but Sarah Jessica and I really felt that she should wear something original for the opening, because if the show was successful then that opening look needed to last in time. It couldn’t be some trendy dress from Fall 1990-whatever.”
To appease all parties, several alternate looks were also shot for the opening — but, as Field told us, “Sarah Jessica and I really put out a campaign behind the tutu, and in the end it won.”
That’s an understatement. In the decades since, the quirky getup’s gone on to inspire runway trends, drag queens and countless Halloween costumes, making a pop cultural impact Field told us she could’ve never predicted.
“I didn’t go into it with a conscious thought that it would become so iconic to the audience,” she said. “But I think they liked it because of its originality, and because it was really evocative of Carrie’s personality.”
Now, she’s hoping SJP’s signature style can have a place of pride in a “Sex and the City” superfan’s closet.
“I really enjoy Housing Works, and I always have fun browsing their thrift shops,” Field told us of her decision to partner with the nonprofit.
“On top of that, they have been doing amazing work to support the community since the beginning of the AIDS crisis, which is the main reason I’m thrilled to support Housing Works’ annual Fashion for Action event.”
The fundraiser will kick off on November 10 with a VIP reception at Housing Works’ Chelsea location at 143 West 17th Street; tickets start at $40 and can be purchased online.
The sale will then be open to the public from November 11-13, and a selection of items will also be available to shop online on Housing Works’ eShop.
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