Recently, the spotlight shone on the three-tiered white tutu worn by Sarah Jessica Parker‘s iconic Sex and the City character, Carrie Bradshaw, in the show’s opening credits. This legendary piece of fashion history went under the hammer at a recent auction, fetching a staggering price that surpassed expectations.
The “oyster white tulle three-tier tutu skirt with a matching satin waistband” became synonymous with the character’s exquisite and eccentric style. This particular tutu was one of the five originals used in the show’s opening credits, and it’s worth noting that Sarah Jessica Parker still owns one of them. With a keen eye for fashion, costume designer Patricia Field discovered and purchased the tutu for a mere five dollars from a bin in Manhattan’s garment district.
Parker’s character was initially intended to wear a spring 1998 Marc Jacobs runway dress. However, Patricia Field opted for a look that defied the fashion trends of the time, ultimately leading to the iconic tutu’s debut.
Not only was the tutu featured in the TV series, but it also made a special appearance in the Sex and the City movie. In a memorable scene, Carrie cleans out her closet, putting on a fashion show of her past New York City looks for her friends—Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda. The tutu’s fate was unanimously decided as a “keep” by the judges.
And so, the recent auction added another chapter to the tutu’s storied history, as it sold for an impressive $52,000, well above the estimated range of $8,000 to $12,000. This remarkable price only solidifies the tutu’s legacy as a symbol of Carrie Bradshaw’s fearless style and the magic of Sex and the City, continuing to captivate fashion enthusiasts around the world.