If you’ve breezed through Season 3 ofEmily in Paris and are now on a quest to find the fashion featured on the show, look no further than the collaboration between the Emily in Paris star Ashley Park and Rent The Runway. In Episode 5 of the show, Mindy (played by Park) wears L’Amour Vegan Leather Dress (pictured left) while on a date with Benoît (Kevin Dias), which you can rent or buy used for $48 and $395, respectively.
The collection marks the first ever fashion collaboration for the actor-singer who has become a style-setter thanks to her portrayal of Mindy Chen, a fashion-forward nanny-turned-singer with a flair for bold colors, loud prints, and over-the-top accessories. And while, at first, the partnership may appear unexpected — it’s not often that celebrities choose to partner with a rental platform over a brand — it makes perfect sense for Park, who was a Rent The Runway customer when she first moved to New York to start her career as an actor and didn’t have access to designer clothing.
“I’ve never shopped at a fancy luxury designer, so knowing that this company makes high-end fashion accessible to people, I was really excited about that,” Park tells Refinery29, adding that she was also drawn to the sustainability of renting versus buying new. “Anything I put out into the world, I need to believe in, so it was an easy yes for me. I know the company, and I genuinely use them and like them.”
The lineup includes eight party-ready silhouettes, ranging from a velvet blazer mini dress to a tuxedo-inspired jumpsuit with a low back, and a strappy sequin dress. “Each of the pieces has its own personality — it’s the centerpiece of its own kind of show,” she says. “I really think there is something for everyone. We thought a lot about what kinds of things make you feel special when you’re going to an event and you want to take up that spotlight.” Which makes it that much less surprising that Park’s Emily in Paris character wears the faux leather midi dress from the collection in Season 3 of the Netflix show.
While Park describes herself as “adventurous” when it comes to her red carpet fashion — for proof, see the hot pink mini and matching platforms that the actor wore to the Valentino runway show — she says her style is “understated on a daily basis” and mostly made up of versatile pieces she can mix and match while living out of a suitcase during filming.
“I am way more about comfort than Mindy. She marches to the beat of her own drum fashion-wise, she doesn’t like to be confined to a certain style or box…she likes to take a risk and keep people on their toes,” she says. “We definitely have different daily personal styles, but when it comes to taking up space and shining in a moment, I’ve learned a lot from Mindy’s fashion rhetoric.” Park sees holidays as an opportunity for everyone else to do the same.
“I love the holidays because you get to be around your loved ones and there’s a lot of celebrating that happens. But I also feel like holidays are when you can be more adventurous and be more sparkly and glamorous than you would be in the middle of the summer,” she says. “This year especially, things are coming back to life, and so we are all saying yes to everything, and suddenly you have eight holiday engagements, and you’re like, Do I have to buy a new thing for every single one?“
Not anymore: Ashley Park x Rent the Runway collection is available now and can be rented, on its own or as part of a monthly subscription, or purchased pre-loved.
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Back in 2020, when Netflix’s Emily in Paris first premiered, the style of the show became a cast member in its own right. Decked in her best “French girl” cosplay, Emily Cooper (played by Lily Collins) — an American marketing executive who moves to Paris for a one-year stint — moved from Chicago to the Savoir Agency in unrealistic and polarizing outfits that many dismissed from the start. But over the years, as social media continues to tear apart the outfits in the show, costume designers Patricia Field and Marylin Fitoussi have managed to continue outdoing themselves with over-the-top clothes that make us dream, cringe, and yes, question our own tastes by flipping the French girl style trope on its head.
“Everybody can think what they want of what is French style,” says Fitoussi, who worked as the solo costume designer for season 3, out now. “My lesson in life and what I wanted to teach people is that they should decide by themselves what is French style, what is ‘good’ style.”
Over the past decade, social media has been largely responsible for the emergence of the French girl stereotype – think breton stripes, casual elegance, and lots of neutral colors – positioning it-girls like Jeanne Damas, Caroline de Maigret, Ines de la Fressange, and Camille Rowe as go-to fashion inspirations. On TikTok, searches for “French girl style” have nearly 400 million views, while the hashtag #frenchgirlstyle has amassed over 47 million.
So when Emily in Paris debuted, it revealed just how far our collective obsession had gone, with a little gatekeeping thrown in, and subconscious snobbery about who gets to wear this style and what it actually looks like. Most criticism was directed towards protagonist Emily Cooper. Vogue, for example, called her clothes the “most cringe-worthy trigger of them all,” while Elle described Emily as having a “frenzied dress sense.” This wasn’t the case for her French boss Sylvie, or Camille, her Parisian friend, both of whom whose chic, je ne sais quoi ensembles – complete with a neutral color palette and a style reminiscent of Carine Roitfeld and Jeanne Damas, respectively – earned applause from viewers.
But as season 3 premieres, things have taken a sartorial turn.
We start the season with Emily deciding to stay in Paris, when her boss Sylvie opts to open her own agency. After two seasons of love-hate banter with each other, it seems Emily’s hard work and chipper optimism is not only earning her respect in the French marketing landscape, but actually rubbing off on Sylvie, and vice versa. “Little by little, [Emily] became what she is and it’s a little bit of a new style now,” says Fitoussi of Emily’s fashion transition.
A prime example of this chameleonic adaptation is seen on the first episode of season 3, when Emily has a nightmare that she’s on the top of the Eiffel Tower — dressed in a hot pink feather cape — and is pushed off when she’s pressured to make a decision between staying with her old firm or joining Sylvie’s new agency. According to Fitoussi, this imaginary fall represents the literal death of the old Emily and her style, specifically her ultra feminine Barbiecore aesthetic. “[It’s] saying goodbye to pink, a way of saying ‘let’s go with another color now,’” she says. From that moment, Emily’s style quickly changes from a “more is more” mindset to a more subdued, polished version. Take, for example, the yellow suit she wears during a park outing with her friend Mindy (played by Ashley Park), which she pairs with matching platform heels, knee-high socks, and a printed scarf. While the head-to-toe yellow may seem like an over-the-top choice, Emily’s decision to go with a unified color palette instead of clashing pieces signals an evolution in her approach to fashion. She also switches her quintessential shorts suits for more grown-up monochrome versions that look straight out of Sylvie’s wardrobe.
For Fitoussi, this constant transformation is the best part of her job. “It’s a challenge for me and it’s what makes me joyful and pushes my limits to surprise people, because if not, I’m bored,” she says.
At the same time, if Emily is changing her stripes, then so is Sylvie. While for the past two seasons we’ve seen the Parisian executive opt for little black dresses, white button-down shirts, and chic suits, she’s slowly embraced color, prints, and silhouettes that signal her sartorial cocoon is opening up. Take, for example, an orange shirt and white trouser combo she wears to the office, or another look, consisting of a white trench dress with a coral-printed belt. “Sometimes we asked [ourselves] if we put too much color or not, so we’re very curious also to see how the audience will receive it,” says Fitoussi.
But Fitoussi also cleverly hid this transition by using one of the most eccentric French brands in history, Schiaparelli, to dress both Sylvie and Camille, and setting up parallels between the Parisian characters and the late designer. “It made sense for me to use Schiaparelli because she was this very strong woman, very avant garde,” she says of Elsa Schiaparelli, the surrealist designer who founded the French house. “I wanted first that the French women [in the show] would be able to wear that.” In season 3, we see Camille, for example, wearing a black and white cropped blazer that features gold ears as placeholders for buttons, while Sylvie sports a black dress with gold chain straps and nipple covers, both uncharacteristically gaudy for the two women. For Fitoussi, it was also a chance to bring an American perspective into French style by collaborating with the brand’s current creative director Daniel Roseberry: “Daniel grew up in the United States, and still, [his work] captures [Elsa Schiaparelli’s] spirit and transcends what Elsa did.”
As these characters’ styles blend into one another, Fitoussi is patiently awaiting the usual discourse on social media, knowing there will undoubtedly be criticism. “You will always be tacky for someone and a goddess for someone else,” she says. “It’s a lesson of tolerance, it’s a lesson of freedom, and that people can decide whatever they want.”
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Every season, a new selection of soon-to-be bestsellers hits our favorite fashion retailers. With so many winter 2023 trends and products to keep up with, it’s hard to know what to “add to cart.” In our New Arrivals series, we consult the buyers, editors, and fashion insiders at our go-to shopping destinations to find out their best bets for the season’s wardrobe essentials.
With sub-zero temperatures on the way, it’s time to swap out our fall go-to pieces with winter’s must-haves. In preparation for the coldest of weather, statement coats in a variety of silhouettes — that both add protection and a strong look — will be a big seasonal trend.
Kate Bellman, Nordstrom’s senior managing fashion editor, expects sweater dressing to be another cold-weather trend. “Textural details such as cable knit or fringe move cozy into chic territory when applied to head-to-toe sweater dressing,” she says. “The standout within this category is the sweater dress which is getting a seasonal update. Both sheer materials and cut-outs modernize this style by adding a touch of sex appeal.” Bellman also expects Fair Isle knitwear to be a central style story: “Nothing says winter essential like a Fair Isle sweater. This season, look for amped-up versions in electrifying colors or all-over patterns.”
On the other end of the style spectrum, “power dressing” will mark the winter months, according to Celenie Seidel, senior womenswear editor at Farfetch: “[There is] a new energy coming through via a slightly darker, moodier take on ’80s influences.” This will include the stiletto heel, tailored pants, and silhouettes with “intimidating shoulder energy.” Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at MatchesFashion, says that pantsuits, in particular velvet styles, will take off: “Velvet tuxedos are such a great way to update tailoring for the season. It is the perfect option for our customers who want to dress up but don’t necessarily want to wear a dress.”
On the accessories front, winter will see the return of the boot — from over-the-knee to combat and Western boots — and the humble tote, as shoppers make their way back to the offices. “Tote bags are taking on a new life with interesting and unique shapes, textures, and colors,” says Roopal Patel, fashion director at Saks. As we emerge from the pandemic into busier times, the functionality of a tote is so important as they can fit everything we might need for our days including workout gear or computers.”
Ahead, other winter staples essentials to get into your wardrobe rotation, according to fashion insiders at some of the most popular retailers.
Cardigans
“Every winter, my go-to staple is a cozy cardigan, and I’m excited to see this item everywhere this season, from Acne Studios to Proenza Schouler. Consider it your ‘house coat,’ a piece you can wear in the house, while running errands, or around the office, keeping you chic and warm wherever you go!” — Caroline Maguire, fashion director at Shopbop
Tote bags
“We see sales picking up on totes again as brands have put more emphasis on this shape, providing the perfect balance between fashion and functionality. Bottega Veneta makes the chicest options.” — Tiffany Hsu, vice president of fashion buying at MyTheresa
Feathered fashion
“Keeping the embellishment trend going, feather-trimmed pieces are popular this winter and will continue into spring! Whether it’s a full statement dress or simple touch in accessories, our customer is loving the strong statement it gives.” — Stephanie Kennedy, merchandising director at Revolve
Statement outerwear
“The weather may have turned glum and grey, but that doesn’t mean we need to look the part. Coats get an energetic boost this season in vibrant colors across all types and silhouettes. From colorful puffer coats to lush and plush faux fur, there’s a style for everyone. This trend even applies to office-ready looks with statement-making tailored wool coats.” — Kate Bellman, senior managing fashion editor at Nordstrom
Cowboy boots
“Knee-high boots have been trending but my favorite iteration of this is the cowboy boot. I love pairing them with straight-leg jeans — tucked in — and an oversized blazer for a Western-inspired look.” — Arielle Siboni, ready-to-wear fashion director at Bloomingdale’s
Fair Isle sweaters
“Fair Isle knitwear has had a modern update this season from brands such as Junya Watanabe, Khaite, Lisa Yang, and Jil Sander. We also love the colorful options from Bernadette, Molly Goddard, and Caro Editions. They are the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe.” — Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at MatchesFashion
’90s fashion
“Coming in as a quiet remedy to the comparatively OTT ’00s trend wave of the past few seasons, the minimalist late-’90s aesthetic is on the rise. Black, gray, muted neutrals, and blue denim are key for this look — prepare to counter the minis you’ve been collecting with ankle-skimming longline skirts.” — Celenie Seidel, senior womenswear editor at Farfetch
Textured Bags
“I am gravitating towards lots of texture this winter — a shearling bag is a great way to make a statement with an added element of warmth and fun. I love the shoulder bag from Jacquemus and top-handle bag from DeMellier — both elevate any outfit, making it winter-chic.” — Jodi Kahn, VP of luxury fashion at Neiman Marcus
Perfect pant
“The biggest trends we’re seeing this winter are around returning to office, and an appetite for more lifestyle wear. This season, we’re seeing a major shift from dresses to pants. Everything from tailored trousers to cargo pants to high-waisted denim flares are gaining popularity and traditional styles are being reimagined with updated silhouettes, pops of color, and sleek materials.” — Roopal Patel, fashion director at Saks
High shine
“Everyone has been ready to party! After the last few years of things being consistently canceled, we are ready to get out and socialize while looking and feeling fabulous in mirrored shine fabrics.” — Anu Narayanan, chief merchandising officer at Anthropologie
Thigh-high boots
“Thigh-high boots are a key footwear update for the season. We love [styles from] Paris Texas for this, whether it’s full-on crystal for party season or the suede fringe styles to take you through spring. They also look great styled with midi and maxi skirts, another key trend we have seen coming through.” — Tiffany Hsu, vice president of fashion buying at MyTheresa
Modern suiting
“This year brought the rise of the modern suit with styles that feature everything from clean lines and structured details to bold colors and prints. Our customers are definitely gravitating to a more relaxed oversized fit this season for a casual effortless look.” — Stephanie Kennedy, merchandising director at Revolve
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“Growing up, I was obsessed with fashion. I knew I wanted to be in this field,” says model Kiara Marshall. Having lost a leg in a car accident at 10 years old, she rarely saw women who looked like her in magazines or on runways — a detail that only made her more determined. “I decided that I was going to be the person that I needed to see,” she says. And she did just that.
Now, in addition to modeling for labels like Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, and Savage X Fenty, Marshall also makes a point of sharing her own, self-shot images with her followers, proudly showing off her prosthetic leg. And while the countless professional photographs in her portfolio are certainly compelling, her selfies are equally — if not more — inspirational. “I think selfies are an art form, for sure,” she says. “It’s kind of like this alternate form of storytelling; you can show up how you want and just be happy with who you are. Just be yourself and that’s enough.”
Of course, like with any art form, Marshall knows that getting the shot isn’t always quite as easy as it looks. Fortunately, she has some sage selfie advice for the rest of us. “Get comfortable taking pictures of your outfit, or take a mirror selfie covering your face and then work your way up to a full-blown face selfie,” she says. “Baby steps!”
Outside of modeling, Marshall moonlights as a casting assistant and a graduate student, working toward a degree in Disability Studies — a subject she’s clearly passionate about, given her own journey as an amputee. “As a disabled person learning about disability as a whole, I’m able to put these things that I’m learning into practice,” she says, explaining that her goal is to use her platform “to shed light on some issues that continue to happen within the disability community.” And while a long and difficult battle, for Marshall, it can start with something as simple as a selfie. “Getting to show up as myself, authentically and proudly, and to just take up that space as a disabled Black woman is so powerful,” she says.
For that reason, we’ve partnered with Google to chat with Marshall about all things fashion, representation, and, of course, pro selfie tips. Watch the video above for more advice from the one and only Kiara Marshall.
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