Opinion / Netflix’s Emily in Paris, starring Lily Collins, is Sex and the City for the Instagram generation – think chic designer fashion, relationship drama and plenty of fit French men
Ever since Sex and the City left our screens in 2004, it has left a void in our lives. But that void has now somewhat been filled with the release of new Netflix series Emily in Paris. Much like SATC, the Darren Star-directed show also focuses on similar topics – female friendship, love, career, fashion and, of course, sex. And with the pandemic still in full swing, and in some places worsening again, the 10-episode hit show couldn’t have come at a better time (it’s also probably your best chance to experience the city of Paris right now, TBH – although Parisians themselves have turned out to be less than impressed with the cliché-ridden fairy tale depiction).
Starring Lily Collins, Emily in Paris tells the story of a young woman who moves to Paris from Chicago to work for marketing firm, Savoir. Hoping to bring an American perspective to the French company, she encounters problems with differences in working culture, lifestyle and communication. But her confidence, persistence and hard work pay off over time. Along the way, PR girl Emily also goes on dates, much like her predecessor Samantha Jones (just a lot less of them).
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With season one an instant hit on Netflix, we’re waiting for a season two announcement. Here’s why Emily in Paris’ second season will be a must-see …
Gabriel or Mathieu?
Throughout the series, Emily seems to live the perfect life, and that includes in the boy department. She is definitely one of the lucky girls getting a lot of attention. Some can’t even take their eyes off her: namely her colleague Luc and perfumer client Antoine Lambert. However, who really appeals to her are the two lead male stars: Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), a handsome, hot chef from Normandy; and Mathieu (Charles Martins), billionaire heir of French luxury label Pierre Cadault.
In the final episode of series one, she has some big decisions to make. Will Emily hop off to Saint-Tropez with Mathieu or deepen things with Gabriel after the longest wait? Who’s better for Emily? If she goes for Matt, the heir will most likely take her to a whole new level in her career. Whereas, if she chooses Gabriel, it will definitely be all about love and sex.
Secretly we wish she could have both (Samantha Jones certainly would!).
Marketing executive, influencer or both?
Naive, passionate, creative, kind and playful are words that describe Emily. Her loving personality also explains her accomplishments within her short time in the job. Bringing both old and new clients to the marketing firm, she tries to leverage as much as she can whenever an opportunity presents itself. Just by posting random photos on her Instagram handle @emilyinparis, she quickly accumulated more than 20,000 followers– which Emily did not even realise made her an influencer until it was recognised by stakeholders in the industry.
Fashion, fashion and more FASHION
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the styling game of the same costume designer that handled Sex and The City, Patricia Field. While we like the colours, prints and patterns in Emily’s wardrobe, we also can’t help falling in love with the contrast that her boss Sylvie sets. Did you also notice that the black pieces seen on Sylvie are from renowned designers Yohji Yamamoto and Rick Owens?
It’s not always easy to translate enthusiasm, sophistication and energy into on-screen visuals. Key looks such as the Alice + Olivia top, Christian Siriano’s dress, Alessandra Rich’s blazer and Stephane Rolland’s dress all help shape Emily’s strong, cheerful and lively character. Of course, this reminds us too of a young Carrie Bradshaw, who’s into all things fashion.
So what’s next?
As she becomes more grounded in season two, expect to see a transformation in Emily’s wardrobe, possibly from a young lady to a feminist. That might spark potential looks from French luxury house Dior, as creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri’s past and present collection plays around with the concept of feminism.
With season one just released on Netflix, we will have to wait a bit for season two but at least it’s good to hear that they will be shooting with the same crew moving forward. Up till now, the series has got the internet talking while receiving mixed reviews.
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While it is obviously not going to change the world, Emily in Paris is a fun watch while we are all stuck at home so much. Critics might be as harsh as they were of Sex and The City back in the day. Still, for many viewers, that was a remarkable and iconic series and we’d be happy if Netflix can hit the same feel-good notes with Emily in Paris – giving us something to fill that Sex and The City-shaped void.
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With trending fashion from Chanel and Yohji Yamamoto to Alice + Olivia and Christian Siriano in every scene, and interesting and interested men at every turn, SATC creator Darren Starr’s new Netflix show is a fresh take on the love-and-labels approach of its turn-of-the-millennium kissing cousin