MFA FILM PRODUCTION THESIS - THE SHOP

What does it feel like to be a fashion icon? For Patricia Field, who has crafted unique looks that have significantly shaped the fashion landscape for over forty years, the answer lies in her innovative styling techniques and philosophy of “bending the rules.” This documentary will delve into how Field’s distinct approach has elevated fashion and established her as a pioneering figure in the industry.

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Patricia Field’s journey began on Eighth Street, where she employed young talents in her shop, inspiring the phrase, “make it your own—one-of-a-kind looks that no one else will wear.” She believed in celebrating individuality and creating personal fashion narratives for each client.

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This documentary will serve as a foundational piece for a short film chronicling Field's evolution from her early days to her status as an iconic stylist and designer. We will structure the narrative chronologically, highlighting pivotal moments in her career. From collaborating with emerging talents in the 1980s—such as Dolce & Gabbana and Marc Jacobs—to her influential role in styling Diane Lane for the film Lady Beware, we will explore how these experiences shaped her vision.

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Through this lens, we will showcase Patricia's commitment to crafting one-of-a-kind looks that reflect each individual's personality. The documentary will include a walkthrough of her store, where Field will demonstrate how to create an outfit, drawing inspiration from her past projects, including Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada.

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Filming will take place over three to four days, allowing for additional time to capture any necessary reshoots or enhancements. The documentary will begin by introducing Field and her styling process, featuring her creative input in selecting outfits, exemplified through her work in Happy Clothes. We will also detail her approach to dressing iconic characters, such as Carrie Bradshaw, and how each ensemble reflects their distinct personalities.

We will explore Field's artistic inspirations, including her grandmother, Sultana, and the influence of her mother and aunts. These figures instilled in her a profound understanding of beauty and style, which would later inform her fashion philosophy. Patricia’s journey began with a job at Alexander's and eventually led to the opening of her own shop on Eighth Street in the Greenwich Village, coinciding with her studies at NYU.

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As we progress through the documentary, we will recount Patricia’s early ventures,  from her buying Bundeswehr tank top t-shirts by the bulk. Everywhere you went in Manhattan everybody was walking around in a Bundeswehr tank top. It was like a video from the talking heads. To her first Emmy-winning project for best costume for the Film "Mother Goose Rock N' Rhythm". These experiences catalyzed her career, paving the way for her collaboration with Sarah Jessica Parker and her seminal work on Sex and the City, including the creation of the iconic tutu and Jimmy Choo shoes.

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In the third segment, we will outline the trajectory of Patricia's career, from her Emmy win to her continued influence in films like Emily in Paris and her recent projects. Though she is partially retired, Field remains a sought-after consultant for wardrobe concepts, showcasing her unique ability to curate styles that resonate with individual personalities.

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The documentary will culminate with an exploration of Patricia Field's philosophy: a blend of eclecticism and haute couture that defies conventional fashion norms. Her legacy, marked by a Vanity Fair cover in 1985 and another in 2023, is a testament to her impact on the industry.

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In closing, this documentary will celebrate Patricia Field as a visionary fashion designer and stylist who champions individuality and creativity, ensuring her place as an enduring icon in the fashion world.