In our February issue (on newsstands Tuesday, January 21), the unabashedly shoe-obsessed Sarah Jessica Parker gives fellow sole sister Gayle King a walking tour of her new line of fabulous footwear. Check out our sneak peek of their conversation below!
Sarah Jessica Parker on the heel height of SJP, her first foray into shoes:
“These heels are high, but not like you’re on stilts. There’s nothing sexy about not being able to walk.”On the price point ranging from just under $200 to just under $500 a pair:
“Those are hard-earned bucks so I really tried to give women beautiful silhouettes and colors and excellent quality for their money. I didn’t want to do anything that says, ‘Oh, these shoes are 2014.’ I want my shoes to be a part of the world for a long time to come.”On the thin touch of grosgrain ribbon on each shoe:
“The thing is, when I was growing up, we really didn’t have two nickels to rub together, but my mother always made sure that my sisters and I had two grosgrain ribbons in our hair. The rule was that we ironed them every single morning. We even had a special bureau dedicated to hair ribbons. I have them for my own daughters now, and my nieces wear them too. The grosgrain ribbons make SJP’s really identifiable to others and really personal to me.”George Malkemus, CEO of Manolo Blahnik USA on how this collection came to be:
“Sarah called me and said she’d been thinking a lot about shoes. Before she could finish that sentence, I said, ‘Be in my office tomorrow morning.'”The collection, with shoe prices ranging from $195 to $485 and bags $375 and under, will be available exclusively at Nordstrom starting February 28th.
Does Sarah Jessica Parker Love Shoes as Much as Carrie Bradshaw? The Answer in February’s InStyle May Surprise You
“Few women are more effortlessly dazzling or more enjoyable to watch on the red carpet or at dressy charity events than Sarah Jessica Parker,” Katie Couric writes in the February issue of InStyle, on newsstands now. (We think the same can be said of our inventive photo spread with the actress. Above is a sneak peek, where the star of stage and screen dons a Delpozo dress in front of artwork we commissioned.)
In the issue, longtime pal Couric paints a picture of Parker as a fashion beacon and motivated multi-tasker. (At the moment, she is acting, producing and chasing after three energetic — and adorable — kids.) So how does she keep it all together? “I’m sure there are days I’m not as gracious as I would hope to be,” she says. “But I try. I want the people around me to feel good about being there and to feel valued and that they’re being heard.”
These days, there certainly is no shortage of people surrounding the 48-year-old. In addition to starring on Broadway in The Commons of Pensacola, Parker just launched her first-ever shoes and accessories line at Nordstrom, SJP, in which she partnered with the man behind the brand Carrie Bradshaw made famous: George Malkemus of Manolo Blahnik. While she admits she doesn’t love shoes as much as her unforgettable Sex and the City character –”She would rather have shoes than furniture or food,” Parker says. “I would always prefer a good meal, or travel” — the line is something she’s wanted to do for a long time. After turning down an offer to design shoes with a big company, “I realized my real dream was a smaller line, my name, built in Europe, at a reasonable price point,” she says. “Beautiful, simple shoes, the kind I remember from when I first came to New York — the Maud Frizons, the Charles Jourdans.”
And speaking of Bradshaw, Couric asked Parker the question on the mind of every woman who ever ordered a cosmo: will we see Carrie again? “I don’t know,” Parker replied. “A part of me thinks there is one last chapter to tell. But timing is a peculiar thing. It isn’t a decision that can wait forever. I don’t want to have to wear muumuus!”
Although we bet if she did, she’d look great doing it.
For more of our February feature with Parker and Couric, pick up this month’s InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download now.
“The Commons of Pensacola” Given Two-Week Extension
The Manhattan Theatre Club’s world-premiere engagement of The Commons of Pensacola, written by stage and screen star Amanda Peet, has been given a two-week extension through Feb. 9, producers announced Jan. 9.
The production, which began preview performances Oct. 22, prior to an official opening Nov. 21 at New York City Center – Stage I, was originally scheduled through Jan. 26. A new block of tickets for the extension will go on sale Jan. 10 at 10 AM. This will be the show’s final extension.
Directed by Lynne Meadow (Wit, The Assembled Parties), The Commons of Pensacola features Emmy and Tony Award winner Blythe Danner, Golden Globe Award winner Sarah Jessica Parker, Zoe Levin, Ali Marsh, Michael Stahl-David and Nilaja Sun.
“Judith (Blythe Danner) has been divested of her assets and forced to leave her luxurious New York life after her husband’s Wall Street scam became headline news,” press notes state. “When her daughter Becca (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Becca’s filmmaker boyfriend (Michael Stahl-David) pay Judith a visit to the one bedroom condo Judith now occupies in Pensacola, Florida, everyone’s motives are called into question. How will past and present circumstances inform how this family moves into the future?”
Danner most recently appeared on Broadway in Nice Work If You Can Get It. She won a Tony in 1970 for Butterflies Are Free and has received Tony nominations for Betrayal, A Streetcar Named Desire and Follies. She won back-to-back Emmy Awards for her role in Showtime’s acclaimed series “Huff.” Her many film roles include “The Lucky One,” “Hello, I Must Be Going” and “Meet The Parents.”
Parker most recently appeared on the New York stage in MTC’s 2001 production of Wonder of the World by David Lindsay-Abaire. Her other theatrical credits include The Substance of Fire, The Heidi Chronicles, Once Upon a Mattress and Annie. She received four Golden Globe, three SAG Awards and two Emmy Awards for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in HBO’s “Sex and The City.”
Levin’s film credits include “The Way Way Back,” “Beneath the Harvest Sky” and “Palo Alto.”
Marsh’s TV work includes “In Plain Sight,” “Law & Order,” “Blue Bloods,” “Children’s Hospital,” “Stella,” “Seinfeld” and “Chicago Hope,” and her film credits include “Rabbit Hole,” “The Ten,” “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” “Private Parts” and “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” Onstage, she has performed in The Butcher of Baraboo, Ridiculous Fraud, As You Like It and Proof.
Michael Stahl-David’s film and TV work includes “Cloverfield,” “In Your Eyes” and “My Generation,” and his stage work includes Lost in Yonkers.
Sun wrote and starred in No Child…. Her TV work includes “30 Rock,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Unforgettable,” “Louie” and “Rubicon,” and her film credits include “The International,” “Nature Calls” and “Hairbrained.”
The creative team for The Commons of Pensacola includes Santo Loquasto (scenic design), Tom Broecker (costume design), Jason Lyons (lighting design), Jill BC Du Boff (sound design) and Thomas Schall (fight director).
Tickets and more information are available by calling (212) 581-1212, visiting nycitycenter.org, or by visiting New York City Center box office (131 West 55th St.).
2013 Public Appearances HQ Additions
Hey everybody! Last night I went through and added some HQ additions to some of the existing 2013 public appearance events. Not only that, but I also updated with an event that we didn’t have in the gallery, which was the 2nd Annual Cosmo 100 Power Lunch where Sarah Jessica takes her first public photo with the young version of Carrie Bradshaw, played by the wonderful AnnaSophia Robb. You can view 451 HQ additions, as well as the 2 MQ photos of Sarah Jessica at the 100 Power Lunch. Enjoy!
Gallery Links
Public Appearances > 2013 > Apr 18: Tiffany & Co Blue Book Ball
Public Appearances > 2013 > May 06: “PUNK: Chaos To Couture” Costume Institute Gala
Public Appearances > 2013 > Sep 19: New York City Ballet 2013 Fall Gala
Public Appearances > 2013 > Nov 04: “city.ballet” Series New York Premiere
Public Appearances > 2013 > Dec 09: 2nd Annual Cosmo 100 Power Lunch
InStyle February cover girl Sarah Jessica Parker has just made our dream of dressing like Carrie Bradshaw a bit more attainable. With the debut of her highly anticipated SJP collection, which will include Italian-made shoes, handbags, and other wardrobe must-haves designed by the actress and style icon, there is so much to get excited about. The actress-turned-designer discussed her new collection with Katie Couric in our latest issue, and gave us an exclusive peek at the line. ”They’re sexy and feminine,” Parker stated. Seemingly, earlier opportunities never felt right to the actress, but this collaboration with George Malkemus (President of Manolo Blahnik) was the perfect fit. “If I’m going to ask people for their hard-earned dollars, I’d better be making shoes I want to wear.”
Parker has always loved shoes, which made this new project a natural fit for her, but she has never been addicted to shoes in the same manner as Carrie Bradshaw. ”She would rather have shoes than furniture or food. I would always prefer a good meal, or travel,” the actress voiced. The line seems to have something for everyone: lace-up booties, slip-on sandals, strappy heels with a bow appliqué, ballet flats and, of course, sexy t-strap pumps—appropriately named “The Carrie”—that we think Parker’s Sex and the City character would have swooned over. ”We tossed out the idea that neutral only means brown or black. Tweaking rules of, like, what’s appropriate for the office. I mean, what—are you less capable if your shoe is the color of a berry?” Parker said of her color choices.
Our favorite part about the line? The SJP signature detail that let’s everyone know you’re wearing her shoes. ”They all have grosgrain as a trim or accent. When I was little, I wore a grosgrain ribbon in my hair everyday,” she said. Look for the SJP collection ($150-$400) starting February 28th at select Nordstrom stores and on nordstrom.com.
What the heck took so long, right? “I’ve been thinking of doing this for years but never
found the right fit,” says actress turned shoe designer Sarah Jessica Parker. “Everything needed to align, from quality to price point.”The Lady: “This shoe is polite and old-fashioned. It suits a wide range of women with its simple silhouette.” ($350) [1st image]
With classic shapes perfect for work, and modern details (the ribbon on the heel is a nod to those her mom tied in her hair when she was little), the line—SJP, sold exclusively at Nordstrom—makes good on her Sex and the City character’s belovedly quirky style.
The Etta: “This one is for short ladies like me! I made the T-strap lower to lengthen the leg.” ($425)[2nd image]
Parker even credits Carrie Bradshaw as her muse: “I’m privileged that I played her,” she says. “I was exposed to so many beautiful shoes and to how they’re made. That role really cemented my love.”
The Carrie: “Carrie is obviously one of my favorite people, and this is an ode to her. It’s a strong shoe that can be worn for day and night.” ($355) [3rd image]
So: canvas flats, strappy four-inchers, sexy lace-up boots—what do they have in common? Their versatility. “I’m allergic to the idea that certain shoes are for certain occasions,” says Parker.
The Billie: “I imagine every woman in these. They’re comfy and chic, especially with the low-cut front.” ($195) [4th image]
“Or that neutrals can only be black or brown. It’s too limiting. And as [SATC’s costume designer] Pat Field taught me, toss out any rules. I sure did.”
The Alison: “This is for the girl who doesn’t want to wear a traditional ladylike heel but wants a bit of height.” ($485) [5th image]
What do you think of SJP’s shoe line? Will you give it a go? All shoes will be available on nordstrom.com on February 28.
Sarah Jessica Parker Teases Possible Sex and the City Reunion: “There Is One Last Chapter to Tell”
Put those Manolo Blahniks and cosmopolitans on standby (well, you can drink the cosmos now, but be prepared to possibly make more), because you might need them for a Sex and the City 3 viewing party!
Sarah Jessica Parker revealed during an interview for InStyle magazine’s latest issue that Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda may be reuniting on the big screen for one last film. “A part of me thinks there is one last chapter to tell,” the cover star said.
“But timing is a peculiar thing. It isn’t a decision that can wait forever. I don’t want to have to wear muumuus!”
And SJP isn’t just thinking out loud.
Kristin Davis recently shared that there are talks going on about whether or not there will be another installment of the famous HBO series in theaters.
“I don’t think [a third film] is a pipe dream, there is discussion. People talk about it amongst the people who are the players, but I don’t know if it will come together. It would be very exciting if it did,” she told Haute Living magazine in its December issue.
However, costar Cynthia Nixon didn’t exactly have the same enthusiasm. The actress shot down the idea of a third Sex and the City movie by stating, “I think it’s fine to let it go.” (We’ll never let go, Cynthia. Never.)
When hearing of Nixon’s opinion on the whole theory, Davis responded, “I’m going to have a little talk with Cynthia the next time I see her!”
Do you want to see another Sex and the City film? Sound off in the comments!
For our February cover story, on newsstands Friday, the one and only Katie Couric interviewed Sarah Jessica Parker—and had a blast doing it! Over a light meal (Parker had yellowtail sashimi; Couric tea), the two talked about Parker’s new shoe line for Nordstrom, SJP, Katie’s upcoming wedding, the challenges of being a woman in charge, and the possible resurrection of SATC‘s Carrie (yes please!). The interview reads like a casual, intimate chat between two BFFs—perhaps because they are, in fact, longtime pals. What did Couric enjoy most about her time with her good friend? Lots of things, but these are her top four:
1. “I love that she isn’t afraid to leave the house without a stitch of makeup.” When Parker arrived for their lunch date, she told her friend, “Today I look a little raggedy. I was taking the subway and picking up the kids from school.” To which Couric replied, “You look comfortable.”
2. “When you have a conversation with her she really listens.” In fact, Couric writes that Parker is “even more interested in you than showing how interesting she is.”
3. “She’s unfailingly polite.” The first thing Parker tells her good friend? “Why do you look so good? I guess because you’re happy. You look so great!”
4. “There’s nothing manufactured about her or her image.” In the February issue, Parker tells Couric how she chooses clothes because she responds to them, not in the hopes of landing on some best-dressed list (though she often does). “So I think pulling it off or not puling it off, that almost doesn’t exist for me because, really, I’m looking for experiences, not some report card,” she said.)
For more of Couric’s interview with the actress, pick up the February issue of InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download Friday, Feb. 10.
And be sure to follow Couric (@katiecouric) and Parker (@SJP) (and InStyle!) on Twitter!
