Harris Reed, the creative director for Nina Ricci, designed Emily Cooper’s dramatic masquerade ball look in the new season of Emily in Paris. Reed first met Lily Collins, who plays the American publicist known for her flamboyant fashion choices, during his first week at the French fashion house in 2022. When Collins visited the office, Reed showed her the archive filled with black and white stripes and a monochrome palette, which inspired her character’s bold outfit on the show. Costume designer Marylin Fitoussi was excited about the looks Reed had to offer, and so Collins contacted him when they needed a show-stopping look for season four. The inspiration behind the outfit came from Truman Capote’s infamous Black and White Ball in 1966, where guests made a strong impact with architectural shapes.
The goal for Emily Cooper’s outfit was to be iconic and stand out at the masquerade ball. Reed drew inspiration from a black and white striped dress worn at the Black and White Ball by Babe Paley’s daughter Amanda Carter Burden, as well as from Audrey Hepburn’s Eliza Doolittle character, incorporating elements from both into the design. The modern take on the looks involved a graphic catsuit combined with a voluminous cape skirt to update the classic bustle. The sleek hat was a nod to Eliza Doolittle’s style while also showcasing Reed’s signature millinery style that he has been known for since his university days. The combination of these influences resulted in a bold and striking outfit for Emily Cooper on the show.
Having his first custom costume featured on screen was a dream come true for Reed. He felt a strong connection to Emily Cooper, as both are American Brits in Paris who have big dreams and do things their own way. Reed’s organic collaboration with Collins and the costume designer allowed him to showcase his unique design aesthetic and vision through Emily’s character. Just like Emily marches to the beat of her own drum in both fashion and life, Reed also demonstrates his individuality and creativity through his work. The opportunity to contribute to Emily in Paris allowed Reed to bring his vision to a wider audience and create a memorable moment in the show.
The collaboration between Reed, Collins, and the costume designer resulted in a striking and memorable outfit for Emily Cooper at the masquerade ball. Reed’s bold aesthetic, inspired by iconic fashion moments from the past, was modernized and updated to create a one-of-a-kind look for the character. The combination of elements from Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, Babe Paley’s daughter’s outfit, and Audrey Hepburn’s Eliza Doolittle character came together to create a dramatic and impactful ensemble that truly embodied the essence of Emily Cooper’s character and style on the show. Reed’s ability to translate his design vision onto the screen and capture the essence of the character through fashion highlights his talent as a designer and his ability to create memorable and impactful looks for television and film.
Overall, the collaboration between Harris Reed, Lily Collins, and the costume designer on Emily in Paris resulted in a standout and iconic outfit for the character of Emily Cooper. Reed’s unique design aesthetic and vision, inspired by historical fashion moments and iconic characters, was translated into a modern and striking look for the show. The process of creating the custom costume for Emily was a dream come true for Reed, who felt a strong connection to the character and the show’s theme of following one’s dreams and doing things in a unique way. The outfit showcased Reed’s individuality and creativity, as well as his ability to create bold and memorable fashion moments that resonate with audiences and capture the essence of the character.
