Costume Designers of ‘And Just Like That’ Discuss Season 3, Memes, and Fan Reactions

“Let’s discuss that hat,” Molly Rogers, the Emmy-winning costume designer from “And Just Like That,” shared with Page Six Style.

The hat in question has sparked widespread commentary — a large, floppy gingham hat designed by Maryam Keyhani that became a sensation in paparazzi shots during the HBO series’ filming and its debut in the Season 3 premiere last month.

“Do you envision Carrie strolling through the park with Seema, donning a straw hat from L.L.Bean? I could make that happen, though it’s not really what I prefer,” Rogers expressed, responding to criticism that likened Sarah Jessica Parker’s look to Strawberry Shortcake.

“It sort of bothered me because we’ve become like a big family. We all watch; we know what this show is about. Does that really surprise you?” she added.

Rogers, alongside Danny Santiago — both of whom were part of the original “Sex and the City” team and recently collaborated with Fashionphile on a show-inspired collection — anticipated some backlash. “We knew people were going to target us,” Santiago admitted.

Parker herself was a proponent of the hat from the start.

“She picked it up herself. It was just lying there on a table when she grabbed it,” Santiago recalled. “She looked in the mirror and immediately said, ‘I love this. It’s perfect. We have to use it.’”

Rogers mentioned, “We tend to place the quirky items out, not sure what will catch the actors’ attention — like the pigeon purse.”

For Santiago, such bold fashion choices are quintessential Carrie. “Carrie often opts for things no one else would think of, embracing and loving them because she dresses for herself, not for anyone else,” he explained.

“Carrie enjoys the playful aspect of fashion. She’s always exploring her style identity, which can shift from sexy to eccentric depending on her mood that day,” he continued.

Rogers suggested that the strong reactions to the distinctive accessory might reflect current societal attitudes. “I wonder if people are still able to suspend disbelief, to get carried away by a show, or are we too quick to judge and dismiss?” she pondered.

While securing any desired fashion item for the spinoff is no issue now, it wasn’t always this easy in the early days of “Sex and the City.”

Working with a limited budget initially, legendary stylist Patricia Field, Rogers’ long-time colleague, often struggled to secure funding for Carrie’s high-fashion wardrobe.

“The most we ever spent on a dress for Carrie back then was $900, when she runs into Big and Natasha in Central Park. That was a big deal because we really couldn’t afford it at the time,” Rogers reminisced.

“It’s wonderful because now, the possibilities are endless,” she added.

Even Michael Patrick King, writer and director for both “SATC” and “AJLT,” who used to challenge some of the fashion choices, now gives Rogers and Santiago complete creative freedom. “We’ve completely worn him down,” Rogers joked. “He finally surrendered.”

Despite some controversial accessories, “Sex and the City” has delivered many unforgettable ones; Carrie’s Fendi Baguette, Samantha’s red Hermès Birkin, and Charlotte’s vast collection of Chanel bags stand out, all featured in Rogers and Santiago’s collaboration with Fashionphile.

They also sourced a variety of bags from the luxury resale platform for Season 3, from brands like Bottega Veneta and Chanel.

“We always find what we’re missing, filling the ‘handbag gap’ because Fashionphile has such a variety,” Rogers stated.

Given the distinct styles of the main characters, Santiago emphasized the importance of specific selections. “The show has a strong, unique DNA. Each character has their lane, and we stick to that roadmap,” he explained.

With such vibrant characters, fittings are naturally enjoyable.

“I’m incredibly thankful, and I mean it when I say it’s rare to work on a show like this. Anyone who walks in ready to try on costumes, it’s going to be a fun time,” Rogers quipped.