The fourth season of the popular Netflix series “Emily in Paris” takes the titular character, played by Lily Collins, to Italy, specifically Rome. Costume designer Marylin Fitoussi saw this as an opportunity to pay homage to her love for black-and-white films of the 1940s and 1950s, as well as to honor iconic Italian cinema stars like Sophia Loren and Claudia Cardinale.
In the season finale, Emily finds herself enchanted by the city of Rome and falls in love with Marcello, played by Eugenio Franceschini. To reflect Emily’s newfound romance and sense of freedom, Fitoussi took a more romantic approach to her outfits, allowing her to relax and forget about her Instagram for a while.
Drawing inspiration from classic Italian movies featuring polka-dot prints, Fitoussi incorporated this timeless pattern into Emily’s wardrobe. Sophia Loren often wore dresses with black-and-white polka dots, so Fitoussi decided to play with this motif in Emily’s attire. One of Emily’s looks includes a blue top with white polka dots, paired with shorts and flats, while carrying a butterfly Peter Nitz backpack, symbolizing her feelings of freedom and happiness.
Collins herself had a hand in selecting the backpack, which added a personal touch to the character’s wardrobe. Fitoussi also chose to dress Emily in a polka-dot corset top by Vivienne Westwood and Christian Louboutin flats to create a relaxed and feminine vibe, perfect for exploring Rome on foot or scooter.
While Emily wears various brands and designers throughout the season, Fitoussi emphasizes that the key to dressing the character lies in how the pieces help tell a story. The red, white, and blue color palette that emerges in Emily’s wardrobe was a happy accident, paying unintentional homage to both the French and American flags.
Collaborating with Lily Collins, Fitoussi describes the actor as a chameleon who effortlessly pulls off bold designs and colors. In one standout look, Emily wears a black dress with pink polka dots to a party with Marcello, showcasing a playful and unexpected side of the character as she experiences the joy of being in love.
In another nod to iconic fashion moments, Emily is styled in a yellow-and-black houndstooth dress over a ruffled blouse and bow tie in episode 4, reminiscent of the film “Clueless.” Fitoussi had been holding onto the blouse since Season 1 and found the perfect moment to incorporate it into Emily’s wardrobe, adding a touch of Victorian and French flair with a modern twist.
Overall, Fitoussi’s attention to detail and storytelling through costume design bring Emily’s adventures in Rome to life, capturing the essence of romance, freedom, and joie de vivre in every outfit.
