Bold Moves and Red Statement: A Sartorial Odyssey Through Emily's Parisian Evolution

In the glamorous world of Netflix's 'Emily in Paris', costume designer Marilyn Fitoussi has been weaving a magical sartorial tapestry since its debut season. But it wasn't until Lily Collins sported a chic, sharp bob that things truly started to change for Emily. The haircut served as the catalyst for a transformation, signaling a new chapter in Emily's life and paving the way for bolder fashion choices. Fitoussi has always been a master at crafting Emily's wardrobe with an exquisite blend of vintage finds, bold prints, and high-end designer pieces. However, Season 5 saw a shift towards a more audacious Emily, with her style now inspired by Italian aesthetics, signature prints, bold block colors, and a lot more black. "Emily's not just about business anymore," says Fitoussi, "she's focusing on personal growth, and she's no longer hiding." One of the most striking additions to Emily's wardrobe this season was a bold red blazer she donned towards the end. Designed by Barbara Bui, it was a powerful statement piece that Fitoussi intended to leave audiences breathless. "It was a manifesto," she explains, "a strong silhouette that said, 'Look at me, I'm not shy of anything. I'm ready to take on whatever comes my way.'" Fitoussi spent the season on a quest for the perfect outfit, discarding pieces that were either too wrong or too empowering. "I wanted that poppy red," she says, "nothing too blood-red, not too strong, not too aggressive. It was joyful." The red blazer also represented Emily's evolving relationship with Sylvie Grateau (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu), her mentor. As Fitoussi explains, "Emily learned a lot from Sylvie. In the beginning, red was a restricted color; in a certain way, it belonged to Sylvie. So she decided to go one step beyond and adopt the color — the prohibited color. It was also a sign of confidence." Fitoussi earned an Emmy nomination for her work on Episode 10, which featured Emily attending Venice Fashion Week. The idea for the fashion show came from Darren Star, the show's creator, who drew inspiration from the Palio di Siena, a bareback horse race that showcases colors representing the city wards. "He said, 'Marilyn, you have to design a collection which is a mix of Palio di Siena and Polo Ralph Lauren,'" Fitoussi recalls. With just three weeks to research and create the designs, Fitoussi embraced her love for patchwork, creating a stunning blend of styles that paid homage to French, American, and Italian cultures. "The pastels and soft colors ultimately created a subtle Venetian palette," she adds. 'Emily in Paris' continues to be a style powerhouse, with Fitoussi's expert touch transforming every episode into a fashionable journey worth taking.