Pat in the City: My Life of Fashion, Style, and Breaking All the Rules

by Patricia Field

From the iconic stylist and fashion provocateur whose designs transformed culture—bringing the glitz of Studio 54 and the sophistication of  Sex and the City  to the mainstream—comes a playful yet intimate memoir of a life spent challenging conventions.

Carrie Bradshaw’s pairing of a tutu with a tank top is one of the most iconic outfits ever seen on television—and a look that turned avant-garde New York designer and stylist Patricia Field into a household name. But before she was crowned the fairy godmother of haute couture, Field was the owner of the longtime East Village emporium Pat Field ,  a haven for drag queens, club kids, starving artists, NYU freshmen, and creative visionaries alike. Presiding over downtown with her distinctive vermillion hair and a constantly lit cigarette, Patricia was a rock ’n’ roll den mother to everyone from Amanda Lepore to Lady Bunny to Patti Smith, with her store providing the city’s eccentrics with a place to discover a sense of family, home, and a rhinestone bedazzled bustier or two. In  Pat in the City,  Patricia describes her journey from scrappy Queens kid peddling men’s pants to the fashion world’s most notorious renegade. As the daughter of immigrant parents, Field learned the principles of glamour from her entrepreneurial mother, and applied her NYU lessons on democracy to inform a fashion ethos that would reach millions. From her Studio 54 disco-glam styling to her award-winning work in  The Devil Wears Prada  and  Sex and the City  to today’s buzzy costuming in  Emily in Paris , Field’s inimitable styling has pushed the envelope and created trends that have become the culture standard. Now in her seventies, Patricia Field is ready to tell her story—not to take a final bow, but to spread her credo of challenging convention and filling the world with joy and dancing. 

Genres: Fashion, Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Audiobook, New York

272 pages, Hardcover

Published February 14, 2023

Reviews

[Mai M Ibrahim · Rating 2 out of 5]

الغلاف مكنش عجبني اوي لان ده يعتبر كتاب سيرة ذاتية ف من وجهة نظري مش حلو ان الغلاف يكون رسمة مش صور حقيقية

ف الأول كنت متحمسة للكتاب بعد كده حماسي خف وبقيت بقلب ف الصفحات أتفرج ع الصور وخلاص

بات هي المسؤولة عن الملابس ف مسلسلات زي Emily in Paris و sex and the city
تعتبر منسقة ملابس بتشتريها وتنسقها مع بعض تبعًا للشخصيات مش بتصممها من الصفر

بالنسبة لي الفيلم الوثائقي اللي شوفته عنها يغني عن الكتاب

اللي حابب يشوف الفيلم الوثائقي هنزله ع قناة يوتيوب عملتها جديد اسمها "عن الفن"
@3nelfn
بنزل فيها محتوى عن الكتب والأفلام الوثائقية النادرة والموسيقى والفنون عامة

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pat Field is clearly a fashion and style genius. She either started or was an early adapter of many trends through her legendary boutique. Not to mention the work she did for SATC, the Devil Wears Prada, Emily in Paris... I also LOVED the amount of cultural history in this, from her role as a drag House Father, to her support of various famous 80s artists (Keith Haring, Basquiat...), and being a locus of queer history in NYC in general. Iconic!

[Jessie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usually when you read an autobiography you expect there to be challenges the author overcomes. Not here. It's the story of someone succeeding over and over and over again without a single failure interspersed with long lists of specific items of clothing. It was just extremely boring.

There were a few good pieces. I enjoyed reading about the ballroom shows. Actually I think that's it, I think that was the only part I enjoyed.

[MaryLisa Gavenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend reading Ruth La Ferla's profile in the New York Times first:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/09/st...

Flashback to writing "A Face That's Fiercely Fake" for Elle Magazine in 1992: https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.muckra...

[Jess Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 3.5. Definitely fun and lighthearted like she intended, and if you’ve seen any of the shows she’s worked for added bonus.

[Samantha Matta · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun read. she’s cocky but i like it. she claimed credit for a few things that i couldn’t really find evidence for, like inventing the legging or selling beyoncé her outfits for the crazy in love music video. she also down played the effort that goes into starting a business or getting big roles. that being said, she is a big name in fashion and rose to fame for doing sex and the city’s costumes. made me curious to watch it! a fun insight into some fashion world lore

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light and charming. It's not the most reflective or insightful book, but Field's no-nonsense voice and careful eye make it a pleasant read. I particularly appreciated her lack of ego about her impressive accomplishments. She's a straight shooter with a practical, aesthetic approach to her life and work.

[Robert Lambregts · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are no guilty pleasures, only pleasures, and this is one of them. I love Pat and her work, have followed her since the '90's and admire her thinking and way of working. This book came, called my name, and I devoured it in two sittings. loved every bit of it. I understand it's not everyone's cup of tea, but if you know of Pat and her work, then you'll love this!

[Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

[Tricia]

Pat is so fun and interesting but this book was very boring.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patricia Fields, a stylist and fashion initiator had her beginnings in retail. She thought outside the box to increase sales.
She went on her own to start trends and make fashions affordable in her store.
She brought sparkle to the series "Sex and the City" putting together outfits for the TV personalities and the movie "Devil wears Prada" and "Emily in Paris".
Her trends became legendary.

I won this book from Dey Street Books

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best for rabid SATC fans

[Rikardo Blom · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can listen to the book for free if you use the link
https://www.amazon.com/Pat-City-Fashi...

“Pat in the City” by Patricia Field is a captivating and vibrant novel that follows the journey of its protagonist, Pat, as she navigates the vibrant and dynamic streets of New York City. With her unique sense of style, unapologetic personality, and a passion for self-expression, Pat immerses herself in the city’s diverse subcultures and discovers a world of creativity, love, and personal growth.

The story begins with Pat, a young woman from a small town, who moves to the bustling metropolis of New York City. Armed with her individuality and an eye for fashion, Pat quickly finds herself at the center of the city’s vibrant fashion scene. She becomes immersed in the world of high-end boutiques, fashion shows, and iconic cultural landmarks.

As Pat explores the city, she encounters a cast of colorful and memorable characters. From quirky artists and designers to passionate musicians and street performers, each interaction broadens her understanding of the city and herself. Through these encounters, Pat learns valuable lessons about authenticity, acceptance, and the power of self-expression.

Field’s vivid descriptions of the cityscape bring the hustle and bustle of New York to life. The reader is transported to iconic neighborhoods, such as Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Williamsburg, as Pat immerses herself in the city’s eclectic subcultures. Field’s intimate knowledge of New York City’s fashion scene, derived from her own legendary career as a fashion stylist, lends authenticity and depth to the narrative.

“Pat in the City” also explores themes of personal growth and self-discovery. As Pat navigates the city’s maze of opportunities and challenges, she confronts her own fears, insecurities, and aspirations. Through her experiences, readers witness Pat’s transformation from a wide-eyed newcomer to a confident woman who embraces her uniqueness and finds her place in the world.

Field’s writing style is vibrant and engaging, reflecting Pat’s energy and zest for life. The author’s keen eye for detail and fashion expertise infuse the narrative with a sense of style and visual flair. The novel serves as a love letter to New York City, celebrating its diversity, creativity, and the individuals who contribute to its unique tapestry.

“Pat in the City” is not only a delightful exploration of New York City’s fashion scene, but it also delves into themes of self-expression, identity, and the pursuit of one’s passions. Through Pat’s journey, readers are encouraged to embrace their individuality, chase their dreams, and celebrate the beauty of self-discovery. The novel serves as an inspiration for those seeking to carve their own path and find their voice in a bustling and ever-evolving city.

In summary, “Pat in the City” by Patricia Field is a vibrant and empowering novel that takes readers on a journey through the exciting world of New York City. With its unique blend of fashion, self-expression, and personal growth, the book captures the spirit of the city and invites readers to embrace their true selves. Through Pat’s experiences, readers are reminded of the power of authenticity, creativity, and finding one’s place in a world brimming with possibilities.

You can listen to the book for free if you use the link

https://www.amazon.com/Pat-City-Fashi...

[Terri Durling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really did not know much about Patricia Field. I am a huge fashionista so anything about style and fashion always grabs my attention. A friend recently told me about a new documentary coming out about “Patricia field”. I have been trying to find a venue to watch it but no luck so far. So, I ordered this book from the library in the interim. The book gave me the lowdown on just who Patricia Field is and she has been a huge influence on the fashion scene. She started off with a small store that evolved into a very popular place for people looking for unique pieces that she often personally sourced herself by scouting various venues, etc. Soon her clientele included celebrities and she became a celebrity in her own right. She then started doing styling for various television series such as Crime Story and, from there, went on to be the stylist for the iconic television series, “Sex in the City” and then the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Emily in Paris. Patricia Field is one of a kind, in a league of her own and a highly sought after stylist who is responsible for many iconic looks such as Carrie Bradshaw (Jessica Parker) in a tutu with a tank top on the opening segment of Season One of “Sex in the City”. She knows her wares and what will sell and people flocked to her famous store in New York “Patricia Field”. She ended up giving up the store as the styling part of her life took over and it was becoming increasingly difficult to get staff to deal with the store. The book isn’t written all that well but I did enjoy learning all about Patricia and her rise to fame in the fashion world.

[Raquel]

Patricia Field shocked audiences when she put the actress Sarah Jessica Parker in a bargain-bin tutu for the opening credits of HBO’s “Sex and the City.” Yet as the legendary costume designer reveals in her new memoir, “Pat in the City” (Dey Street Books), that was hardly her most audacious idea.

When Field — by then almost 60 and an underground legend — first met “Sex” producer Darren Star to talk about the show, she brought a book of images of the raven-haired 1950s bombshell Bettie Page. Field thought the so-called “queen of pinups” the “perfect” reference for “Sex,” about four sexually liberated single women in Manhattan. But when Star saw Page’s bondage photos, he balked.

“Surveying the pinup bound in chains with shackles around her ankles and neck (and a fantastic little leopard bikini), or the one of her strung up with a ball gag between her perfectly painted red lips, Darren said, ‘That’s a little much,’” Field writes in her book. “I took the note. But it was clear that he appreciated my aesthetic considerations, even if this one took it a step too far.”

Taking things a step too far is kind of Field’s thing. The flame-haired fashionista has made a career of pushing the envelope, of embracing the outlandish, of living — and dressing — to the hilt.

See the rest of my review for The Post here: https://nypost.com/2023/02/18/legenda...

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very skeptical when I started reading this book. I knew that she worked with a ghost writer on the text which can be tricky. In the end, I was totally won over by Patricia's story. I am glad that she wrote about her time in New York City. It was an important moment when it seemed like all things were possible, before AIDS, before the mega towers in midtown. Downtown was alive with creativity and Pat was there. In the late 80s, I was in art school on 8th street and used to walk by her shop every day. I finally summoned the courage to walk in. I still remember this beautiful herringbone tweed suite that I tried on. It was masculine in the fabric and the cut but feminine in the styling of the puffy sleeves. I still have regrets that I didn't buy it. Of course, Patricia went on to style some of television's top shows, Sex in the City and Emily in Paris. She has been instrumental in changing the dynamic between fashion and identity—that's no small feat and should be celebrated. This isn't the perfect biography. I was left wanting to know so much more but in the end, I was glad there wasn't a neat or pretty bow to tie everything together because her story isn't finished. She just opened a new gallery/boutique.

[Ирина Йорданова · Rating 5 out of 5]

Патриша Фийлд е нещо като неразделна част от Ню Йорк и неговата история. Отвъд "Секса и Градът" и "Дяволът носи Прада", стилистката е и част от културния и артистичен свят на Голямата ябълка вече десетилетия наред.

За мен много от историите, разказани в тази мемоарна книга, се оказаха любопитна изненада. Като участието й в ъндърграунд състезанията на драг кралиците, например. Или пък фактът, че бутикът й е събирал на едно място "блясъка" и "утайката", ако мога да използвам тези груби думи, за да демонстрирам рязката разлика между отделните представители на клиентелата й.

"Pat in the City" е ода за Ню Йорк, но и своеобразен учебник по толерантност. По страниците на тази автобиография ще срещнете и мода, и дрога, и бунт и всичко онова, което е типично за края на XX и началото на XXI век.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Fields is SO FUN!! This book was great fun to read, and so interesting. Having worked in fashion retail I was very interested in her path and growth as a stylist and store owner.
I LOVE her approach to business, and life. I did not know she was Greek, so learned something new there.
It was really fun to hear all the stories of her "kids" she worked with, and the evolution of style that they and she helped create. Hearing about the NY nightlife, Studio 54...amazing!
And of course, styling SJP and the Sex and the City crew!! I loved the show so much, especially for its fashion! Reading this book sent me right back to season 1, and watching it all over again!😃

[Ingrid Weir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't have the same taste in clothes as Patricia Field. I didn't watch much of Sex and the City. But I really enjoyed reading this book - there is a lightness and sparkle to her account. A true free spirit who has lived life with verve- her way. It's refreshing. Very open-minded. And, looking back, the work she did for Sex and the City is memorable. It set the tone of the show.

One of the most important lessons that she gives the staff in her store is " if you do something special, people will follow you - and then you can sell it right back to them."
Patricia Field is a true original, and there aren't many of those around.

[Irina Gkini · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is no doubt that Patricia Field has redefined how we think of fashion, styling and personal style expression, for the last 25 years. It is also certain that she has lived a very interesting life.
It is, thus, really astonishing how her ghost writer has managed to turn this interesting material into a boring recollection of random memories, with no cohesion and no storytelling arch.
I have heard the audiobook, so the supporting photo material was poor -to say the least. Don’t know how the print edition is, but how can anyone read (hear?) about fashion story without the proper photo material?

[Karlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Patricia Field has certainly lived a fabulous life, and she will never let you forget it. This is the most self-aggrandizing memoir I have ever read, by far. On page 169 she quite literally compares herself to Einstein “or maybe Da Vinci.” Get over yourself, girl!! The book started out at four stars for me, then dropped to three, and ended up at two. Just non-stop reassuring us, or maybe herself, that she is the most influential person that fashion has ever seen. Wow, pulling from couture AND thrift stores? Groundbreaking. The only really enjoyable and interesting part of the book was about the drag scene in the 80s.

[Kalypso · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

This was a really interesting and lighthearted read. You can really feel the passion she has for fashion. I loved reading about how her shop just sorta adopted all these misfits.

I wish the book slowed down at some points. There were a lot of sections where it was just talking about a person and what they did and then it would jump to the next person in the next paragraph and I honestly would have loved to hear more about the relationships she had with these people instead of immediately moving on.

I never really put too much thought into what goes into the outfits you see on TV but after reading this I'm definitely going to be thinking about it more often.

[Yden · Rating 4 out of 5]

awwwwwwww mannnnnn

ugh so much is contained in here, it makes me love people more, love fashion more, and miss a time i never saw.

whether selfish or self absorbed or misinformed, i DO constantly say dream about when art and expression was more fresh. i don’t see the 80s and 90s as perfect ideals but there is constantly things confirming just how special those decades were.

reading accounts like these make me positively envious of the best parts. that all these names were real people with funny stories and appointments to keep.

there are some really cool stories in here.

i hope my life reads this colorful if i ever share it, and i hope it stays that way forever.

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pat Field really is a delight, a one-of-a-kind, with a great story to tell. (The doco about her, "Happy Clothes" is a gem.)

This is a fun look back at her career, although as she readily admits she doesn't like looking back, that becomes apparent with the lack of too many anecdotes that avid fans of SATC or Devil Wears Prada or Emily in Paris would be looking for. I wanted more of these, to know more about the stories behind some of the iconic ensembles she has put together. Alas, this does not seem to be her style.

But it's lovely to read her story, especially one told with affection and a distinct lack of bitterness.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Field is a living icon and her book is great. She shares just enough memoir to explain how she got where she is. The book mainly chronicles her life in fashion, which is what I wanted to hear about! She talks about the history of her retail empire, how she sources things, how she got into styling and costume work. There is a lot of knowledge here, and I love her brassy, fun attitude. While she does have a lot of fun, it's clear that she's very intelligent and driven and I enjoyed learning more about her creative and business processes. The only thing I missed was more pictures!

[sliceofmini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like her , this book is creative , fun and a fashionista. I absolutely loved the coverart for each section. And it's not just about her but also people surrounding her in her life , so you also get to know about the fashion and LGBTQ scene back then.

That being said , I also think that lead to a very superficial book , yes it's fun and quirky , but I would have loved to learn her personality a bit more than just few fun anecdotes.

Also the fashion details, without the actual pictures of the pieces went right above my head and I absolutely didn't care for the literal descriptions of them.

[Dawn Hurwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow stylist from the eighties, only in Chicago, I was able to reflect on Pat's memories with a special comradery of one who had traveled the same road. She was far more successful at it with NYC as her backyard. She tells the story of her experiences with great detail making one feel like a fly on the wall of her life. Her bottom line of being influenced by other creatives around her with youthfulness is a great one to remember. She has mastered her intentions. A highly recommended read for anyone who wants or needs to know.

[Stephen Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ughhhhhh, this book is a GIFT. What an inspiring and beautifully hopeful tale of a life. Being a New Yorker for 21 years, Pat Fields has always been the epicenter of the creative counter culture to me. Her stores and the people who worked with her have always been part of what defined my New York experience. To read this is to feel a connection with not only this city but also with the heart of creativity and the need to nurture others. Pat truly has built a community that serves not only this city but the world.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I found this book! I'm a low-brow artist starting to put my art onto clothing, and I am reading books about fashion and business to gain more understanding, inspiration, and just surround myself with the energy of success. This book was just what I needed! We're both Aquarians with heavy Taurus energy, and her life journey definitely is closely parallel to my dream lifestyle and career. I found so much good advice and encouragement that I really needed to hear. After reading this book, I am feeling very motivated now and more confident in my journey and goals as an artist 😎

[Monica Bodel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truly underwhelming. The most interesting parts of the book were in the beginning, where the author discusses her childhood at length and paints a very vivid picture of growing up in a Greek family during the 50s and 60s in America. Halfway through, the book becomes fairly predictable. She doesn’t spill any tea - not gossip necessarily but more juicy tidbits about the SATC cast and production woild have been more than welcome. I am glad I bought this for only £2 second hand. It’s not worth buying it full price.