A Life of Travel and Discovery: The Inspiring Story of Stylist Patricia Field

Patricia Field, the renowned costume designer behind iconic films and television projects, has spent her six-decade career shopping and styling on the road. Her work has taken her to the farthest corners of the globe, from the vibrant souks of Marrakech to the charming streets of Paris.

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‘It is my nature to discover,’ says Field, who has an innate ability to uncover unique and exquisite pieces that reflect her exceptional eye for style. ‘I love markets and independent shops; they provide a more personalized selection.’

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Field’s impressive career has seen her style some of the most memorable characters in film and television history. Her work on The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City II required extensive research and travel, taking her to Morocco, Türkiye, and Abu Dhabi. The five seasons of Emily in Paris meant countless trips to the French capital, where she always made time for the excellent vintage stores.

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Field’s home, located in the heart of New York City, is a treasure trove of souvenirs and one-of-a-kind pieces acquired during her travels. From a rare Shiseido lipstick from Japan to a golden palm tree sculpture from Florida, each item tells a story of Field’s insatiable curiosity and passion for discovery.

The interior of Field’s apartment is a testament to her eclectic style, with TVs throughout and an open-space living room offering a knockout view across the East River to Brooklyn and Queens. The mirror curtains in her living room were sent over from Fendi’s New York showroom, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the space.

Field’s love affair with Tokyo began 30 years ago, when she worked on a film project in Japan. This sparked an enduring devotion to local cosmetics, which has had a lasting impact on her personal style. Her Lower East Side home is influenced by the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo, featuring a shower-free bathroom with a deep soaking tub.

Although Field has spent her career on the move, she has a deep connection to Greece, the country from which her mother’s family emigrated to Manhattan. She spends the majority of her time in Athens, with visits to islands like Paros and Mykonos. Throughout her travels, Field has acquired an impressive collection of souvenirs, each one a testament to her love of discovery and style.

The Best Souvenirs from Patricia Field’s Travels

• Rare Lipstick from Japan: Field stocks up on this Shiseido Beni Kabuki lipstick during every visit to Japan or has friends bring it back for her.

• Golden Palm Tree from Florida: This vintage sculpture, located in Field’s bedroom, was purchased from Las Tías, a beloved local consignment store, a decade ago.

• Souvenir Coffee Mug from Greece: The translation on this cherished coffee mug, purchased on Mykonos’s bustling Matogianni Street in 2017, says ‘a pound and a half of sardines.’

• Ornate Slippers from a Moroccan Souk: Field purchased many pairs of traditional slippers while filming Sex and the City II in Marrakech, which she wears whenever she’s at home.

• Christian Dior Jacket from Paris: Field’s closet is filled with Pucci, Libertine, Hermès, and Chanel, but this 2002 Dior jacket by John Galliano is a favorite and looks stunning with her Moroccan slippers.

• Colorful Glass Lamps from Turkey: These were purchased at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, a city Field has visited numerous times and enjoys for its cosmopolitanism, and are now hung over her kitchen counter.