Sarah Jessica Parker: The Journey of a Truly Unconventional Star
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker attends HBO Max's "And Just Like That..." New York premiere at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on December 8, 2021, in New York City. © Kena Betancur / AFP

Fashion icon, celebrated actress and newly appointed Booker Prize juror, Sarah Jessica Parker has never failed to astonish and captivate. Here’s a look at the dazzling career of the woman who reshaped both television and the fashion world with her unparalleled style, boldness and passion.

A true tour de force both on and off the screen, Sarah Jessica Parker has never failed to astonish and captivate. Her role as a juror within the prestigious Booker Prize 2025 provides the perfect opportunity to revisit the extraordinary journey of this actress, producer and entrepreneur who has shaped an entire generation. From her early breakthrough on Broadway to the most glamorous red carpets, let's take a look back at the fashion and cultural odyssey of the woman who revolutionized our wardrobes and brought a breath of freedom to the small screen.

It’s hard to picture the glamorous Carrie Bradshaw emerging from a modest family in Ohio. Yet, it is in this Midwestern State that Parker is born on March 25, 1965, the youngest of eight siblings in a blended family. Early on, Sarah Jessica develops a passion for dance and singing – talents that would open the doors to her success.

At just 11 years old, the prodigy lands her debut Broadway role in The Innocents. Three years later, she truly shines on stage as Annie, the iconic heroine of the famous musical comedy. This marks the beginning of an American success story for the girl who has dreamed of conquering New York and seeing her name in lights.

From Broadway to Hollywood: the Rise to Stardom

In the 1980s, Parker takes her first steps into the world of cinema, starring alongside Kevin Bacon in Footloose (1984), before becoming captivated by Steve Martin in L.A. Story (1991). However, her collaboration with the iconic Tim Burton truly propels her Hollywood career. The eccentric director casts her in standout roles in Ed Wood (1994) and Mars Attacks! (1996).

However, it isn’t until 1998 that Sarah Jessica Parker becomes a global sensation, thanks to the groundbreaking TV show Sex and the City. At 33, the actress not only achieves international fame but, more importantly, shakes codes and redefines the portrayal of women on screen. A resounding success!

Picture Manhattan in the late 90s – its towering skyscrapers, trendy bars and ubiquitous yellow taxis. Against this backdrop, four women in their thirties would redefine television and become true icons. Among them is Carrie Bradshaw, brought to life by Parker, more dazzling and fearless than ever.

As a journalist and columnist, Carrie boldly chronicles her love and sex life without any taboos. We, the viewers, are captivated by her journey, living vicariously through her intense, tumultuous romance with Mr. Big. We cried during their breakups, rejoiced during their reunions. How many of us hoped, episode after episode, season after season, that Carrie and Big would finally be together – for good? After years of ups and downs, they finally found happiness, much to our delight. But this long-awaited bliss was tragically short-lived. In the shocking opening episode of And Just Like That..., John James Preston, aka Mr. Big, our Mr. Big, dies of a heart attack in Carrie’s arms after a simple stationary bike ride. This loss divided the fanbase, with some lauding the boldness of the plot, and others regretting such an abrupt, heart-wrenching conclusion.

Beyond her love life and sharp-witted writing, it’s Carrie’s unmatched style that will truly electrify the screen. With designer dresses, vintage finds, towering heels and must-have bags... Sex and the City elevates fashion to a starring role, turning Carrie into a style guru for an entire generation of women.

With Manolo Blahnik on her feet and a Cosmopolitan in hand, the heroines of Sex and the City unleash a new wave of freedom and audacity in the heart of the Big Apple. They fearlessly break fashion rules – flashing visible underwear, daring to wear tutus in broad daylight, and making the slip dress the unofficial uniform of the chic, modern working girl. A fashion revolution led by Parker, whose iconic looks continue to inspire fashionistas around the globe.

Fashion Icon and Empowered Woman

As the seasons unfold, the line between Bradshaw and Parker gradually wanes. The actress, now a true fashion icon, launches her own clothing line and fragrance, Lovely, in 2005. Her sharp style, a blend of bold eccentricity and glamorous femininity, firmly establishes her as the new fashion reference.

At 1.60 meters tall with a slender frame, Parker doesn't fit the conventional supermodel mold, but who cares! Her charm lies in her magnetic personality and her innate sense of style. A master of bold mix-and-match, she effortlessly blends high-end designer pieces with vintage finds, consistently creating looks that captivate, like the iconic newspaper-print dress that became a fashion legend (thank you, Carrie!).

Beyond rhinestones and sequins, Parker has remained loyal to herself. Rejecting Hollywood’s dictates and glamour, she embraces a simple yet sincere elegance that commands deep respect. Her effortless authenticity has firmly established her as an enduring fashion icon, maintaining her influence long after Sex and the City ended.

But who says Parker is just a fashion icon? Behind her eccentric fashionista image lies a true businesswoman. A savvy producer, she played a key role in the development of both Sex and the City movies (2008 and 2010) before returning for the sequel And Just Like That... in 2021. And that’s not all!

In recent years, she has embarked on an unexpected literary journey. After a successful stint as editorial director at Penguin, she launched her own publishing house, SJP Lit, in 2023, fulfilling her lifelong passion for books and writing.

Now a member of the prestigious Booker Prize 2025 jury, Parker’s career continues to soar, with undeniable elegance and aplomb. With her, nothing is ever taken for granted, and that’s exactly what we love about her. Her ability to reinvent herself while remaining true to her values commands admiration.

A committed fashion icon, talented actress and visionary entrepreneur, Parker has undeniably redefined pop culture in high heels. At 60, she continues to prove that her journey is far from over, leaving us eagerly anticipating the exciting fashion and literary endeavors she has yet to reveal.

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