How Emily in Paris is tackling sexual harassment in fashion
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The latest installment of the lighthearted Netflix series Emily in Paris surprisingly delves into themes of sexual misconduct within the fashion industry. Known for its similarities to Darren Star’s previous hit, Sex and the City, the show captures elements such as a quirky main character, a deep connection to Paris, and a striking focus on fashion—largely thanks to the costume expertise of Patricia Field who also contributed to Sex and the City. In its fourth season, Emily in Paris confronts sexual harassment issues prevalent in fashion.
This conversation around misconduct in the industry is timely, as it follows the increased visibility of such instances through various documentaries like Scouting for Girls, Victoria's Secret: Angels & Demons, and White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch. Up until now, mainstream fictional narratives addressing this topic have been quite scarce.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, moves from Chicago to a French firm, Savoir, after her boss's unexpected pregnancy alters the company's staffing. Emily, a fish out of water, grapples with cultural differences, particularly with her demanding French colleagues, and also faces personal complications, including a love triangle involving her neighbor and a close friend.
In the new season, a scene reminiscent of a pivotal moment from Sex and the City arises when Mindy, another key character, is excited to explore the designer wardrobe at a luxury brand, JVMA. However, her enjoyment is overshadowed when she learns from two female employees about the 'buddy system' at the firm—a system imposed by Louis, the owner, requiring female staff to model outfits in front of him. This unsettling practice mirrors the infamous casting couch phenomenon.
Emily's boss, Sylvie, has a background connected to this fashion house and an earlier inappropriate experience with Louis is revisited. When Emily raises her concerns to Sylvie regarding their planned collaboration with Louis, Sylvie initially brushes it off, attributing it to a bygone era. However, upon discovering that Louis continues his troubling behavior, Sylvie chooses to speak out.
This narrative brings to light a generational rift regarding how women confront inappropriate behaviors, and the situation is exacerbated in France where the #MeToo movement has made less headway compared to other parts of the world. Experts attribute this slow progress to the nation’s historical cultural attitudes towards gender and sexuality, which complicate the push against harassment.
Although some French fashion heavyweights have been accused of misconduct, the responses have varied widely. High-profile cases, such as those involving photographer Patrick Demarchelier and model agency head Gérald Marie, reveal the complexities surrounding accountability within the industry. Despite some notable allegations, a prevailing skepticism towards the #MeToo movement persists, as seen in cinema, where a group of actresses once publicly defended the right to flirt despite the movement's implications.
As the series treads lightly but meaningfully on such issues, it presents a glimmer of hope through Sylvie's eventual decision to expose Louis’s abusive conduct in a prominent publication. While the show's fantastical backdrop enhances its entertainment value, the potential for real-world impact remains a hopeful undertone.
Emily in Paris Season 4 is currently available for streaming. For those seeking support regarding issues of sexual abuse, appropriate resources and hotlines are accessible.
