When New York City resident Dan Clay dressed up as the legendary Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex And The City” last Halloween, he had no idea that he was unleashing a creative force that the internet would absolutely adore.
After posting photos of his look throughout the night, Clay received an outpouring of engagement from fans of the show and “Sex And The City” Instagram accounts.
“All the comments were so so kind, and I still had all these pictures left from our little West Village photo shoot, so I decided to keep it going for a bit,” Clay told HuffPost. “I posted a few more pics, even trying to capture Carrie’s classic narration style. I always thought it would just sort of fade away ― [but] it never did!”
And thus, Carrie Dragshaw was born.
On the road to love, sometimes you’re left out in the cold. As Aleksandr’s light exhibition opened and the light in our love went out, I couldn’t help but wonder: When you depend on men for warmth, are you destined for frostbite? And if one love leaves you cold, are you brave or crazy to try again? If at first he breaks your heart, cry cry again. But no matter how cold it gets, maybe the best way to bounce back after a break up is to be fabulous. To grab your faux fur, fairy skirt, and, most importantly, fabulous friends who will keep you warm. Because love hurts—but love heals, too. And there’s a light in everyone who’s looking for love. Keep it bright. It’s how the good ones find each other. #CarrieDragshaw
A post shared by Dan Clay (@dan_clay) on Jan 19, 2017 at 5:04am PST
After heading West for a week of work, I was home. To quote another blonde wanderer, L.A. is too hot—too sunny, too sandy, too supermodelly. San Francisco is too cold—all tech, no talk. And I don’t trust a city where you can’t tell the difference between a billionaire, hipster, or homeless person. All hoodie, no Fendi. All flannel, no Chanel. For this Goldilocks, New York is just right. I couldn’t help but wonder: If my roots are so far away, why do I blossom in New York? I guess not all flowers grow in the sun. Some need the shade of skyscrapers, the ballet of crowded sidewalks, dollar slices in Dior, bodega cats and Birkin bags, MoMA with Monet, sunsets with Lady Liberty, the pleasure of 5th Avenue and the pain of Penn Station and most of all: the people-watching—because we might not have much nature, but we’re overflowing with life. So L.A. can keep its sun and San Francisco can have its screens, because I need magic, and I only bloom in New York. #CarrieDragshaw
A post shared by Dan Clay (@dan_clay) on Dec 9, 2016 at 5:16am PST
For Clay, the creative process of selecting and reimagining iconic Bradshaw looks, and then creating a “Sex And The City” inspired caption for each post, began to serve a number of different purposes in his life. For one, the social media star really started to treasure the joy and positive energy that his Bradshaw looks seemed to bring to people’s lives.
“People kept on saying really kind things about the pictures and the captions (including Patricia Field and SJP, so if that’s not motivation I don’t know what is!),” Clay told HuffPost. “The internet isn’t always full of positivity and love, and this seemed to spread both. Made people smile, gave them a little boost, a reason to connect with friends. It was so cool to have this opportunity to spread a little joy!”
Meanwhile uptown, I was living a teenage dream in a castle on a cloud, high above Central Park. The thing is, when you’re a teenager, you look at adults and see freedom: No Parents. No Rules. But when you’re an adult, you look at teenagers and see freedom: No Bosses. No Bills. I couldn’t help but wonder: When did getting older go from dream to dread? When it comes to growing up, were some of us too chicken to cross the road? Or maybe, every once in a while, you can make the mature adult decision to act like a rebellious adolescent. To serve a giant Kentucky Fried F*ck You to deadlines, diets, dating and the rest of reality. In life, most days you get dressed and conquer the world. So some days you can get stoned and eat from a bucket. You can solve your problems in your Prada mañana. Today, channel your inner Ferris Bueller and put ’em in the f*ck it bucket. Because in a fast-paced city like New York, sometimes you’ve got to hop out of the speedboat and just splash around—even if you might get caught. After all, before a flower can grow, it needs a little pot. #CarrieDragshaw
A post shared by Dan Clay (@dan_clay) on Jan 25, 2017 at 4:55am PST
Dan also found the Carrie Dragshaw character to be a cathartic release from the pressures and stress of a volatile political climate following the election of President Donald Trump.
“All of this happened right during election time, and I found getting into ‘Carrie’ character to be this really immersive escape,” he continued. “You try thinking about politics while also learning how to apply fake eyelashes! Add to this that it forced me to confront my own insecurities around masculinity – I was sold!… A delightful personal oasis that spreads a little love.”
They say life’s a journey, not a destination. I guess that’s why us girls need so many bags. As I stepped into another new relationship, I started thinking about baggage. We all have it. We might try to dress it up in Louis Vuitton luggage or squeeze it into a cute little fanny pack—but even fake Gucci carries real emotions. I couldn’t help but wonder: If everyone has baggage, why do we try so hard to hide it? And if we’re so comfortable baring our skin, why do we hide our hearts? Maybe true love comes when someone sees it all (even the ugly duffle you hide under your bed) and loves you anyway. Someone who loves you more the more they see. Who sees you when you’re scared, anxious, angry, or even just sad, and sticks around to make sure you learn to love your authentic self and never try to be anything else. To make sure you love you as much as they do. And to make sure your shoes always, always match your baggage. #CarrieDragshaw _______________________ Let’s spread a little love today. Tag your besties—the ones whose baggage matches yours—and tell them how much you love them. CD&DC
A post shared by Dan Clay (@dan_clay) on Apr 20, 2017 at 4:20am PDT
Clay has no plans to stop his Carrie Dragshaw character anytime soon, and he hopes that she continues to bring people around the world happiness and solace during uncertain political times.
“I love the idea that the pictures could brighten someone’s day,” Clay said. “Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, and just this tiny opportunity to make someone smile – that’s reason enough to prance around the Plaza in imitation Dior. I especially love the idea that the captions could connect with people. There were moments in ‘Sex and the City’ that were really empowering—preaching independence, self-confidence, friendship, and fabulosity. I really appreciate the opportunity, even on a small scale, to provide that kind of uplift and perspective.”
Head here to follow Dan Clay on Instagram and keep up with all of Carrie Dragshaw’s adventures.
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