3 June 2026 |
Photography Courtesy of Grace Fries
Talking to Candace Bushnell about what it’s like to let go of some of her iconic pieces.
“I love Depop so much that I will probably sell more,” says Candace Bushnell, kicking off our conversation about how she’s curating a special sale for the online vintage platform. The beloved writer, known for penning the original Sex and The City column that then became the hit series, is now letting go of 20 pieces from her private wardrobe. Launched yesterday, you’ll find a selection that spans the 80s, 90s and 2000s, it’s the stuff of nostalgic dreams. And why wouldn’t it be? Bushnell is a New York City icon with a closet to match: Think glitzy galas in Gucci, after-work drinks in Dolce&Gabbana and fashion moments in Manolo Blahnik. Priced reasonably, expect fans to snap it up in droves, once they catch wind.
In the meantime, we caught up with Candace in advance of her Depop drop to chat wardrobe must-haves, heels in the city and knowing when to let go.
10 USA: What do these pieces represent to you?
BUSHNELL: They’re from different periods of my life. One dates back to the ’80s which was such a special time because that was when I first came to New York. I would go to Bergdorfs and Saks every day because that’s what you had to do. There was no online shopping – everything is available to everybody now. It didn’t exist.
So, you know, I would go to these fabulous New York department stores, and I would wait until they had an 80% sale off designer things and I would just pray that it fit me.
10 USA: What’s a piece that you really regret giving away in the past, one you still think about?
B: Although it didn’t fit anymore, I had that Tom Ford-era Gucci dress from the ’90s. It was a long, white dress, and it had a little thong with a piece of metal that went over the hip. You know, all of that Tom Ford stuff for Gucci was so great. He did those heavy silk shirts and I had some velvet pants. Once this guy lifted me up and I ripped the pants. I was really, really pissed at him. I was like, “Those are Gucci!!!!” “My heart.”
10 USA: Did you see your style reflected in Carrie Bradshaw and did she inspire you in return once the series came out?
B: I think what Darren [Starr] wanted was for the character to be really fashionable. I remember once at the beginning, he was like, “I think Carrie Bradshaw should look like her.” And he pointed to me, and I was wearing this Dolce & Gabbana suit. Patricia Field was the costume designer, so she was working with the actors playing their parts and seeing what works for them versus copying directly. It’s a very individual thing.
10 USA: What’s your advice for someone who is struggling to find personal style and this kind of individuality with fashion?
B: You have to wear what looks good on you, not what’s trendy. . Not everything works on everybody. I mean, there’s so many things that I’m never gonna wear because I don’t have the right body for it. It doesn’t look good.
10 USA: What piece should every young woman in Manhattan own?
B: Well, she should definitely have a black-tie dress. What if you go to a gala, a black tie event? You probably will in New York City. Okay? I always feel like you should be prepared to go to one with your Mr. Big at any time. And a really good handbag. I’m still thinking of just having one, good, high quality thing as opposed to several — but that’s not really the way it is right now.
Photography Courtesy of Harold Mindel
10 USA: Speaking of Mr. Big, what is your ultimate date outfit?
B: I probably would wear a dress that I feel comfortable in. I have this hat bow dress, it’s really cute. That would probably be it.
10 USA: With heels?
B: I pretty much always wear heels, which is not great because you always have to walk in New York City. Even if you think like, “Oh, I’m just gonna go and get right into a cab,” No, you’re not. You’re gonna walk at least three blocks looking for an Uber or a taxi. You’re probably gonna have to go up some steps, you know? But still always heels.
10 USA: What’s one thing about New York that you feel is better now than in the ’80s or the ’90s?
B: That’s a good question. I don’t know, it’s hard to say. A lot is the same, you know? But you know, it’s the people — those who come to New York are interesting. The other thing that the city has is that it’s a social place made for networking. You go out, you meet someone,become friends with them, and it takes off from there.
10 USA: Why is Gen Z so obsessed with the 2000s and the ’90s, reinterpreting the same style that women like you introduced?
B: I guess fashion is always going forward and back. When I was younger people were obsessed with the ’50s. I don’t have any criticisms of the way young people dress. Things are probably a little bit more revealing, but they’re kind of more revealing for everybody. Even women my age wear short skirts!
10 USA: What are three items from your wardrobe you’d save from a fire?
B: I would probably save books or photographs more. But I guess a great pair of Manolo Blahniks and maybe some Spanx and a leather coat, which is very practical.
10 USA: Is there one piece from your Depop collection that you want to highlight, that buyers should jump at?
B: A Michael Kors green fringe dress that I’ve held onto since probably 1982. I don’t know why. I just felt like it was really good luck because it was a party dress. Any time anybody was like, “Oh, disco!” that was my go-to. I decided it’s time to share it. Somebody else will go out and have a great time in that dress.
