‘Emily in Paris’ Leaves Its Mark on the Real Paris as Show Creator Darren Star Receives France’s Highest Honor
Emily in Paris may have whisked its heroine off to Rome for Season 5, but the series’ impact on the French capital is stronger than ever. In the days leading up to the new season’s premiere on Thursday, show creator Darren Star was awarded the Legion of Honor, France’s most prestigious distinction — a rare recognition for an American television producer.
Darren Star Honored for Making “France Shine Across the World”
French President Emmanuel Macron presented Star with the award, referencing the global influence of the Netflix series. Macron noted that Star has helped “France shine across the world,” acknowledging how the show has shaped international perceptions of Paris — even if through a glamorous, exaggerated lens. Macron’s wife, Brigitte Macron, made a cameo on the series in Season 4, further cementing its cultural footprint in France.
Emily Cooper’s Style Becomes a Cultural Export
While the show has long been criticized for its portrayal of Parisian fashion and lifestyle, it has also become a cultural force, influencing both tourism and fashion conversations worldwide. Emily Cooper’s eclectic, maximalist wardrobe — all florals, feathers, plaids, and bold prints — has become inseparable from the show’s identity.
A new book released this month by luxury publisher Assouline, titled Emily in Paris: The Fashion Guide, celebrates the character’s vibrant style. The book, featuring the work of costume designer Marylin Fitoussi, offers a closer look at standout pieces worn by Emily, including Christian Louboutin shoes and custom couture mixes that defined the show’s fashion aesthetic.
Fashion That Was Never Meant to Be Realistic
Fitoussi emphasized that authenticity was never the goal. “It was not the point,” she said. “I want to play with clothes. I want to show people that if you are dressed in a different way, you will think in a different way.”
Her vision embraced clothing as a vehicle for imagination rather than realism, turning Paris into a technicolor playground shaped by Emily’s unashamedly bold fashion choices.
From Internet Mockery to Global Influence
When Emily in Paris debuted, both the character and the show were met with criticism — from the exaggerated clichés to Emily’s questionable French. Yet over five seasons, the character has won over audiences globally and gradually won acceptance from her fictional French peers.
More importantly, Emily in Paris has undeniably become part of Paris’s cultural conversation. From Parisian cafés mimicking scenes from the show to fashion retailers embracing colorful, playful aesthetics, the influence is widespread — even if it doesn’t mirror traditional Parisian chic.
A Legacy That Extends Beyond Television
With a hit series, a fashion guide, and now France’s highest civilian honor attached to his name, Darren Star has firmly etched Emily in Paris into both pop culture and French cultural diplomacy. As Season 5 arrives, the show’s legacy continues to grow — proof that Paris isn’t just the setting, but a character Emily herself has helped reshape.
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