Chicago Woman Finds Iconic Wedding Dress From 'Sex and the City' at Thrift Shop
Sarah Jessica Parker in a conversation with First Lady Michelle Obama and actress Kerry Washington in the Blue Room of the White House, Feb. 11, 2015. Photo by Chuck Kennedy, Official White House Photo. Public domain.
And just like that... one of the most iconic wedding dresses in film history went from the silver screen to a thrift store bargain rack. Fans of "Sex and the City" were stunned when a Chicago-based thrift flipper, Ashley Cano, discovered Carrie Bradshaw's Vera Wang wedding dress at a Goodwill® for just $18.99.
An Unbelievable Thrift Store Find
Ashley Cano, who often resells thrift finds on Poshmark, shared her discovery in a TikTok video that quickly went viral. "Vera freaking Wang," she said, holding up the dress with its designer tag still intact, PEOPLE reports. "I couldn't believe my eyes," Cano said, when she saw the gown hanging on a rack at her local Goodwill.
The dress, officially called the Eleanor bridal gown, was worn by Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie Bradshaw, in a bridal photoshoot for "Vogue" during the first "Sex and the City" movie. The gown is known for its white strapless bodice and voluminous feathered skirt, which paired with long satin gloves and a simple veil, made for a memorable look.
The Dress' Hollywood Legacy
The "Sex and the City" movie, released in 2008, was a continuation of the beloved HBO series. In the film, Carrie wears the Vera Wang dress for a bridal photoshoot tied to a story about her being a bride over 40. Although she did not wear this gown for her actual wedding in the film, the dress became a fan favorite, contributing to the iconic fashion legacy of the show.
The movie saw Carrie eventually walking down the aisle in a Vivienne Westwood gown, but it was the Vera Wang dress that captured the imagination of fans and fashion enthusiasts. According to resale bridal sites, the gown retails for around $7,000, with used versions selling for as much as $3,000.
The Thrift Flip That Could Change a Life
Cano's viral TikTok has sparked a frenzy among fans who are eager to purchase the gown. While some commenters suggested she keep it for herself, Cano humorously shut down the idea, noting, "No diet could ever have me making it work," according to the New York Post.
Ironically, the proceeds from the sale of the wedding dress are earmarked for a serious cause — Cano plans to use the money to help pay for her divorce. She wrote in her TikTok comments, as reported by PEOPLE, "Low key been stressing over my lawyer bills for my divorce. I needed a blessing. Didn't think it would come in the way of a wedding dress but I'm not complaining."
While Cano has yet to list the gown on her Poshmark shop, the buzz surrounding the dress suggests she could potentially make thousands, offering a financial lifeline during a difficult time.
The Thrill of Thrift Finds
The story of Cano's thrift store find has resonated with audiences, highlighting the thrill of stumbling upon treasures in unexpected places. The rise of "thrift flipping" — where buyers purchase secondhand items and resell them at a profit — has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, with users sharing their incredible finds and sales.
The appeal of thrift shopping lies not only in finding a bargain but also in the potential for discovering a valuable or sentimental item. As Cano's story demonstrates, a $19 wedding dress could end up being worth thousands, turning a chance encounter at Goodwill into a life-changing opportunity.
What's Next for the Dress?
With the dress still in her possession, Cano has asked her followers for suggestions on how best to sell it. Whether she auctions it off to the highest bidder or lists it online, one thing is clear — this gown's journey from the racks of a thrift store to a viral TikTok moment has only just begun.
For "Sex and the City" fans and thrift enthusiasts alike, this story reminds of the magic that can be found among secondhand racks. After all, you never know what hidden gems might be waiting to be discovered.
References: Sarah Jessica Parker's iconic wedding dress from 'Sex and the City' movie found at thrift shop for $19 | Sex and The City fans stunned after Carrie Bradshaw's Vera Wang wedding dress found in thrift store for $19 | Woman Finds Carrie's Wedding Dress from Sex and the City at Thrift Shop for $19. She's Selling It to Pay for Her Divorce
