Emily in Paris Director Explains the Challenge Behind Filming The Masquerade Hat

Emily in Paris director Andrew Fleming pays great attention to fashion while filming the show.

Fleming, 61, shared insights into capturing the show’s extravagant style during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on Wednesday, August 14.

“Certain hats are difficult to work with,” he explained, noting his admiration for how Emily’s (Lily Collins) large-brimmed hat — featured during a masquerade ball in episode 3 of season 4 — appeared on camera.

“It’s a reveal,” Fleming told Us. “It’s the first time we see a significant outfit, an important outfit.”

He elaborated, “When Lily is walking up the stairs, I wanted her to tilt her head up so that the brim of the hat revealed her face.

Then, when we cut to a wider shot, we finally see the entire outfit. There’s a sense of anticipation to see the outfit because it’s important.”

To build up the anticipation for Emily’s final look, Fleming filmed two prior shots: “One where she’s outside talking to Gabrielle, wearing the cloak, so the outfit isn’t visible.

The next shot shows her entering from behind, again obscuring the outfit but highlighting the hat.”

In this episode, Emily wore her wide-brimmed hat with a black-and-white striped mock-neck catsuit with attached gloves and a ballgown skirt. True to masquerade style, she completed the look with a glittery mask.

Throughout the first three seasons, many fans questioned how Emily, a marketing executive, could afford such a lavish wardrobe filled with vibrant outfits, designer bags, and feathered ensembles. Fleming addressed this by explaining, “She’s a young woman with disposable income.”

He added, “[Emily] doesn’t have children, a big mortgage, or a car. She spends her money on clothes. It’s her passion.”

Fleming also noted that “it’s part of her mindset to be creative with what she wears.” Season 4 of Emily in Paris is available for streaming on Netflix.