When Sabrina Carpenter dropped her ‘Feather’ music video late last year, I thought “Ok. This is the perfect music video, there’s no topping it”. Then, she dropped the ‘Espresso’ video, and foolishly, I thought the same thing. From ‘Feather's pink boxer outfit to the 60s-inspired costuming in ‘Espresso’, it’s clear that Sabrina and her team understand how to create unforgettable stories and iconic looks.
Did we all gasp when Barry Keoghan walked into the frame of ‘Please, Please, Please’? The video explores themes of unsatisfying relationships and waiting on fulfilled potential. According to the director of ‘Please, Please, Please’, Bardia Zeinali, the fictional dynamic between Barry and Sabrina was inspired by several of Hollywood’s notable couples. The list includes Pam Anderson & Tommy Lee, Madonna & Dennis Rodman, Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez, and even Bonnie & Clyde. Zeinali also directed Rihanna’s controversial yet bold “B*ch Better Have My Money” back in 2015. We see similar stylistic traits in both videos. We also see references to the works of Quentin Tarantino. The title card that flashes at the minute mark is a classic Tarantino marker, seen in films like ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Kill Bill’, ‘Jackie Brown’, and ‘The Hateful Eight’.
1. Don’t Prove I’m Right
We first find Sabrina sitting bored in a jail cell. Is it just me, or is she giving Country Princess in this scene? She’s rocking a crystal mini dress by The Attico Rue and a cross necklace by David Yurman. Eagle-eyed watchers will notice her and Barry wearing matching crosses.
2. I Know I Have Good Taste
Caption: Photo: Sarah Carpenter- Vogue
Here, we see her in a stunning blue hooded dress by Alaïa. Zeinali noted this bold ensemble symbolizes Sabrina’s dominance over her mob boyfriend. While he may be the one toting around weapons, Sabrina has the power to break things off.
3. I Promise Them That You’re Different
Caption: Photos: Sarah Carpenter - Vogue
As Barry’s character walks out of prison, he enters the arms of a bright bubble gum pink coat, reminiscent of a girl in love. Later, we see the same coat, in yellow, suggesting that their love has gone sour. The latter is also a callback to Uma Thurman’s costume in Kill Bill. The coat is the work of Alexandre Vautier. I predict this look will be a fan favorite this Halloween.
4. All I’m Asking, Baby…
Caption: From @SabrinaCarpenter on IG
In the back of the pizza shop, the singer reveals she knows this man is not right for her. She’s deep in denial and desperately urging her lover to better himself, or at least to hide his antics better. What better color to showcase her emotions than a scarlet mini with ribbon and lace detailing, by Dilara Findikoglu
5. But The Ceiling Fan Is So Nice!
Caption: From @SabrinaCarpenter on IG
Sabrina’s look is composed of a white cropped blouse by The Frankie Shop, a pleated skirt by Alexander Wang, and Guissepe heels. It’s important to note that Sabrina sports the same knee-high stockings throughout the story. This was purposely done on the director’s part, to highlight her character’s commitment to her relationship. While Barry’s outfits stay consistent throughout, Sabrina changes and evolves. But she still holds on to this one artifact, unwilling to let go of her past just yet.
6. Don’t Embarrass Me, Mother F**ker
Caption: From @SabrinaCarpenter on IG
In the arcade scene, we see Sabrina in custom Coach. The leather jacket was a part of their Spring/Summer ‘24 collection. The underneath lingerie set was part of an upcycling project, using tulle, and lace intarsia, over a leather bra/brief set.
7. Don’t Make Me Hate You, Prolifically
As Barry’s character finally reaches his reckoning, we see Sabrina enter her full power and leave her past behind. In this scene, she’s styled in a white body con mini dress by Defaience.
‘Please, Please, Please’ is an ode to music video storytelling. Each look is meticulously curated, reflecting emotional depth and paying homage to cinematic influences. Sabrina has not only influenced our closets but also set a new music video standard in 2024.
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