Carrie Bradshaw’s near-empty apartment and “rat superhighway” of a rear garden may lead viewers to believe she’ll be vacating the Greek Revival townhouse she bought at the end of And Just Like That… season 2. However, the fictional relationship writer has stayed put for the first seven episodes of the current season. The most recent one saw Carrie host a birthday bash for Charlotte, complete with karaoke, flower arrangements, and a spread of food on her newly acquired midcentury Italian table from 1stDibs. When Miranda arrives for the party with confetti-filled balloons, she steps into Carrie’s ornate, if basically unfurnished, parlor. But wait—is that a Noguchi lantern in the background?
Set decorator Karin Wiesel Holmes confirmed to ELLE Decor that, perched on a black side table in a corner of the room, is indeed an authentic Akari 24N Light Sculpture by famed midcentury artist Isamu Noguchi. The piece sports the hallmarks of an authentic Noguchi, its pillowy silhouette like a dollop of merengue held up by four pin-thin black legs. The artist’s original lighting designs—which encompass floor lamps, table lamps and hanging lanterns—are all crafted from handmade Washi paper in central Japan and feature bamboo ribbing as well as a metal frame. Lit from within, they emit a warm, flattering glow and complement an array of interior design styles—even empty apartments.
Cynthia Nixon as Miranda and Dolly Wells as Joy in season 3 of And Just Like That…, with the Noguchi lamp behind them.
After Noguchi’s passing in 1988, his lamps have been produced and sold by the Noguchi Museum, and each one bears the stamp of the artist’s signature near the bottom. Notably, this isn’t Carrie’s first Noguchi. In season 1 of And Just Like That…, she has an Akari 1N lamp on her bookshelf. As with most of the furnishings in her former apartment, however, the asymmetrical piece is conspicuously absent in Carrie’s new abode.
Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie and Mario Cantone as Anthony in season 1 of And Just Like That… The Noguchi lamp sits on the right of her bookshelf.
While Noguchi’s works have spawned a legion of imitators that are available for a fraction of the price, they lack the craftsmanship, care, and emblem of the originals. (One from Amazon retails for $54.99 versus $475 for the real thing.) Given Bradshaw’s love of designer labels and documented distaste for a fake Fendi bag, it’s no surprise that she opted for an authentic one.
