Walking the pink carpet into a new chapter of ‘Elle’ was just as enchanting as you’d imagine it would be.
The Seattle rain followed the newest Elle Woods to New York for the premiere event at SVA Theater.
Prime Video’s “Elle” New York City Premiere Event
Credit: Kevin Mazur and Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios
Lexi Minetree, the actress selected to portray a teenage Elle Woods in the Legally Blonde prequel series, was joined by her cast mates Chandler Kinney (portrays Kimberly), Gabrielle Policano (portrays Liz), Jacob Moskovitz (portrays Miles), Zac Looker (portrays Dustin), June Diane Raphael (portrays Eva Woods), and Tom Everett Scott (portrays Wyatt Woods), along with the EPs, Showrunners and Costume Designers behind the project.
Prime Video’s “Elle” New York City Premiere Event
Credit: Kevin Mazur and Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios
Reese Witherspoon, along with her son Deacon Phillippe, were there to usher Minetree into this new story of Elle. Serving as Executive Producer, Witherspoon already kicked off the passing of the ‘pink baton’ late last week at the June 20 ‘Elle World‘ event, met with cast mates old and new.
Prior to the premiere-screening, Witherspoon and Executive Producer Lauren Neustadter introduced Creator/Co-Showrunner/Executive Producer Laura Kittrell and Co-Showrunner/Executive Producer Caroline Dries. With words of endearment to the teams behind the scenes, and an incredibly moving tribute honoring the late James Van Der Beek (whose final project was this series), the first two episodes rolled.
“[The series] challenges the idea that ambition is uncool, or that trying hard is uncool,” says Kittrell.
Chandler Kinney spoke on the person Minetree is, both on and off screen. “My first day on set was actually the first scene you see Kimberly in. I had to be so cold to Lexi, which was so tough to do… because the first time we were all in-person together, Lexi threw, obviously, a Legally Blonde watch-party in her apartment, and she made all of us muffins. I’m like ‘Who are you? I know who you are, you’re literally Elle Woods.’”
Zac Looker (Dustin) also gave praise to his fellow cast when it came to stepping into this franchise, saying “When I first found out, I was kind of terrified and overwhelmed by the possibility of it… and then overtime, connecting with people and connecting with this wonderful cast, and with those to whom the movie means so much, it’s been really lovely and humbling.”
It was costume designer Sara Byblow who put into perspective just how much detail continues to go into Elle’s looks today. A special light was shone on the dress Elle wears for her Sweet 16 in the opening scene of the pilot.
“Our Sweet 16 dress… it not only kicks off the season of our new Elle Woods, but so much love and consideration went into every part of that costume. That was a moment where Sophie, the designer from the original film, and I came together to collaborate on it: The heart you see on her bow was hand-poured, the hearts on her shoes, the bow on her dress… we dyed multiple fabrics multiple times to get the right shade of pink. That was just so special,” says Byblow.
The fashion in Elle truly goes back to the source with original ‘Legally Blonde’ costume designer Sophie De Rakoff on board, hand-in-hand with Byblow.
“We got to grow up with the original Elle Woods with Reese Witherspoon, and it’s so special for the younger generation to now be able to experience it too.”
Prime Video’s “Elle” New York City After Party
Credit: Kevin Mazur and Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios
Following the premiere event, guests were treated to an after party at Miru NYC.
Elle premieres on Prime Video, July 1.
