For anyone that knows me well, it’s no secret that I’m a little bit (read: a lot) of a Francophile. After all, what’s not to love about France? They’ve got the most beautiful accent and language in the world, they are second to none on the baking front, and politically speaking, they don’t take any nonsense. And last but not least, it goes without saying that France – particularly Paris – is the style capital of the world.
My appreciation started early – I’ve been wearing berets since I was a little girl (I have a rather impressive collection if I do say so myself!) and I do love a good breton stripe! ;) Though I know these stereotypes alone don’t automatically account for Parisian chic; it’s all about that effortless, yet impeccable, style and beauty.
So I thought this would be a fun post to compose, though it has taken me a while to put together, as I quickly got lost browsing (swooning) through Google images! So here are a few of my favourite French ladies.
BRIGITTE BARDOT
Brigitte Bardot is usually the first name that comes to mind when considering French style icons. And it’s not hard to see why when browsing through her photos – an effortless wardrobe, flicked cat eyes and that hair – Ms Bardot is not only inspiring in the style stakes but in beauty too. Classic and timeless!
CATHERINE DENEUVE
I was first introduced to Ms Deneuve in university, when I was studying a module called ‘Psychoanalysis in Film’. As part of this course, I was required to watch ‘Belle du Jour’, a surrealist yet stylish French film from 1967. As the opening credits appeared, I noticed ‘Yves Saint Laurent’ credited for costumes. Cue my excitement already! I couldn’t wait to see the styles and I was not disappointed. I actually remember going home from the screening and trawling the ‘net, trying to find thatnavy coat or those shoes (never mind the fact it was almost 50 years past, and in the minuscule chance it had have been available, more than likely way beyond my student budget!). I was just enamoured by this look – the classic coat, small heels, leather gloves, dainty handbag and that lovely hat, perfect fit to wear with a bun in your hair. So Parisian, so classy, so covetable.
CARLA BRUNI
The former First Lady of France is a more modern choice from the others, but I find her style so elegant and refined that I couldn’t not include her. Something unique about Carla’s evening style is that she makes it all about the dress. Beautifully cut, in a single rich colour (no statement prints here), keeping make-up and hair natural and fuss-free. Such understated-ness is seldom seen, and even less seldom pulled off so well. Her daytime casual wear tends to follow the same thread; understated but absolutely gorgeous, quality pieces. She just has, as they say, that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’.
Another favourite Frenchie of mine is Clémence Poésy – I gave her her own little blog entry, which you can see here.
Who are your style icons? Could you recommend any French films that a girl like me would enjoy?! x
Leave a Reply