08.03.10

French Chic

French Chic...a certain je ne sais quoi

As Paris Fashion Week draws to a close, I came to the realisation that for much of the week I had unconsciously been pondering my love of the French style- even going so far as to don some Breton stripes today, and yesterday incorporating a neck scarf and a beret into my attire. There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about the innate Parisian chic, the seeming effortless ability to wear everything ‘just so’, never looking fussy or over-done, dishevelled or disordered. Qualities I aspire to, but never quite achieve…

But just what is it about French style that’s so appealing? The unrelenting, poised exterior, executed with such an artless ease, borders on the frustrating, the emphasis on quality classics and personal style is somewhat overwhelming. Or so the stereotype leads us to believe.

It’s interesting to note that French actresses (Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert and Juliette Binoche to name just a few) seem to have an inordinate allure that transcends the rigid Hollywood age barrier. Their utter confidence in themselves is almost startling; assured of their continuing charm they are leading the way in the skill of growing-old-gracefully. They very much reiterate that oft heard cliché that it’s not What you wear but How you wear it, darling…I vow to dig out that rather impractical silk square again today, and tie it with a certain panache, in deferential homage to Deneuve et al, who continue to inspire and influence.

Posted by Vicki Loomes

Tags: Paris Fashion Week style icon