How much ink has been spilled trying to capture, to codify, and then to school others on emulating the art of dressing like the “French Girl”? A casual perusal online of the “French Girl Style” yields more than one billion search hits, each promising an education in the department of Gallic je ne sai quoi: “How to Dress like a French Girl”, “Ten French Girl Winter Essentials”, “This is How French Girls are Wearing Their Scarves”. And on and on it goes.
The French Girl has shiny, maybe tousled hair; her lips are smudged with not-too-carefully applied red lipstick; her skin is clear and smooth, but bears no evidence of cosmetic intervention. Sartorially, she walks the line perfectly between feminine and louche: today, she wears a marinière shirt with ballet flats, or a simple shift with a leather jacket over the top. She is never too much, or too loud, or in any way gauche. Her traits are somewhat ahistoric, having been a part of the French Girl mythology since its inception, though marked by subtle differences as per the era: in the ’60s, she took the sex-kitten form of Brigitte Bardot; in the ’70s, it was waifish bohemian, à la Françoise Hardy and (ironically, Londonborn) Jane Birkin; in the ’80s and ’90s, she grew into the more minimalist stylings of Inès de La Fressange and Carla Bruni.
“We do have a recognisable style, always effortless, and we don’t wear too much makeup,” confirms Paris-based consultant Viki Lefevre, who, at first glance, is the modern French Girl incarnate. “We never really do our hair; we love to look natural. I can always recognise a French woman so easily on vacation,” she laughs.
This story is from the August 2024 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2024 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FASHION IS POWER
American author, filmmaker, psychologist and educator Roberta Degnore who teaches a world-first course called "The Psychology of Gender, Perception, and Self-Expression in Fashion" at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology argues that fashion is anything but frivolous.
The Italian Who Does It Better
After fifty years in fashion, Giorgio Armani—the man and the brand is still a force to be reckoned with.
Most Stylish Women 2024
Stylishness isn’t just about being fashionable. Instead, it’s a blend of self-assurance, passion and stories that makes the idea of style so multifaceted and rich. From a mother and daughter duo who approach dressing up with equal exuberance, to an entrepreneur championing the varied tales of batik to a singer-songwriter showing her chic chops with a walking stick, meet the 10 women who inspire us with their singular takes on personal style.
CITY ON HIGH
One city, 10 collaborators, 10 collections-Moncler lit up Shanghai with its City Of Genius showcase.
PRETTY NOVEL 172
Franck Muller presents its smallest skeleton movement to date in beautiful miniaturised novelties from the Round collection.
THE JOIE
Chopard's newest global brand ambassador Bella Hadid details her appreciation for the Maison and what she loves about its jewellery.
SOUL SEARCHING
In Rajasthan, India, a first-time visitor explores two stunningly singular Aman properties and experiences the raw and powerful beauty of the northwestern state.
INTO THE BLUE
With the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, the watchmaker is on a mission to safeguard our most precious resources, including the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area in Indonesia.
LIFE IN TRANSIT
Entrepreneur and creative multi-hyphenate Sherry Ang shares how her transitional home blends elegant simplicity with the vibrant chaos of family life.
YES,CHEFS!
BAZAAR talks to three of the hottest names in Singapore's culinary scene to get the hot, hard truths of the trade.
