Fashion is a long-sustained and major cultural import of Paris since the early 15th century. It is the home to names such as, Chanel, Chloe, Dior, Givenchy, Hermes, Vuitton, and Yves Saint Laurent. France’s association with fashion started as early as Louis XIV’s reign where luxury lifestyle was highly publicized. Jean Donneau de Vise and the fashion press transformed the marketing and design landscape of fashion and introduced the idea of “seasons”, or the changing of styles. Each era of French fashion has been characterized by a prevalent notion: Baroque and Classicism is elegance, imagery of haughtiness, and richness in colors; Rococo was the quintessential abolishment of frivolous and superficial and preference of informal and natural looks; Neoclassicism brought “woven air” era of Greek and Roman influence with transparent linen, gowns with cleavage, ribbon sandals, string of pearls, exotic fragrances, and eccentrically wide trousers and neckties; and Belle Epoque was dominated by high fashion and couture houses. Much of the high fashion was revolutionized by Coco Chanel’s creations. Her innovative designs highlighted understated femininity through nautical themes, which revealed stark inconsistencies when compared to the era’s popular styles. Chanel’s distinctive beauty ideals included indulgence of sporting, the yacht life, and simplistic fashion.
While Parisian styles are focused on designer brands, Lyon (also known as a silk capital) fixates on modern street fashion of Armani, Dior, Calvin Klein, Prada and Dolce and Gabbana. And Marseille tends to offer more vintage and antique looks. As a whole, France’s styles are quite reflective of the region and its history. The common themes tend to linger in the arena of artistic and philosophical.
“Around the Fashion World in Four Looks”:
My re-creation of PFW began by referencing “How to be Parisian Wherever You Are”. I recognized quickly that most styles are a mixture of high end and also low-end but high quality chic. My artistic vision included florals and the accentuation of small bodices. It goes back to Coco’s feminine elegance along with the use of fabrics for the petite perception.
Parisian styles are not to be flaunted, but shared. It is not about ego or social standing, but expressing oneself. Personality is a far greater attribute than ignorance. Parisiennes are reminiscent of their cultural past but also innovative. Acceptance of change is done with warmth. Finally, there is an emotional integrity and sagacious moods that reflect the beauty of urbanscapes and architecture in their style choices.
“She doesn’t have a ring on each finger, or a big diamond on each ring.
She doesn’t wear a gold watch that costs as much as a fancy car.
In fact, she doesn’t own a fancy car.
She doesn’t carry an enormous designer bag.
But she might have a newspaper under her arm.
She might mention Sartre or Foucault in a conversation.
It’s her personality that sparkles and nothing else: the signs of intellectual wealth.”
“The Parisienne retains her little imperfections, cherishes them even (the gap in her smile or her slightly crooked tooth, her prominent eyebrows or strong nose): these are the signs of a certain strength of character and allow her to feel beautiful without being perfect.”
“She’s Parisian, which is to say she’s melancholy. Her mood responds to the changing colours of her city. She can feel a sudden surge of sorrow or even hope for no reason at all. In the blink of an eye, all those lost memories and smells come flooding back, reminding her of loved ones who are no longer there. And time passing by.”
Above : Top 12 Paris Street Styles from PFW Spring 2016 from La Rue de la Mode
The Flaneuse Journal 