The style secrets chic French women don’t want to share
Like all clichés, the concept of the ‘Cool French Girl’ is ubiquitous because it’s true. But there is far more to Parisian chic than Breton stripes or tousled tresses.
Stroll beside the Seine or loiter near London’s French Lycée as the mums flock for pick up and it’s clear the Gallic edge isn’t in an outfit; it’s a shrug of insouciance, an unassuming ‘I woke up like this’ confidence.
Whether rolling up the sleeves of a trench coat or slinging a cape over one shoulder, the cool French woman is in command of her style.
Chanel, Chloé and their countless copycats are global phenomena thanks to just this French allure – but the discerning Parisian prefers something less obvious.
From the new perfumer to an online fashion favourite that's popping up in Soho, the emphasis is on cool new brands, most of us likely haven't heard of. We've done some snooping to find the freshest French fashion, beauty and lifestyle secrets.
After cutting her teeth at Chanel, Azzaro and A.P.C, designer Vanessa Seward launched an eponymous line that has fast become a fash pack favourite with two chic stores in Paris.
And if you don’t believe us, take it from the embodiment of French style, the one and only Catherine Denueve.‘There was elegance, but at the same time, lightness,’ Deneuve enthused at the end of Seward’s catwalk show at 2017’s Paris Fashion Week.
The core aesthetic of minimalist tailoring and sleek silhouettes is given an edge with flashes of print and ruffle. And the slew of midi-dresses on the high-street this season may well have something to do with Seward’s silk, floaty-sleeved Cai dress.
Since Seward's first UK store opened in Notting Hill in early 2017, Londoners can buy into this Parisian aesthetic.
