Ines de La Fressange embodies Parisian chic, she always comes across as a charming, aristocratic, elegant and without any fashion “snootiness” lady and is a very respected style icon in France. Miss de la Fressange was in the Eighties Karl Lagerfeld’s muse for Chanel before a major fall out and is currently the brand ambassador for Roger Vivier. and model for L’Oreal. She has graciously decided to share her style secrets for effortless Parisian elegance two years ago in her book Parisian Chic, a style guide. As a Parisian born who chose to live in London many years ago I was intrigued when I was given the french edition as a Christmas present by a member of my family who clearly thought I might needed help in the style department after so many corrupting years in England! I was delighted as I am a great fan of Ines de La Fressange cool elegance and style.
Recently I noticed it was now published in an english edition. The french edition was a hard back book and resembled a red Moleskine diary or note book. It had a nice feel just as an expensive red leather diary would and I was eager to read it. I haven’t seen the english version but no doubt the publisher would have chosen a similar design with a stylish cover.
The book has been divided in 7 chapters covering each essential to create the Parisian look. It is pretty straight forward so nothing particularly new. However I believe it truly works. Her moto is keep it simple, well-cut and well made and the result will be fool proof which is in fact extremely good advice and works for pretty much everybody. Of course if you have the fantastic model “silhouette” like Ines or her beautiful daughter Nine you will evidently look better in a pair of simple white jeans than the average girl.
Additionally all the drawings and hand-written lists are by Inès. The layout is easy to read, fun and simple. Her beautiful daughter Nine models in the photographs.
HERE IS THE 7 COMMANDEMENTS
1. A Man’s Blazer
2. The Trench
3. The Navy (cashmere) Sweater
4. The Tank
5. The Little Black Dress
6. The Perfect Jeans
7. The Leather Jacket
I was relieved to see that I had all the items including several stripy ‘mariniere” from St James and other brands (which I wear with or without a row of onions around my neck and my beret 😉 .
My search for “the perfect pair of jeans” is a lifetime and endless mission…so will be busy with No.6 for the rest of my living days! Apart from that I felt equipped with all my basics for effortless elegance.
There is lists of her favourite stores, a chapter on makeup and style tips for the home and creating a cool home office.
I would highly recommend this book as it is informative, fun, beautifully designed and put together.
However a word of warning, do not buy this book for cutting edge fashionistas, they will find it dull or hipsters as they think they are way too hip and trendy to receive any advice from any top model or pretty much anyone!
It is published by Flamarion and cost £ 13.37 on Amazon
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