In Paris, it is clear that there is a general sense of
conscious effort. Men’s style is certainly stronger than in the UK. French men are able to assert the typical ‘chic’ with a roll-neck for example,
layered with a heritage trench coat, yet topped off with the ruggedness of some
battered biker boots. French women, on the other hand, take the most simple of
pieces, white shirt and blue jeans, and they add their own personal spin to
complete the outfit and perhaps make a statement - simply by adding a fun pair
of Sophia Webster ‘Dove’ butterfly heels or a signature quilted Chanel Boy Bag.
British style, I am afraid to say, does not follow in the
footsteps of French style. Brits conform to an almost stereotypical way of
dressing, by following trends and buying ‘off the mannequin’ in Topshop, let’s
say. We show very little imagination for putting clothes together. Some
clothing that I personally associate with Brits are bleach-washed denim, crop
tops and logo t-shirts emblazoned with the word ‘HYPE’. All of these have
become so popular amongst the British public that, somehow, they have crawled
into our wardrobe essentials. I am thoroughly against this.
Also, the French colour palette is far more subdued.
Monochrome looks are prominently featured with various shades of neutrals, from
camel to moss green, perhaps juxtaposed with an audacious colour or a
psychedelic print. However, in Britain we stick to the ethos ‘the brighter the
better’, we seem to adore the garish neon tones that drench a meagre top or
that infamous bleach-washed denim, changing the colour blue, for the worse.
‘Chav’, as we all know, is a British stereotype and a
derogatory term associated typically with a young lower-class person who
displays brash and loutish behaviour and wears real or imitated designer
clothes. The ‘Chav look’, comprising a hoodie and a tracksuit and any type of
sport shoe, unfortunately, still takes precedence over Brits’ fashion
sensibilities. My point is that it is almost too easy to identify someone from
that look. If we go back to glorious France, it is far more difficult to
differentiate between who is a ‘chav’ and who isn’t.
Take a typical Sunday morning stroll through the bustling Place Vendome in central Paris. Parisian
women are distinctive in appearance. You will see a lady with the most elegant
gait, strutting down the street in head to toe Vintage Chanel, diamond earrings
and nails matching her post-box red velveteen coat. Without a doubt she will be
accompanied by a loyal companion most likely dressed better than a typical
British equivalent. These dogs are more accessories than a mere pet, often
tucked under designer sleeves, enjoying the view of the Parisian scenery.
On this topic of accessories, I would like to touch upon
jewellery. Jewellery is a great way to spruce up or put a classy spin on a
basic outfit; take pearls, for example. They are inevitable and timeless
pieces, often related with elegant, vintage style and beauty. The French
fashion house, Chanel, is known for
its exclusive pearl collection, containing the signature ‘CC’ logo. Quoting
Coco Chanel, ‘Une femme a besoin des
cordes et des cordes de perles.’
For going out, we Brits have designated outfits for a
specific occasion. However in France, it just does not happen. Take the YSL smoking jacket, for example: typically a black, satin blazer - the epitome of French chic. French women are able
to dress it up or down, according to the time of the day or the occasion.
Essentially, they will need only one formal piece to re-master and make their
own at any event.
Quality is far more important than quantity in France. This takes me back to my
point on French people adding their own individuality to their style; Parisians
would rather invest in more unique, designer pieces than conform to the British
attitude of splashing out in high street stores such as Primark or Topshop
on bargains that you can only wear once.
Statistics show that 72 percent of Brits have admitted to
injuring themselves for the sake of fashion. The list varies from wearing excruciatingly
high heels to skin-tight fabrics. They go by the mantra of ‘no pain, no gain’. However, a quote from fashion icon, Coco Chanel, says it all, la simplicite est la cle de l'elegance, 'Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance', the French win again!
Emmanuelle Alt of Vogue Paris, the modern epitome of French chic
VS
Britain's spokeswoman for everything glorious about our country, Katie Price
Please note: I do not own any of these images
