(1) Inspiration in the City of Light
Written by Anne Burille & Gilles Andre
Bonjour!
Anne: Let me introduce myself : Anne, I’m french (as you can guess), 31 years old and I’ve been in Paris for the last 10 years of my life. Before that I lived in a small countryside city where the top of fashion was to have clean clothes… and something from Paris!My friends went to the city during the weekend to shop brands we couldn’t find back home. My first time in Paris was a bit of a shock to me. I thought that everybody was stylish and I felt like a “plouc” (bumpkin). Now at 31 and with a nice closet, I would say that I achieved to look like the Parisian I admired younger.
Gilles: I am Gilles, a 37 years old, parisian since 15 years and before that from Lyon and Saumur. I’m an IT project manager. So basically I could wear funny t-shirts to work but.. I’m passionate about clothes… However, I wouldn't be the most distinguished person you’ve ever met.
My fashion perspective is, like Justin said once, “bringing sexy back” (yeah) so my personal style is more a balance between convention and vulgarity. I started to develop this sulfurous side of my style by watching couples go to a restaurant (I promise it's not a surprising kink, it will makes sense). I was upset off seeing all these women making an effort to glow up by wearing dresses, high heels, make up when, in the meanwhile, their guy was in shapeless jeans, wearing the same t-shirt as in the morning and a pair of worn-out Stan Smiths. So I decided that I too, will glow.
And remember that Paris in the 70s was a city of parties and clubs (Club 7, Le Palace, LesBains douches) where men could be extravagant. We can honor this time.
What is “Parisian Style”?
Gilles: Every single menswear enthusiast has their own definition of Parisian style. For me, it’s all about the flair. You know, Paris is more than a city, it is an adventure. When you spend a day in Paris you don’t even know where you will be at night, you must be able to adapt to a date, a drink on the banks of the Seine or even a champagne shower during a party.
That's why I leave the 3-piece suits to the investment bankers and lawyers.
In my opinion, the purpose of Parisian style is to be cool and far from codifications. So we can grab some ideas from women's fashion, we are indeed the city of fashion, city of Saint-Laurent and Celine !
In Paris women have different styles everyday. Monday with classy dress and heels for working, switching with a pair of sneakers for l’apéro. Tuesday wearing denim and boyfriend’s shirt, etc. That’s why I prefer matching styles, for example I can wear chino trousers with a denim shirt, jungle jacket and loafer, the second day denim plus T-shirt and blazer, and another day a fresco trousers, black shirt and high heels boots like a rockstar.
With these kinds of outfits I can meet clients or grab a drink with friends. Like Yves Saint-Laurent said “La mode doit être la fête” (Fashion is a party)
Anne:
What’s “parisian style” ? Most of the time you will read that it’s that “je ne sais quoi”, the “effortless chic” or the “attention to details” that defined the parisian.
How can you put this rag with a trench and a pair of chelsea boots ? How can you borrow your boyfriend’s shirt or jacket and make it like it’s your own (very easy if you ask me). I saw the same spirit in New-York, but with a more “streetwear” perspective, in Milano with a more “classical” addition. There is only in Paris where I can see a woman wearing a suit with flip flops and think that this rocks. Or a mom with jeans and low UGG and asking myself if I may try them because she looked awesome and so chic. There is a destructive nonchalance in the Parisian style, this is about the overall look built by diverse pieces of clothes. It’s like a mystery how some people manage to make this work. You do not look chic, you are chic will be a summary. Or Parisians wear their clothes, the clothes do not wear them. Either way, the result is a classical, basic and classy (somehow) outfit.
So, for me, parisian style is about mix and match.
There is always a “strong” piece with more classical ones. It can be a vintage bag, a leather jacket, a trench, a pair of designer shoes, jewels or a bag, but there will be an awesome visible beautiful thing in a classical outfit.
Your jeans may come from the thrift shop around the corner, that you paid 5euroes for, but you will have a vintage Cartier and a jacket that an old tailor made for a grandpa somewhere, with a bag from Cos or a vintage Celine.
What can we expect in Paris this coming September?
Gilles: As fashion is a party, the Sartorial club is doing its own on the 13th of September. To prove that Paris is an ode to exploring and adventure, this event will take place at Chapal, a tannery and fur maker turned as the definition of luxury leather garment maker.
No need to be too formal, let out your inner rockstar vibes. For example, over your tuxedo you can replace your trench coat with a RAF jacket. Or you may keep it but wear heeled ankle boots, an open shirt under an eagle jacket or a black blouson anglais both from Chapal… unless you want to perpetuate a French icon by wearing the blouson pilote français in grey ! But… Are you gonna go my way ?
Chapal RAF jacket at Jean-François Bardinon Showroom (photo credit: https://www.agneselect.com/)
Anne: My goal for several years was to invest in an aviator jacket. Maybe because I am a fan of Maverick (you can’t prove it), but mostly because it’s a versatile and awesome piece. In terms of history, construction, warmth (I’m a nesh), it resists rain and damn it that style ! I looked for a vintage one but it was most of the time too big for me or too worn-out. It has been reproduced by a lot of fast fashion brands but I was looking for the historical part also, not just something “pretty”. I didn’t know Chapal until a few months ago when I went to a salon and was received by a very adorable seller who explained to me the heritage of the house etc. I love history so I was pretty amused by all the homage to the military). And I may have a “coup de foudre” for their USAAF jacket.
Chapal USAAF jacekt, on the street of NYC
For me having such a strong but “knowable” piece is a must have in any closet. Like a trench or a long coat, a leather jacket is always a good option. It gives a badass vibe to a classical suit, and could be worn under a trench (if it’s light, like the “pilote français”). How to make it “parisian style” ? Mix and match ! I love breaking the code (well, we are a revolutionary people) so I will wear it to a party, over a silk dress or a colorful one, with high heels or a pair of loafers (the Parisian cobblestone…). Or maybe over a body by Paloma Casile and a high waist fresco pants I made with Abensia (or a blackwash !). In winter with an old cashmere and a pleated skirt and boots, jeans and a striped shirt for spring, over a crochet top for summer…
Depending on the weather, you may see me in either of these outfits in the event on Sep 12th. Do your forecast !
Now it’s time for Nick Hendry to take over the helm and properly introduce you to the brand and its history, after us teasing about “Chapal” we know you want to know more ! See you next week.
