French fortnight

Parisiennes know it's the way you dress, not what you wear, that matters. DEIRDRE MCQUILLANfinds some labels synonymous with French polish

FORMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF of French Vogue, the supercool Carine Roitfeld, said in a recent interview that her favourite outfit was a fitted skirt, a fitted jacket, heels and tights. A simple formula for her sleek shape though one not always easy to get right – the key word here is "fitted", with its associated emphasis on tailoring. In a city where sloppiness is considered something of a visual crime, Parisiennes are more likely to opt for a shapely jacket and a well-cut skirt, usually short, to an oversize sweater and leggings, for a stylish cover-up. Roitfeld stressed that what counts is the way you dress rather than the clothes you wear, personal style being more important than the slavish following of fashion.

Coinciding with Paris Fashion Week, Brown Thomas is highlighting its Gallic strengths until March 25th with its “So Parisian” themed month, combining various in-house fashion and beauty events. The store’s association with French fashion goes back a long time. More precisely to 1950 when it opened a Dior boutique similar to the one in Paris. The opening was attended by Christian Dior himself who travelled to Dublin for the launch.

Along with premier luxury labels such as Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Céline, Lanvin and others, the store has been introducing young contemporary labels favoured by Parisiennes such as Maje, The Kooples, Zadig Voltaire, Etoile by Marant and Repetto (famous for its ballet flats), at affordable price points to widen the repertoire.

“They’re modern and chic,” says Shelly Corkery of Brown Thomas. “They don’t copy others. They do their own thing and are never over-styled.”

With British chain stores dominating the high street, it’s refreshing to have some structured French alternatives to fleeting trends and ironic takes on vintage styles. If the essence of French elegance lies in the balance of romance with restraint, the shapeliness of careful tailoring can always be tempered with a bit of flou such as a taut jacket with a flouncy skirt, or a sequinned vest with black trousers. To be worn, as Roitfeld advises, with a sense of humour, a bit of rock‘n’roll, to keep the look fresh and youthful.