JEANNE MOREAU AND FRENCH FILM

French style is something I love. Well my darlings this week starts off with the announcement of the passing of great french actress Jeanne Moreau. Since many of you don't have any idea of who she is, her passing will mean nothing to you . While at University I took film studies and the french NEW WAVE  was one of the great film movements we studied . Of course what influenced me the most was the femme fatales and their style.

"Tidal wave” would have been a more appropriate name for this explosion than New Wave. In fact vibrant, innovative, and highly self-conscious films by young French directors started to appear. In addition femme fatals appeared, like Bardot, Denuve and Jeanne Moreau.

Jeanne Moreau is mix of sultry glamour and no-nonsense wit. Moreover Moreau has been the face of intelligent French movie stardom for six decades. Since her birth, the daughter of a Folies Bergère dancer and a restaurateur, Moreau had star quality.In fact she started out as a stage actress at the Comédie-Française. However it was not long til she started working in film. First b grade fims, and then after being discovered by the great Loius Malle, she became a star. The New York Times wrote an excellent obituary . Most noteworthy to me was  her great french style.

MOREAU AND HER GREAT FRENCH STYLE

Darlings , I don't use the term fashion icon freely but I believe I can make this case for Jeanne Moreau. While it may appear biased often sterotypes are true. Therefore the sterotype of the simple ,chic, french style  has alot of truth. Consequently I'm not alone in this belief. As a matter of fact it is often said about designer Isabel Marant , Moreau  also had this sterotypical sense of french style.

Moreau mainly wore simple things. Therefore a wardrobe of skirtsuits and sheath dresses suited her well. Since she dressed with the ease and elegance of a French girl, she proved this sterotype. Clichés exist for a reason—because there’s some truth to them!

Of course nothing is as simple as that. Moreau had a four year relationship with the legendary designer Pierre Cardin. Since now she was at the centre of the french film world she was dressed by the greatest designers Coco Chanel, Dior and Hubert Givenchy. At the same time she liked to wear men’s suits custom-made for her by Dior Homme designer Hedi Slimane. Futhermore Moreau was a client and friend of Yves Saint Laurent , and was known to love his woman's tuxedo looks. Elegance is the epitome of french style. Simplicity like the little black dress of Chanel rose out of this time. Moreau modeled , acted and lived french style.

JEANNE MOREAU'S LEGENDARY FRENCH STYLE

       THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

   THE SILHOUETTE

FRENCH BIKINI

PIERRE CADIN AND JEANNE MOREAU

COCO & JEANNE THE CHANEL SUIT

FRENCH STYLE

 GETTING THAT FRENCH STYLE

At this point as part of my homage to fashion icon Jeanne Moreau let's look at French style. Since I've studied fashion I've been aware of this elusive thing the french have. Moreover many identify with this thing I refer to as french style.  For example Garance Dore writes a very successful blog (ATELIER DORE) that although not about this subject exudes French style. In my opinion darlings when it comes to style the French do it better. Hence this French style is away of life ,they  eat better, they drink better , and they definitely dress better.

Consequently , when we explore the wardrobe of these French women we see the style rules that are the basis of French style. Therefore forgo the logo embellished sweatsuits for the perfect little black dress  you'll wear for years. Similarily investment pieces are the backbone of a great wardrobe. Therefore  wether it's the classic trench. the Kelly or the Hermes Birkin the longevity of value will pay off. Above all else the French work hard to perfect a personal style . Because half the battle when it comes to dressing well is feeling good in what you're wearing.

MY ULIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST FRENCH STYLE

DON'T FOLLOW TRENDS ;

The girls and women of Paris don't jump on every trend. While in America we tend to follow each trend the French develope their own signature style. Therefore they might update their wardrobe with a few trends, but they always stick to a similar aesthetic. Consequently their wardrobe is made up of classic elements that can be easily updated.

Maison Margiela fuses femininity with a grunge twist of asymmetric detailing and unconventional detailing. This white cotton classic oversized shirt is a wardrobe staple.
SHOP THIS LOOK $870

Givenchy's urban style and dark romanticism is reflected within the collection of tough-luxe detailing with a rock'n'roll elegance. These navy cotton-blend classic fitted bootcut jeans are a wardrobe staple.
SHOP THIS LOOK $830

Givenchy is renowned for urban style and dark romanticism within soft tailoring that is reflected within this classic beautifully fitted pencil skirt.
SHOP THIS LOOK $452

Isabel Marant give a classic design to the flared trouser with these Spanel trousers. These feature a front hook and eye fastening, creases, a high rise and a flared style.
SHOP THIS LOOK $223

FRENCH STYLE;  A CLASSIC BRETON SHIRT IS A CLASSIC FOR A REASON

A French woman in a Breton striped shirt is a bit of a stereotype, but with good reason—nothing looks quite as effortlessly cool. Pair one with a pair of skinny dark washed jeans and a pair of flats for a weekend of errands or with a print skirt for a more dressed up bohemian look.

Vis A Vis Royal blue and white cotton striped breton top. A french classic ala Moreau or Bardot.
SHOP THIS LOOK $102

Dolce & Gabbana's Spring/Summer 2017 Marina collection Crafted from soft silk, this navy and white Breton striped tie cardigan.
SHOP THIS LOOK$995 | 60% off $398

FRENCH STYLE;A WEAR WITH EVERYTHING TRENCH

Parisian women have made the trench coat into their BFF. Wear it on the weekends with jeans, over gowns to formal events, layered with a fur stole when the weather gets colder, over your shoulders during the spring—the possibilities are endless.

Stella McCartney presents the Aylin trench coat, a refined take on the traditional trench aesthetic for SS17.
SHOP THE LOOK $3,293 | 50% off $1,647

Capture the essence of Italian luxury and glamour with the Valentino SS17 collection. This nude silk trench coat features a painted garden print, epaulettes on the shoulders, a double breasted front fastening.
SHOP THIS LOOK $4,950 | 60% off $1,980

Midnight blue belted trench coat from Lanvin featuring notched lapels, a double breasted front fastening, a button fastening, a belted waist, long sleeves, buckle strap cuffs, epaulettes on the shoulders and a mid-length.
SHOP THIS LOOK $2,285 | 30% off $1,600

Beige cotton-linen blend Slater trench coat from Isabel Marant featuring a collarless design, a front button fastening, a fitted waist, pleated details, long sleeves, button cuffs and side pockets.
SHOP THIS LOOK $885 | 25% off $664

FRENCH STYLE; A NEUTRAL PALETTE

Of course French women dress in a grown-up neutral palette of black, white, beige, and brown, and add pops of color to their look with accessories—say a red handbag or a brightly patterned scarf. therefore it makes mixing and matching from within your closet pretty effortless, not to mention sticking within this palette makes it hard to make a fashion mistake.

Coveted for its ability to marry sleek Parisian elegance with contemporary design, French fashion house Saint Laurent Use this bag add a spark to your wardrobe.
SHOP THIS LOOK $1,590

Givenchy's Nobile crossbody bag is presented in Riccardo Tisci's mini size and features lustrous gold-tone hardware, crafted in a striking red calf leather.
SHOP THIS LOOK$1,590 | 40% off $954

Black and multicoloured cotton bandana print scarf from Givenchy featuring finished edges.
SHOP THIS LOOK $515

Transcending 'It' status to become an undeniable classic in the handbag stakes, Givenchy's timeless Antigona tote is presented this season in fuchsia pink patent leather. Crafted by the French house's artisans in Italy.
SHOP THIS LOOK $1790

FRENCH STYLE; IN CONCLUSION

Darlings in this post I open the door to the world of French style. No doubt the passing of the great french actress Jeanne Moreau will be covered in the media. I on the other hand have taken this as the passing of  a great fashion icon . The French New Wave was a film and cultural movement and was fundamental in the developement of the modern  French style . Hence Ms. Moreau was an ambassador for this sense of style , with grace and simplicity she donned the clothes of  the greatest French fashion houses. 

Shop this post with the idea of purchasing french classics . Ciao for now my dears Jandrew.