Am I French Yet?

Our Editor on the très chic brands you need to know now

by Talisa Sutton | Nov 6, 2017 | Style

What is it about the allure of the French girl? From their tousled, effortless hair and their insouciant yet always chic style, to their off duty routines (a tête-à-tête over red wine and cheese, or a croissant and café run of course). Every year I attempt French lessons, in the hopes of being a few steps closer to that je ne sais quoi. While it’s probably time to remove ‘being French’ off my list of life goals, and focus on more professional, or just in general, realistic pursuits instead, you know you’ll still find me shopping those gorgeous Parisian brands (and hitting up the boulangerie!).

Which brings me to the below, a round up of our French must-haves, only a click away…

ROUJE

While the rest of the world is left to wonder, what exactly is the formula to master French style, what better way to learn than from Rouje, the French label by the French influencer, Jeanne Damas. Launched in 2016, Rouje reveals the secret ingredients to French style- “sophistication meets sensuality,” in raspberry red satin tops, vintage blue straight legged jeans and granny-chic midi dresses in a polka dot print. Pair with brown suede boots and voila, you can now indulge in an affordable range of French-inspired feminine yet wearable designs.

SEZANNE

Sezanne, an online e-store that launched in 2013, is the perfect embodiment of French style – sophisticated, elegant and understated. Each design is inspired by Morgane Sezalory’s love for vintage clothing whereby the designs are simple and “created for real life,” yet through added texture, captures the spirit and energy of the contemporary French woman. The subtle embellishment of gold studs on blush pink strappy pumps, or frill detailing on an apple-red cashmere sweater pushes the boundaries of what is typically considered French style.

MAISONCLÉO

When I was introduced to MaisonCléo, (and the fact that it was a French label), I immediately reached for my laptop ready to treat myself to a pre-Christmas pressie. However, under most items on the website were the three words no one in the mood for spending wants to see, especially when you spot your dream cotton wrap-top – “out of stock”. After some research I discovered that every single item is handmade by none other than Cleo, the mother of the mother-daughter duo behind the label. There’s something so special about this niche brand. Maybe it’s because it is a family-run business, because the clothes are oh-so French (meaning good quality) or because you know that your item is handmade and treated with care. This is definitely a brand you need to keep an eye on (especially for re-stocks).

MAJE

You know when you go into a store expecting to wander around aimlessly before leaving empty-handed – Maje is NOT that kind of store. Maje is the kind of store you walk into and spot something magnificent like that blush pink velvet sweatshirt, or that sheepskin sleeved jacket that would be the ultimate addition to your wardrobe. Then you spot the dress, the one with the ruffled, off the shoulder detailing, and then, the coolest leather skirt, oh, and don’t forget the most beautiful, timeless lace blouse. Yep, Maje is that kind of store, the perfect combination of French-feminine meets edgy rock ‘n’ roll. Maje is without a doubt on top of every cool girl’s wish list because it is most certainly, very cool.

So, grab your red lippy, a spritz of Chanel No. 5, maybe even a croissant and you might just pass the test.

Au Revoir!