As I mentioned in the last post, I love the fall season. Not only does the air feel crisp and cool, but a new season of fashion arrives to tempt us to refresh our wardrobe.
I’m no longer the “faithful follower of fashion” I once was; however, I still appreciate the creativity and ingenuity designers present on the catwalk every season. And the latest collections offer us so much more…wearable fashion.
This fall brings the return of the classics. Many designers treated us to a simple colour palette (black/white, neutrals), slightly masculine tailoring on blazers and coats, and the humble white button-up shirt was integral to many collections.
Is this the “quiet luxury” we’ve heard so much about over the past months? I do believe the current trend falls into this category. Although most of us are not 20-something supermodels, designers have offered classic wardrobe inspiration that can be achieved on any budget for every age group.
And speaking of the white button-up, who wore it better than Jane Birkin?
This summer, on July 16, Jane Birkin died. Her death had a profound effect on me…why? She was on my mind for days after, and I read everything I could online. Jane was a little older (not much!) than me, but she represented my youth. She married, had a baby and was cast aside by her husband before she was 20. Faced with the reality of supporting herself and her infant daughter, she left the UK to audition for a movie in Paris, which she landed (despite not speaking French) starring alongside Serge Gainsbourg; soon after, Birkin and Gainsbourg became “the” celebrity couple, and Jane’s acting and singing career took off.
Jane became the Parisienne “it” girl with her undone hairstyle and trademark fringe. Her style was casual chic…white button-up or t-shirt and boot-cut jeans, and she carried a straw bucket bag ( she bought at a London market for a few pounds) everywhere…even to red carpet events.
Anything but plain, Jane was a sexy young woman who exuded confidence and flair. Her aesthetic exemplifies that effortless “French Girl” style still popular today.
French President Macron’s tribute to Jane Birkin…
After Birkin’s chance encounter with Jean-Louis Dumas (from Hermes) on a flight to London, the Birkin bag was created. She asked him why Hermes couldn’t make a bag bigger than the “Kelly” bag and smaller than Serge’s suitcase.
Today, the much coveted “Birkin” bag sells for thousands of dollars with long wait lists of those who want to carry a part of history. In truth, Jane Birkin probably preferred her old straw bag. She thought the leather Birkin bag was too heavy, especially since she carried everything in her bag!
Jane Birkin continued to perform on stage into her 60s and 70s with her timeless and elegant style, proving to my generation of women that we can look good no matter our age or status. She was my style icon.
My next trip to Paris will include a day of walking in Jane’s footsteps. She mostly lived in the 6th arrondissement during her time in Paris…one of her apartments was on the rue Jacob, a short street where d’Angleterre, the hotel I stay in, is located.
xox Judy❤️
I really love this post Judy. I have read it over and over because it reads so lovely. I particularly like Macron’s tribute. Jane really was a style icon of that effortless French chic, that to me, is not so effortless, or easy to achieve.
Thank you Karen. Jane Birkin never really totally mastered the French language but the French loved her in spite of that especially her accent…that is not easily achieved since the French are VERY particular about their language! Effortless chic is not so easy to get just right…do we try too hard? That “I just jumped out of bed and look like this” sounds better in theory than reality! xox Judy❤️
Isn’t that one of the delights of Paris, that where ever we go, whatever street we explore, we know we are walking on the same path, going in the same buildings and cafes, as innumerable celebrated people have trod.
Yes, it seems something notable happened on every street…that’s way Paris never gets old! xox Judy❤️
Isn’t that the truth Judy. I already have another long list for our next trip.
I have to admit, Judy, that I’m a sucker for a white button-up and I’m embarrassed to say how many I’ve got in my closet! They’re so versatile and timeless. If only I could achieve that Parisienne Chic look when I wear them! I think that walking in Jane’s footsteps sounds like a lovely way to spend a day the next time you go back to Paris and I look forward to hearing about it when you do. Hugs, Karen xo🥰
Hi Karen, I, too, have many white shirts that haven’t seen the light of day as often as they deserve. At one time, I wore a white shirt to work on most days but unpacking boxes and redoing displays wasn’t a good fit for a white shirt. I was dirty before noon and soon starting wearing black…everyday. I have added a few new white shirts to the rail this fall and vow to start wearing them on a regular rotation again…I have no excuses now. I look forward to going back to Paris but it probably won’t be for a couple of years but Jane will be on my mind. xox Judy❤️