INDOMITABLE INÈS
5 years ago by
Inès de la Fressange doesn’t need an introduction. A legendary model of the 80s, Inès has lent her Parisian chicness to a plethora of other avenues. Including a capsule collection with 24 Sèvres, another one with Uniqlo, as well as a recently released book, Maison: Parisian Chic at Home on top of being a brand ambassador for Roger Vivier.
Despite all of this, she was able to take an afternoon and tool around the Upper East Side with us. If you want more Inès, check out this piece Garance did on her seven (!!) years ago!
Describe your style in 3 words.
Casual, masculine, unconventional.
What is your ideal outfit or uniform to wear every day?
Navy top (jacket/sweater…) and white jeans. Whatever the country or the season, it works! And of course Roger Vivier shoes and bags to save the whole look!
Who are your style icons?
Jane Birkin, Katharine Hepburn, Lee Radziwill
In what ways has your style changed over the years?
It’s far more minimalist, much less accessories and less make up. Also today you can go almost everywhere in a more casual look. In the 80’s, people were surprised when I was wearing sneakers, t-shirts or jeans with my Chanel jackets; today luxury brands make these things!
Are there pieces you loved then that you wouldn’t wear now, and why?
When I was very young, I was wearing leggings, even plastic/elastic ones. There is no way I would today, and even on young people I don’t like them anymore. I was also wearing fur with sneakers: today I just kept the Converse !
You are a staple of French style. You embody that quintessentially French, effortlessness and liveliness in the way you dress and carry yourself. As a veteran in the industry, what would you say defines French style? Could you pass on any advice to women who long to embody a French mentality to the way they dress?
Thank you, sweet love! You are my best friend!!! #BFF (laughs). Actually, today style and fashion are much more global however I can say that the french spirit is not to look wealthy or not even trendy! Women dress up to feel good because they think it’s the best way to look good. They mix expensive and cheap, vintage and new, brands and high market and don’t mix too many colors together.
Let’s say they don’t want to show off and they know it’s better to take things off (like jewelry) rather than to add more and more. But no way I would say French style is better than an another one! It’s just different…
Travel is a huge part of your lifestyle. Out of all the places you’ve been, where is your favorite and how has the culture influenced your style? Are there specific places, markets, or pieces you look out for and visit when you are there that you hold dear to you?
India! For the cities (Jaïpur/Udaïpur/Johdpur…), for the light, the colors, the saris, the fabrics, the food… Everything there is an inspiration and I try to go as often I can. I also have a house in Provence (not a farm in Africa!) and it’s a pleasure for me to show the region to my friends; Cézanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh or Picasso and Hemingway went there first (laughs). And Garance, it’s not to you that I would explain how Corsica is a gorgeous island but maybe we should keep that secret!
Leather Jacket, Vintage; Shirt, Khaki Pants, and Sunglasses, Ines de la Fressange Paris; Bag, Vintage Roger Vivier; Shoes, Roger Vivier
Navy Blazer, Shirt and Pants, Ines de la Fressange Paris; Denim Jacket, Uniqlo; Shoes and bag, Roger Vivier
Love!
Now we’re Talkin’ ! Lady Inès de La Fressange in da House !!! A True Style Legend , no doubt!!!
This is was we call: «stepping up the game» ! As Always, needless to say!!!
Congratulations , Team Atelier !!!
elle, un sac à patates l’habille… Intemporelle, élégante, classe… Bref, perfect!
Ines de la Fressange : grace, elegance et beaute.
Les photos sont magnifiques, surtout la derniere.
J’adore son style. J’adore.
Alors pour moi c’est l’anti française par excellence – tellement trop maniérée – son style, peut-être représente un mélange de coolitude et de raffinement mais il n’a pas vraiment évolué depuis 30 ans – Ok elle était une it-girl avant l’heure et plutôt visionnaire – Je critique mais elle a l’air fort sympathique – C’est juste que je n’en peux plus qu’on là présente comme étant la quintessence de la Parisienne (même si n’est absolument de sa faute finalement)
Her style is just gutsy, elegant yes of course, but it really shows strength and conviction, adore her.
xx
Simona
http://www.lakenmoon.com
I’m surprisingly OK with the return of Tevas (yeah, I know those are Roger Vivier, but let’s not pretend we’re fooled). They are my summer “river shoes” and I’d love to be able to wear by gold pair to drinks afterwards without being a little embarrassed.
Amazing Lady ! She is the Eiffel Tower.
Love the colours and the pattern mix!
Mary | O Blog da Mary
https://oblogdamary.wordpress.com/
I loved this for I love her style because I can relate to it. When everyone else wants to wear a fancy dress, I want to wear pants… She made casual a style!
Merci pour cette article. Inès une icône de l’élégance décontractée de la Parisienne.
Dear Garance,
Reading this article, I realize I have been your faithful reader for over 7 years, because I remember the original piece you have done with Ines ages ago, when I was still a student. I have never commented here, however, with so many women twice my age and twice my style and life knowledge, contributing to the piece. I was in awe and inspired by you, a formidable force of joie de vivre yourself.
And yet, I’m so disappointed today. It has been a while since I revisited the site, because I have felt that the quality of content here is no longer keeping me. There would be commercial links (sure, everywhere) inserted in vapid pieces with basic content written by people without your level of experience and thoughtfulness. These pieces make me sad and long for the days gone by when I keep rereading your blog, waiting for the next entry, hearing the next story. You are a gifted story teller, Garance, and I wish your team here could hold themselves to that standards.
The last article you wrote about your depression problems. I hope that you will recover soon and come back. We miss you.
From an avid reader, a true admirer.
Zoey.
INDOMITABLE isn’t a word in French, we say INDOMPTABLE
Hi Nadine! Thank you so much for your comment. We actually keep our titles in English on both the French and English sides of the site. Please let me know if you have further questions! xx, Linne
Gosh! I just love Ines! She’s such a warm and funny person, and quite humble. Thanks for featuring someone so inspiring AND stylish!
J’adore le blouson et le sac. Très bonne combinaison.
https://www.krossin.fr/bijoux/pendentifs-initiales-argent-925/