There’s more to Parisian fashion than the stereotype.
You may have read a few articles on how to achieve the effortlessje ne sais quoi.
It’s what inspires Emily to live out her Parisian fantasy in Netflix’sEmily in Paris.
But the expression “Paris Syndrome” exists for a reason.
It refers to the disillusion that some tourists experience when they arrive in the capital.
In short, it does notreallyexist.
France’s most populated city has over 2 million inhabitants.
In fact, the Paris region overall counts over 12 million residentsand the city’s fashion reflects that diversity.
His work exemplifies the French style, as it truly exists.
“When I started out, I was the little prince of Paris fashion.
I wore striped t-shirts and tried to fit into the mold of what was expected of me.
“Ten years ago, I would have to pick between two Black models.
There was no way I could choose more than one for an entire show,” he said.
Zoe Vya on Diversity in the Fashion Industry
Zoe Vyais a French-Vietnamese designer based in Paris.
In Paris, there are Asian people, Arabic people, Black people… a little bit of everything.
There isn’t a single pop in of Parisian woman.”
Outside of Paris, a lot of people wear tracksuits and sneakers.
It’s something you’re free to notice more and more on runway shows these days.
I think that the stereotype of the Parisian woman doesn’t represent French fashion accurately.
“There are designer brands that aren’t diverse at all.
Any foreign influence on their designs will be based on stereotypes,” she explains.
On one of my jobs, I did not see one Black person working there.
The only people you saw were the people delivering the mail or cleaning the office…
It’s only done for the brand’s image, but in-house, there’s zero diversity.
I experienced this first hand.
“But it really depends.
There are brands that will focus on diversity.
For instance, Jean-Paul Gaultier picked a model who wears a hijab last year.
It was the first time that a designer brand represented people who wear the hijab in a photoshoot.
“This bang out of initiative normalizes a lot of things in fashion.
People are starting to do that more and morebut then you wonder if it’s for the right reasons.
Whether it’s for marketing purposes or not, it’s still a good thing.”
She got her start by becoming the first hijabi woman to model for the brand in July 2020.
“To me, French women’s fashion is actually quite masculine but with a touch of femininity.
I think that a lot of French women would say they prefer Dior menswear and Louis Vuitton menswear.
I think it’s a blend of the feminine and the masculine.
French women’s fashion is genderless and very vintage,” Ali explains.
“They mix streetwear and high fashion.
For example, a blazer paired with Adidas sweatpants and Gucci loafers… That’s very French.
It says: ‘I made an effort but not too much of an effort either.'”
French women’s fashion is genderless and very vintage.
All those brands are leaving their etiquette behind.
You’ll see sneakers or bomber jackets on haute couture runways.
you’re free to tell that runways are being inspired by street style.”
“There’s an elitist aspect of traditional French fashion that keeps on existing.
Beyond the models, the influencers, and the image, it’s the staff that is most important.
They’re often old white people, and it’s them who are making all the decisions.
That’s why it’s taking time for things to change.”
Drissi is a Black woman of Moroccan descent who also wears the hijab.
Drissi is also an adamant thrift shopper.
She picks clothes designed for women and men alike.
“What gives you a sense of style is your personality and how you style an article of clothing.
Attitude has a lot to do with it, too,” she shares.
Today, giving a strict definition of French women’s fashion is ridiculous.
I often hear about ‘Parisian style,’ but it doesn’t really mean anything anymore.
“Today, giving a strict definition of French women’s fashion is ridiculous.
I often hear about ‘Parisian style,’ but it doesn’t really mean anything anymore.
If you walk around Paris, you’ll see that Parisian women are diverse.
You won’t just find this style that is a bit classic and romantic.
It’s super enriching to look at all that.
Urban and street style isn’t necessarily highlighted,” she adds.
“Our inspirations are diverse and varied.
Some people will have a very minimalist sense of style, similar to Japanese aesthetics.
“A lot of us play with oversize and unisex fashion or emphasize the importance of accessories.
I find that super cool.”
For examples of French street style during Paris Fashion Week, check out Drop Paris’Instagramaccount for inspiration.
