How to be Parisian

The rules by Lidewij Edelkoort

tekst: Lidewij Edelkoort

Article

June 2024

Understanding Parisian style is no slim task. First of all, girls aren’t that slim! They simply appear slim thanks to their small shoulders, their small, serene breasts and slender legs. They have dancers’ feet and alluring necks, with out of bed hair and scarlet lipstick. NONCHALANCE and perfection coexist so as to never appear perfect.

Perfection and coordination are actually seen as faults in good taste. The ALMOST PERFECT is found in the mixtures of genres, incredible hybrids between evening skirts and denim jackets; between black turtlenecks and white winter pants (thank you COCO); between slender draped dresses with giant Pataugas (thank you Rick), between checked coats and floral suits (thank you Christian). Dressing in a tuxedo while wearing NOTHING UNDERNEATH (thank you Yves), or disappearing into absolute darkness (thank you Yohji). From head to toe, the look is there, always and everywhere, BETWEEN METRO AND BISTRO. A decentralised, uninhibited and mismatched look that the whole world envies. A whole world that also feels Parisian.

All origins and genders sense it, as if the Seine flows through all our veins and gives wings of desire for stylish shopping. A sudden need to be handsome and beautiful, as strong as a CRAVING FOR FRENCH FRIES! Men also play at being old fashioned, with dishevelled haircuts and velvet jackets. Sometimes in romantic shirts and mismatched scarves. BAD BOY LOAFERS in brown suede, to balance out the blackness of clothes. More and more men’s bags, computer bags, shopping bags and weekend bags… MAKING LOVE in the afternoon remains essential after all. Wearing light BALLERINAS, the diverse and varied Parisian women stroll through the streets in search of a croissant and a coffee, a baguette and a glass of wine, an éclair and a mint tea.

They find treasures at flea markets, ornaments at brocantes and wonders in vintage stores; no element of taste, even if it’s antique, escapes them. They dress in artisan clothes, soldiers’ outfits, sailor knits and shining garments. Stockings sparkle, collars unfold and pearls overlap; it’s always the detail that kills. Sunglasses are black, ribbons are black, and COFFEE IS BLACK. The little dress remains black, coats favour salt and pepper, and the jacket will stay faithful to black too. Real or inspired, bags seem to be forever signed Birkin. Parisian style is ETERNAL.