In light of Austin Fashion week, Hilltop Views asked a few French students what they thought about American fashion and pointed out some of the main cornerstones of modern French fashion.
“Simplicity is aesthetic,” junior Guillaume Desmettre said about French style.
For the French, at least at St. Edward’s, simple is stylish, and uncomplicated, functional clothing is preferable.
“We came to the conclusion… that what is most important is to understand is that fashion is a compromise– a middle ground between practical clothing and beautiful clothing,” Jacques Mercier des Rochettes said. “Fashion… is a place where those two meet.”
The white sweater, plaid skirt and black shoes combine to create a simple, polished look.
Freshman Maxime Burel cited the classic striped shirt as an example of this. He commented that the basic tailoring made the shirt a staple, or something that can be worn without fail.
“We were taking the example of the mariner shirt… the white shirt with the blue stripes. It has been reintroduced into the market and has become again a staple for the French,” Burel explained, “I think that it was really encouraged by the fact that it is a really easy [piece of] clothing.”
The striped tee is a must-have according to French students. Cigarette optional.
Des Rochettes focused on the practicality of the scarf, which is both stylish and warm.
“I would like to add the scarf because people think that the scarf is a piece of pure fashion because we live in Texas,” des Rochettes said. “But it is a great piece of clothing that is very practical… and it looks great. That’s why we keep it.”
Black trousers go with everything.
Des Rochettes, who seemed the expert in the group also pointed out another piece of men’s fashion that people take for granted– the tie.
“The tie originally served to help keep the dust out [of the collar],” des Rochettes said. “People never question why they wear them, but they have a practical use.”
Big black hats are simple and great for making public appearances; no one will recognize you.
French Fashion from Victoria Cavazos on Vimeo.
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