‘I often go to Uniqlo during my lunch break, and I buy clothes as a small reward to myself, which is always reasonable.
I take advantage of the break to enjoy a tiny slice of happiness.”
That simple statement, while highlighting the global success of the Japanese apparel brand, is in fact hugely significant because of its author, Inès de La Fressange.
An icon of fashion and the epitome of the legendary French style and elegance, this quintessential lady of France quite literally became the face of the French Republic when in 1989, she lent her image to a bust of the ubiquitous Marianne. Inès de La Fressange is today a global ambassador for her country’s celebrated chic.
An aristocrat by birth, Inès Marie Lætitia Églantine Isabelle de Seignard de La Fressange is today recognised as a fashion designer and perfumer who in 1998 was named to the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame.
She began her career as a model with Chanel, displaying the designs of Karl Lagerfeld. Turning her talents to becoming a businesswoman with a difference, she later combined her flair for design with
a natural instinct for fashion and became a consultant in the international fashion world.
Perhaps no real surprise then that she is investing some of her passion for practical fashion in a collaboration with Uniqlo to create a special collection of clothes for women.
“I think it’s the same about clothes and about fashion. Being able to buy something that is good quality and has style, without being extravagant. The enjoyment such an item can bring is also important.”
That insightful comment from the lady herself not only presents a view of fashion that works, it also illustrates her understanding of the need for stylish and well-made clothing to be widely accessible.
And that understanding is clearly seen in her collaboration with Uniqlo which involved months of working closely together on a design process that began with a careful consideration of the many details. Sleeve length, neckline and a host of other criteria were determined through fitting sessions with the lady of French fashion herself.
The result is a collection of clothes that is so chic, almost genderless style that is both elegant and practical. Four lines make up the Inès de La Fressange Paris-Uniqlo collection, with each designed to reflect the needs of today’s woman.
“Petite Parisienne” is inspired by traditional French work clothes with the Inès touch evident in the many details such as rounded collars and floral motifs. The use of washed out cottons in traditional earth tones of khaki and beige add to the informal and relaxed mood.
“Bleu, Blanc, Parisienne”, inspired by the French Tricolour, is a collection of classic favourites — polo shirts, Oxford shirts, chino pants and jeans, jackets and dresses in French linen.
Black has long been the colour choice of Parisian women in expressing their renowned elegance and stylish chic. “Note Parisienne” honours this tradition with dresses in draped fabrics, stylish knitwear and blouses in soft chiffon.
“Souffle de Parisienne” is a collection designed to both flatter and provide comfort to the wearer. Soft fabrics in shades of dark green or beige, and quick-drying properties to add practicality to Parisian chic with maximum comfort.
“What I think is important with fashion is that it’s universal. I love things that can suit all types of people, in any country around the world,” says Inès. She also says that beauty can be found in ordinary objects, and in daily life. She feels less connected to fashion when it is “too prohibitive, too snobbish, or far from real life”.
Uniqlo and Inès de La Fressange are on what has been described as a special journey together. It is one that allows those of us interested to travel with them in pursuit of fashion that is not far from real life.
The Inès de La Fressange Paris-Uniqlo collection is scheduled for a selective launch this month in Uniqlo stores worldwide, including Thailand. It will consist of some 70 wide-ranging items from outerwear to accessories.
Many of the pieces will be offered in a choice of three to four colours, and in small, medium and large sizes. Prices will be consistent with the price range of regular collections.
