Fashion blogger and ba&sh collaborator Camille Charriere epitomises the phrase 'French girl chic.' As cliché as it sounds, she effuses an effortlessness and a penchant for the sort of simple, but enviable expressions of style that remain a Parisian preserve.
We caught up with Charriere in September, fresh from the most recent runway show season, to speak about her interpretation of the trends as she saw them.
How do you tend to interpret the trends from the runway in your own wardrobe?
I like to think, now that I am a bit older, that the only trends that do infiltrate my wardrobe are the ones that really resonate with me.
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I used to experiment a lot more when I first moved to London, but as I’ve matured, I think I’ve gone back to the French values I was brought up with. The idea is to build your wardrobe around hard working pieces that become your signature.
Behind this philosophy is the idea that women have better things to do than always worry about their outfit all day, every day, so they rotate instead on fewer —but killer— pieces, that always make you look and feel great.
On the other hand, I’ve lived in London for long enough to soak up the culture and one of the things I love most about being here is people’s carefree approach to dressing. If you want to try and wear something flashy, eccentric or totally outside of your comfort zone, no one will bat an eyelid.
And which designers excite you most?
I have a love for sexy going-out dresses (hello Magda Butrym, Alessandra Rich and Attico), crazy footwear (love a man repelling (old) Celine shoe) or very oversized layering (I look to Acne, Loewe and Isabel Marant).
Are there any favourite takeaways from this season that you’ll definitely be trying?
Cycling shorts! They are fun and easy and even a little sexy in a sporty way. They remind me of Lady D (one of my forever style icons). But, wear them at your relationship/dating life’s risk and peril!
What’s your favourite item in your wardrobe right now?
A Staud dress with fluffy straps and a pair of “old Celine” two-toned boots that I wanted forever and that the lovely personal shoppers at Threadstyle helped me locate as they were sold out everywhere. I also can’t go anywhere without my Dior saddle bag.
What’s do you re-wear the most and had been the most enduring piece in your wardrobe?
Good denim that makes you feel sexy (my BFFs are LEVIS and Re/Done), a long dark Joseph coat and all my leather miniskirts (every year I think am going to grow out of them but always go back to them when I’m getting ready to go out. With a cool tee, and Nikes, of course!)
What are you expecting will be a hit on the high street?
Crochet, animal print, cigarette pants, retro prints and lots and lots of neon.
Camille, you've styled 8 looks from ba&sh's AW18 collection, which epitomise your view of French style. Walk us through them?
I love the all-white look. It’s so easy and chic, and will get you through the day no matter what gets thrown at you (except ketchup… don’t go near ketchup!). I naturally would also gravitate towards the blazer and white jeans and shirt combo as I love the working girl look.
How do you pack for shows or a big trip, where the weather might be unpredictable?
I’m very disorganised and could never plan outfits in advance. I just try bringing the things I love to wear and then add a few standout statement pieces (that I’ve generally borrowed to support the designer who’s runway show am attending). I try to wear things I would wear the rest of the year. This year was particularly hard because of my foot (I had an accident) so had to work with flats only.
Who are your current style icons?
Julie Pelieps, the Attico girls Giorgia Tordini and Gilda Ambrosio, Jane Birkin (always), Lady Di.
We’ve noticed that the spirit of this season shows feels very upbeat. What gets you in the party mood and what are you go to pieces for dressing-up for glam events?
I am repeating myself now, but anything Attico, Alessandra Rich or Vacarello for YSL. Also love all of AREA’s crystal shoes, and hoops and Versace when I really want to go all out!
