Back

Parisian Icons: From Brigitte Bardot to Inès de la Fressange

Paris, the City of Light and the global capital of fashion, is inseparable from its legendary female icons. From actresses to models, these figures have...
Parisian Icons: From Brigitte Bardot to Inès de la Fressange

Paris, the City of Light and the global capital of fashion, is inseparable from its legendary female icons. From actresses to models, these figures have shaped the image of the Parisian woman—chic, effortless, and timeless. From Brigitte Bardot to Inès de la Fressange, these women have inspired entire generations through their boldness, elegance, and ability to embody fashion with both simplicity and sophistication. In this article, we take a closer look at the women who defined Parisian style through film, art, and haute couture.

Brigitte Bardot: The Rebellious and Glamorous Parisienne

You can’t talk about Parisian icons without mentioning Brigitte Bardot. A defining actress of the 1950s and 60s, Bardot embodied the spirit of a stylistic revolution during France’s post-war boom. Her style—a perfect fusion of freedom and sensuality—challenged the norms of her time. On screen, she dazzled in films like And God Created Woman (1956), where her slim figure and curve-hugging outfits became the face of the modern, unfiltered Parisienne. Her iconic bikinis, voluminous hairstyles, and subtly sophisticated makeup are now timeless symbols of femininity.

Bardot had a lasting influence on Parisian fashion, working with designers like Pierre Cardin and Jacques Lemoine. She didn’t just bring sensuality to fashion—she also stood for independence and freedom. She popularized pieces like the striped sailor top, A-line dresses, and the now-legendary high-waisted jeans, all staples in today’s wardrobes.

How to channel her iconic style: Opt for a classic marinière, high-waisted slim jeans, and ballet flats—a perfectly effortless Parisian look.

Audrey Hepburn: The Most British of Parisian Fashion Icons

Though British, Audrey Hepburn left an unforgettable mark on Parisian style—most notably through her legendary role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). The film became a fashion touchstone, with Hepburn donning Givenchy designs—most memorably, the little black dress paired with pearls and a wide-brimmed hat. A look that seamlessly blends sophistication and simplicity, and continues to inspire women around the globe.

Audrey’s elegance wasn’t limited to her wardrobe—it was in her posture, her radiant smile, and her natural grace. She perfectly embodied the timeless Parisienne: a woman whose style never fades.

How to channel her iconic style: Wear a little black dress (a must-have in any wardrobe), add delicate jewelry and a pair of ballet flats. Top it off with a natural makeup look and a polished hairstyle for subtle, refined elegance.

Inès de la Fressange: The Ultimate Parisienne

While Bardot and Hepburn laid the foundations of Parisian style, Inès de la Fressange elevated it in the 1980s and 90s. As a model and Karl Lagerfeld’s muse at Chanel, she became the ultimate embodiment of chic, carefree Parisian style. Her look—an effortless mix of nonchalance and refinement—is the blueprint for timeless fashion.

What sets Inès apart is her talent for blending classic pieces with casual touches. Think: a CHANEL tweed jacket worn with jeans, stilettos paired with a flowing dress, or a crisp white shirt with tailored black trousers. These combinations continue to shape her personal style and influence modern collections. She made high fashion feel both accessible and relevant, without losing its Parisian soul.

How to channel her iconic style: Invest in a tweed jacket, the centerpiece of her wardrobe, and pair it with slim jeans or a midi skirt. Accessories are key—finish the look with a silk scarf and oversized sunglasses.

Timeless Style, Just Like the Parisienne Herself

What unites these three icons is their ability to wear pieces that transcend time without losing their allure or relevance. Their looks didn’t just define an era—they created a vision of fashion that is elegant, simple, and deeply functional.

Whether on the silver screen, the streets of Paris, or the runways of haute couture, Parisian fashion is guided by a few golden rules: clean lines, understated elegance, and a touch of freedom. Icons like Bardot, Hepburn, and de la Fressange proved that carefully chosen pieces—worn with relaxed confidence—are the secret to that enduring Parisian chic.

Adopt the Parisian Look: Wardrobe Essentials

  • The Little Black Dress: A timeless piece inspired by Audrey Hepburn.

  • The Marinière (Striped Sailor Top): A nod to Bardot’s effortless charm.

  • The Tweed Jacket: The epitome of Parisian elegance, as worn by Inès de la Fressange.

  • Ballet Flats and Stilettos: Essential footwear to elevate any outfit.

  • Silk Accessories: Add a luxurious finishing touch, the Parisian way.

These wardrobe staples—both classic and contemporary—allow you to channel timeless Parisian style, all while drawing inspiration from the women who shaped it.