Jane Birkin: an everlasting icon of Parisian bohème chic

As part of my extra-curricular activities, I have been selected to write for the fashion section of a local newspaper: Cadiz News. It's a very exciting project for me, as it allows me to write about fashion and improve my skills, apart from doing so whilst blogging! Since I write an article every fortnight, I have chosen to share with you this weeks article {which you can also read here}, on one of my style icons: Jane Birkin. 

Nothing says style icon like having a Hermès bag named in your honour. Jane Birkin, the long-legged English actress and chanteuse, and long-time lover and muse to Serge Gainsbourg - the eccentric French singer, songwriter, poet, author and director; has become just as famous for her style as for her music and acting. Having relocated from London to Paris in the 60s, she embodied the understated bohème-chic Parisian style, which continues to inspire fashionistas even today.

Her style was never too ostentatious or overdone, and with such a beautiful face, why would it be? Whether it was a simple beige trench coat or a pair of faded flares worn with a striped top, she always managed to make everything seem effortless, yet appropriate for any occasion. What was her secret? It’s simple; she was the muse of one of the most influential artists, and soon won the world over with her somewhat casual style. She became the founder of the new boho-chic, beloved by so many women that prefer understated elegance over flamboyant glamour, appearing on the streets of Paris in long translucent dresses with a basket in her hand. Yes, the one whose name appears in one of today’s most popular handbags, never parted from the simple wicker basket. Moreover, she was the one who revived and gave an aura of nobility to items so forgotten and out of fashion like the white blouse or lace.

A delicate gold chain adorned her neck at all times, her hair would hang in eyebrow-grazing bangs, long eyelashes would be frequently accompanied by a subtle cat-eye look and a cigarette would be gracefully placed between her lips. It’s the scandalous ‘innocence meets sex appeal’ look, which made up Jane’s polished persona. Although fashion is cyclical, there are things that will always remain in style - the beige trench coat, a black slip dress, simple black ballet flats and high waisted flared jeans - Jane Birkin was one of the 60s icons who made them staple pieces in every woman’s wardrobe. It has almost been half a century since Jane Birkin graced the pages of newspapers and magazines, either because of her scandalous duet with Serge Gainsbourg called ‘Je T’Aime...Moi Non Plus’, or another public appearance in an outrageous, yet never vulgar outfit; and she still influences today’s fashion icons such as Alexa Chung, Claudia Schiffer or Emma Watson, who more than once have worn looks inspired by Birkin’s unmistakeable understated elegance.

Her deep romance with Serge Gainsbourg is what makes her story so appealing; after being left alone at a dinner table purely by chance, their love quickly flourished and soon grew deeper and stronger, with Jane becoming Serge’s muse and travelling the world together - having left a beautiful daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg, as the legacy of their love. However, as with many relationships so obsessive and impassioned, emotions fly like a roller coaster - up one moment and down the next. So crazily in love, Serge and Jane were also the worst thing for each other. Jane soon left Serge, so anguished while apart, but so toxic while together, she felt she had no other choice. However, they remained friends until the moment of his death, and with past interviews Jane has given, it seems obvious he still remains in her heart.

One might think that Jane Birkin’s legacy is behind us, however today we see many of the staple pieces which generations were influenced by, in high-street stores like Zara and Topshop; with trench coats, slip dresses and flared jeans hanging on the racks season after season. Jane Birkin proved to be the quintessential combination of French chic and British quirkiness, which women will look up to for years to come.

Bisous Bisous,
Victoria.