Gentlewoman Style with Jane Birkin
Jane Birkin photos by Dominique Issermann for APC
I met Jane Birkin once. Words that still bring a smile to my face, 12 years later. This was at Vogue Fashion’s Night Out, we chatted for 15-minutes – and she didn’t call security. Birkin was incredibly friendly and talked mainly about her work as a campaigner on social issues and living in France. One of the highlights of the encounter was when she reached under the table and pulled out her actual Birkin bag. Overflowing with Birkin’s belongings, a big scarf and what looked like a men’s cardigan, the iconic bag had been casually decorated with stickers, worry beads, ribbons and key rings.
The British actor and singer (and honorary Parisian) has collaborated with French label APC on a range of everyday, wardrobe basics. Menswear-inspired coats, cargo pants, cashmere sweaters and the perfect white T-shirt. These are Birkin’s favourite, functional clothes. Apart from a stint in dresses during the Serge Gainsbourg years, Birkin tends to live in trousers, slouchy knits and tailoring. This is the wardrobe of a perennial tomboy – or what we now call Gentlewoman Style.
Gentlewoman Style
Birkin’s approach is not quite as insouciant as you’d think; APC founder Jean Touitou says, ‘ Of course, she finds everything she needs to wear from many brands in Paris and elsewhere, but nothing is exactly perfect: this jersey is too floppy, this coat doesn’t have the right proportions and these sneakers look great but are uncomfortable. She tirelessly hunts down “the loose-neck T-shirt, the washable cashmere sweater, the slightly oversized men’s coat that you can snuggle into.”’ Explaining that this collaboration feels like APC going back to its roots, he adds, ‘ So, we worked at trying to perfect all her daily outfits under her guidance. I admit that, on the surface, it doesn’t look like anything special, because there’s nothing spectacular about it, except – using Jane’s own words – good basic materials that age well, because she likes to keep her clothing for years.’
That’s Not a Birkin Bag
Birkin is 75 and looks remarkably well – she had a minor stroke last year – of course, the ‘creative lens filter’ helps. At least, I hope that’s all it is… Birkin’s perennial appeal lies in her laid-back, less-is-more image and authenticity. The APC collection of stealth-y style favourites is on the expensive side, the signature straw basket is a lovely touch but I’m sure the 1960s original didn’t cost nearly three hundred pounds. Anyhow. I do like the pared-back, Gentlewomanly aesthetic. It reminded me of buying a pair of APC trousers when the label first arrived in the UK, they looked very much like schoolboy’s trousers and I loved them. Totally chic teamed with lace-up shoes and a cotton shirt. Today, of course, simple clothes designed to last are more widely available.
Inspired by Jane Birkin’s gentlewomanly style:
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Discussion (9 Comments)
Absolutely! And how brilliant that you’ve interviewed Jane Birkin; we only met briefly but I really liked her.
June Girvin says:
Gosh. I’m not sure I would have recognised her if you hadn’t said it was her. As you say, an authentic photograph would have been lovely. When was she ever known for a wide grin? That apart, her style is unmistakeable and timeless, and she is one of the few that deserve the ‘icon’ label.
Elizabeth says:
She is such a stylish woman, I’ve always loved her look, but it’s interesting to learn about the very real care that goes into looking so casual, I’ve always suspected she carefully curated everything, the ‘just right’ cord trousers, the fabby slouchy sweaters, and this confirms it. She also always has shiny hair and wears lipstick when she’s out and about. Wish I could afford a great overcoat but I’ll just have to dream! Really lovely insight into one of our great exports!
bev says:
‘Great overcoats’ appear to have hit the charity shops about now! I bought a wool and cashmere black oversized – in a good way – timeless coat this week at an absolute bargain and I love it! It has a gorgeous deep purple lining, too.
Her style is absolutely wonderful. It does look entirely ‘accidental’ in a very curated, innately stylish way and without all the faff. If anyone appears comfortable in their own skin, then it is Jane Birkin. Faff Free Dressing at it’s finest!
Mrs Tonia says:
I’ve followed the life, family and style of Jane Birkin forever through the pages of French Elle magazine. She was a stunning young woman who created a non-style style of basics to which she has been totally consistent. She looks her age now. She had three daughters the second oldest of whom is the actress Charlotte Gainsbourg with Serge Gainsbourg. The oldest Kate Barry died falling from the window of her Paris apartment. The all lived close to each other in the 6e district. Music for them has been of high significance and Jane herself has continued to perform.
I felt for them all reading of this family tragedy.
I’m less interested in her garçonne style. I’d not want to wear those things. You need to be tall and rangy and bustless for them to look attractive.
Good for her to keep going. To engage with a fashion collaboration now. And to have the opportunity to keep working and earning in France where she is revered.
Mare Leave a Reply
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I interviewed Jane and her mother once – was great fun. I will definitely look at the collab but if I won the lottery I wouldn’t be buying the straw bag but a Hermes Birkin!