February 4

Below is my fashion moment article on Francoise Hardy, submitted just before Christmas.

Francoise Hardy

‘French Women Don’t Get Fat’, an age-old critique; though often cited, would fall to a ready challenge. No one would question the assertion that women of the Gallic region are born with an innate sense of style, subtlety and elegance that embodies chic. The Parisian, Francoise Hardy - a charming, poignant beauty - validates this assertion in her seemingly effortless casual way.
Hardy, with her razor-sharp cheekbones and eye-dusting fringe was thrust into the limelight as part of the Yé-yé movement that was emblematic of 1960s France. Her effervescent and popular single, ‘Tout Les Garçons et Les Filles.’, captured the spirit of Yé-yé music, a genre spearheaded in Europe by young, winsome females. During her heyday in the 60s, Hardy captivated audiences with her soft voice, while notably enamouring legions of women with her enviable style.

Hardy has the ability to make simple, otherwise seemingly average outfits look quirky and edgy. She embodied biker-chic and kept makeup minimal – a stroke of black eyeliner along the lash-line was her signature look. With a dash of voguish sashay, a pinch of alluring mystery and a whole lot of Savoir-Faire, everything worked. This exemplified the singer as a true fashion icon of the 60s – influential and timeless.

Fast-forward to the present day where her style resonates in models like Kate Moss and Irina Lazareanu and indie/blues singer Cat Power, who have all paid homage to Hardy’s look. She is also the muse of Nicolas Ghesquière, the current creative director of couture house Balenciaga. Hardy became interested in astrology in the early 70s and has since become a specialist in the field, publishing a book, ‘Les Rythmes du Zodiaque’. She released her final album; ‘Clair Obscur’ in 2000 and in recent years has collaborated with musicians Iggy Pop and Brian Molko.
Undoubtedly, French women come in all shapes and sizes just like the rest of us cellulite-fearing mortals. Regardless of dress size, they have a natural sense of style that seems to be a fundamental part of their self image; their expectations of themselves. And with fashion leadership and everyday icons like Francoise Hardy, is it any surprise?



I'll leave you with some nice images for the day...

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