Ines de la Fressange is the personification of modern French chic — nonchalant, impeccably groomed, and always with a sense of humour — to the point that she wrote a bestseller about Parisian style.
She released a follow-up, the Parisian Chic City Guide, late last year, chronicling her favourite places to shop and eat. De la Fressange has been a model (exclusively with Chanel for several years), Marianne, the face of the French republic (which reportedly led to her falling out with Chanel, and its designer, Karl Lagerfeld) and for the last 13 years, has been the brand ambassador for shoe label Roger Vivier. That brings her to Dubai this week, where she will launch Icons Connected, a 12-chapter exhibtion on the brand at Level Shoe District at the Dubai Mall. We caught up with her by email to find out about her relationship with the brand, and Parisian style.
You’ve been involved with Roger Vivier for over a decade now. What has changed about the brand, and what has remained the same?
Oh yes indeed more then a decade ! The great difference now is that everyone knows who was Roger Vivier or the brand! The difference too is that customers trust totally the product because they know how many times Roger Vivier shoes or bags saved their looks, add something more and the success they had with it .
This exhibition you are accompanying traces the history and work of Roger Vivier. Do you have any favourite section?
Each shoe is a surprise. However I do love the kitten heels of the fifties — always very feminine but never vulgar.
What makes the brand relevant in today’s fashion world?
Talent and uniqueness is always relevant and I think our clients love the fact that Roger Vivier is trendy but above the fashion world. I think customers in a shop know a lot about fashion, they just pick up what they love and want absolutely. So after all, there is no more fashion if there is no success in the shop. At the end of the day, customers are always right.
You are a watcher of Parisian style. Are French women still dressing in that classic style?
They indeed have a way to mix things that is very special (not better or worse then in another country) — in short, to mix luxurious outfits with more simple items.
How long did it take you to find all the places in your new book — or are these all your favourite spots that we can expect to find you in?
A lifetime! But I discover places every day. It took me a year to select the ones of the book because I didn’t want it to be too thick. Now I add addresses every week in a free newsletter called lalettredines.com, who is translated in English.
What makes a shop, or a cafe, perfect?
When you go there with someone you love, no?
* Roger Vivier: Icons Connected runs at Dubai Mall from May 2-14. Entry is free.
