As a symbol of Parisian style—an elusive concept she touches on in this interview—Ines de la Fressange shares the joy she finds in dining al fresco in the Luxembourg Gardens and her love for cozy evenings at classic bistros and intimate hotels.
A legendary figure in fashion since the 1980s, Ines is renowned not only for her modeling career but also for her approachable demeanor. With a portfolio that includes collaborations with the world’s most esteemed photographers and designers, including her mentor Karl Lagerfeld whom she met during her time at Chanel, she has maintained a relevant and influential presence in the industry.
Through her insights, we gain a glimpse into her Paris, highlighting her favorite dining spots, what she loves about the city, and her go-to shopping haunts.
You have a deep connection to Paris. How would you describe your relationship with the city?
I think you love Paris even more when you've dreamt about it before even coming here. I was raised in the countryside, in the Var in the South of France, and I remember thinking my friends who lived in Paris were lucky when they returned to the city on Sunday evenings. Paris is a city made up of foreigners, locals, and those seeking to live in a place founded on human rights. And I love that it feels like different cities all rolled into one—for example, the Marais neighborhood is completely different to Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Trocadéro. And of course, it’s also the city of fashion, which is central to my life.How would you define your signature style? What aspects of it do you think resonate most with people?
Oh, I never think of “my” style! Boyish and casual, I guess. Rather, I think about the style I wish to explore in my collections. My aim is to make clothes I myself am looking for and can’t find. For instance, a parka but for the evening, so made out of satin, same thing for loafers but made from velvet, or pants inspired by those I wore in the seventies; ignoring fashion and trends and just always working very freely. May be this is the answer to your question: My style is freedom!The Parisian style has sparked a lot of debate recently. Do you believe it truly exists? How has it evolved over the past decade?
The book I wrote 10 years ago with French journalist Sophie Gachet, La Parisienne, about Parsian women’s style, was a huge success and many books around the subject followed. Our idea was to explain that Parisian style was no better or worse any other, but that it's more about reflecting a spirit. Parisian style is mostly about blending old and new, high-end and casual, trendy and classic. With the rise of social networks and global access to information, this essence has become widely shared and embraced internationally.Do you consider yourself a foodie?
I love eating well, and I admire some of the chefs I have met like the late Bernard Loiseau, Alain Passard or Armand Arnal, but the food I eat on a daily basis is usually just simple and healthy.
What’s your favorite spot for a meal in the city?
Let’s say: Le Bon Saint-Pourçain (Paris 6), Le Soufflé (Paris 1), Chez Georges (Paris 2), Le Petit Célestin (Paris 4), Le Bar des Prés-Saint-Germain (Paris 6), La Corte (Paris 1), Le Stresa (Paris 8).How would you characterize the current food scene here?
Many young people have a passion for cooking now, giving rise to the many, many new bistros and restaurants in Paris, especially in the 9th district. They are good and not expensive, and above all, have stylish interiors. In the past, it seems that the trend was that good food was often served in spots with the most awful décor. I think that the younger generations are more interested in food and wine than in clothes and fashion.If you were to move away, what would you miss the most about the city?
Crossing the Seine on my bike on the Louvre bridge and thinking “Oh, how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful city!”What’s your happy place?
In spring, I enjoy having lunch outdoors at La Terrasse de Madame in the Jardins du Luxembourg. In Paris there's also the Palais Royal Gardens, which is a less well-known spot, even for Parisians, but it’s gorgeous and has been relatively untouched since the 18th century. In my newsletter, I try to share new places like these, that I discover every week.If you took a friend on a perfect day out in Paris, what would your itinerary include?
My shop (in Paris 7th) of course! The clothes are not too expensive, you can find gifts for friends and the staff is really welcoming. I also love Marie-Hélène de Taillac for jewelry, Sœur on rue Bonaparte for clothes and bags, Roger Vivier for shoes and 45R rue d’Alger for clothes (slightly expensive but you keep them for life), just like L’Uniform (quai Voltaire) for bags. I could also take friends to Big Band Pottery an old Left-Bank jazz café from before the war where all the most famous musicians have played and where you can make pottery, even a newbie is guaranteed to have a great time.What hotel would you book for a staycation?
I would go to L’Hôtel (Paris 6th), like Oscar Wilde, who stayed there, because it’s right in the center of the old Paris, and it’s far more romantic than all the big famous hotels. But of course, if you want somewhere very fancy you won’t be disappointed by the Ritz!
What’s your favorite season in Paris and how does the city change for you during that time?
I love Paris in winter, when it’s covered in snow. It takes your breath away. But the problem is that it doesn’t snow that often here!
Your career as a model, designer, and style icon is truly inspiring. Is there a particular moment in your journey that has been most transformative for you?
Indeed, I have been lucky to work with some of the most famous designers, couturiers, and photographers, including Yves Saint Laurent, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Azzedine Alaïa, Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, and Paolo Roversi, among others. However, the years I spent at Chanel in the studio with Karl Lagerfeld were undoubtedly the most interesting—especially because that’s where I learned the craft that shapes my work today. I like to say I had the best teacher in the best school!What led you to pursue a career in fashion?
I’ve loved fashion since I was 13 but I never imagined that it would become my life’s work. When I was asked to model, I thought I would do it for a few months and go back to my studies - but life doesn’t always work out as you predict!What’s been the boldest, most exciting project you’ve worked on?
Creating my brand in the nineties without ever having done my own collections alone - even if I worked at Chanel’s studio for seven years, working on ready-to-wear and couture. We relaunched the brand 10 years ago, so this first project was the wildest but also, in the end, the most sensible.
Who or what has been the greatest source of inspiration in your career and life overall?
Like many designers, I would say childhood. Mothers, grand-mothers, aunts… they are your first muses but also your role models as a child. I think it’s also important to stay youthful throughout life and I particularly love the styles of people like Mick Jagger, Jane Birkin, Katharine Hepburn and Sofia Loren, which reflect that and inspire me a lot.What’s next for you?
A vacation – I’m French after all!
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Hero image: Ines de la Fressange (© Rodolphe Bricard)
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