French-girl style has been mythologized to the point where it seems popular culture will never tire of it. From films to fashion, the allure of Parisian chic remains a powerful sales tool for brands and a fascination for many. Model and actor Camille Rowe, who was spotted in Paris at 18, acknowledges that her career has been amplified by the “French girl thing.” “I’m not going to hate on it too much, because it has become my bread and butter,” she laughs.
Born to an American mother and a French father, Rowe grew up in Paris before moving to New York as an adult. There, the tiny Reformation store on Ludlow Street quickly became one of her favorite places to shop. It feels like a full-circle moment that she has now joined forces with the LA-based brand to create a capsule collection of 18 pieces, all inspired by her own vintage wardrobe and the unique je ne sais quoi of Parisian It-girls.
“The stereotype has become even bigger than what it actually is, and [the way] French people actually dress,” explains Rowe. She insists that the oft-regurgitated rules around what French girls will and will not wear are not all rooted in reality. However, there is one trope she believes actually holds up: our Gallic counterparts’ alleged aversion to leggings and tracksuits. “I ran into a French girlfriend on the street in Paris last week, and she said, ‘Don’t look at me, I’m coming back from Pilates! I was hoping I wouldn’t run into anyone.’” While the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner proudly accessorize their gym fits with luxe totes and haute jewelry, French girls don’t wear leggings, says Rowe. “And when they do, they feel embarrassed by it.” Moving to LA has prompted Rowe to very occasionally wear tracksuit bottoms, which she says, “as a French person, I find awful.”
Rowe is “ready for people to dress up a little more,” especially as we all “got very comfortable in the pandemic.” When describing clothes, Rowe uses the same words again and again: “sexy,” “powerful,” “elegant,” and “uncomplicated.” This relaxed attitude toward glamour is reflected in her capsule collection of throw-on dresses and slinky separates for Reformation, released on October 23rd.
Rowe was inspired by items in her own wardrobe, reimagining two dresses in particular that she bought from Reformation in 2014 (an LBD called the Laurien and a silk maxi called the Beyla) when she first moved to the US. In addition to referencing her extensive vintage collection, she wanted the collection to look a little more decadent and sexy. “In Los Angeles, there is such a trend for the ‘clean girl,’ so I just wanted something to look a little more decadent and sexy.” She collects Tom Ford for Gucci, so it’s not surprising that his legendary Noughties runway collections influenced her overall mood for the capsule: “Tom Ford has made women feel so incredibly sexy… It’s fun to feel powerful.”
Another French girl stereotype that rings true, according to Rowe, is their nonchalant attitude and the goal of always appearing effortless. When in fact, “it takes a lot of time to look like you’ve done nothing.”
Rowe’s capsule collection for Reformation is not just about clothing; it embodies a philosophy of effortless style and elegance. Each piece is designed to be timeless yet modern, capturing the essence of French fashion while making it accessible to a broader audience. The collection features versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, ensuring that they fit seamlessly into any wardrobe.
The collaboration between Rowe and Reformation is a testament to her evolving style and her ability to merge her French roots with her experiences in the US. Her unique perspective on fashion and her dedication to creating beautiful, wearable pieces make this collection a standout. It’s clear that Rowe’s understanding of style goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s about confidence, authenticity, and expressing one’s true self through fashion.
As the collection launches, Rowe’s insights into French-girl style offer a refreshing take on the often-misunderstood concept. She challenges the stereotypes and encourages a more nuanced understanding of what it means to embody Parisian chic. Her pieces for Reformation are not just clothes but a celebration of individuality and a call to embrace one’s unique style.
In an era where fast fashion and fleeting trends dominate, Rowe’s emphasis on timeless elegance and effortless style serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of classic fashion. Her collection is a tribute to the timeless allure of French-girl style, reimagined for the modern woman. It’s a blend of the old and the new, the vintage and the contemporary, capturing the spirit of Parisian fashion while making it relevant for today’s world.
Camille Rowe’s collaboration with Reformation is a celebration of her journey, her heritage, and her love for fashion. It’s an invitation to embrace the elegance of French style and make it your own. As the collection hits the stores, it promises to inspire and delight fashion lovers everywhere, offering a piece of Parisian chic to those who seek it.