From the couture style of Yves Saint Laurent to the experimental street style of André Courrèges, French fashion is renowned for its sophisticated designs and innovative touches. And the list of famous French designers is like a who's who of fashion itself: Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Pierre Cardin… it's like going Christmas shopping with the Beckhams!
French designers have created the staples of modern fashion we take for granted these days: for example, the 'little black dress' was a Chanel invention. And Givenchy created the Audrey Hepburn style that so many people – including Posh – seem to copy all the time. In the modern day though it is undoubtedly the infamous Jean-Paul Gaultier who steals the limelight. He currently designs for three collections: his own couture and ready-to-wear lines, as well as the newly relaunched clothing line for Hermès. Gaultier has also designed a number of the outfits worn by Marilyn Manson, Kylie and the French star Mylène Farmer, plus he has produced the wardrobe for films such as 'The Fifth Element'.
Fancy a trip to fashion crazy Paris? See what you can find there by clicking on this link.
And if you really want to learn more about the French fashion scene brush up your French for this site!
You there in the hideous dress, can you direct me to the nearest Chanel shop please? You should go too by the way.
Eh vous, là, avec la robe affreuse, pouvez-vous m'indiquer où se trouve la boutique Chanel la plus proche, s'il vous plaît? À propos, je vous conseille d'y aller.
Does this Gaultier skirt suit me, or will my mates make fun of me?
Est-ce que cette jupe Gaultier me va bien? Ou bien est-ce que les copains vont se moquer se moi?
Now look here Mr Manson, black really isn't a good colour for you, and go easier on the eyeliner.
Écoutez, M. Manson. Le noir ne vous va pas du tout, et vous devriez avoir la main plus légère avec l'eye-liner.
What shall I wear with my little black dress to make it look more expensive than hers?
Qu'est-ce que je vais bien pouvoir mettre avec ma petite robe noire pour qu'elle ait l'air d'avoir coûté plus cher que la sienne?
Being this stylish and sophisticated is quite hard work you know, darling.
Atteindre un tel degré d'élégance et de sophistication demande beaucoup d'efforts, vous savez, ma chère.