The Parisian Man's Style Investigated
A new longform piece from The Cut investigates the enduring mystique of Parisian men’s style through interviews and cultural commentary. The article unpacks the codes, contradictions, and aspirations behind French style. This type of analysis serves as a reference for international clients and a moodboard for campaign direction in luxury fashion.
- The aesthetic of Parisian menswear often draws from the French New-Wave cinema of the 1950s and 60s, with figures like Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon serving as enduring style references for their blend of classic tailoring and nonchalant coolness. The style seen in films like Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" (1960), which lacked a formal costume designer, captured an authentic French look characterized by tailored trousers, wool blazers, and simple white shirts. - Contemporary Parisian designers emphasize a philosophy of "real-world" and versatile wardrobes. Pierre Mahéo, founder of Officine Générale, is inspired by the practical workwear of his oyster-farming father and the tailored precision of his tailor grandfather, aiming to blend these two worlds in his collections. - Heritage brands are increasingly focusing on craftsmanship and legacy in their menswear campaigns as a counterpoint to fast fashion. Loro Piana's Fall/Winter 2024-2025 campaign, for instance, was shot in Scotland to highlight the brand's history with Cheviot wool and the thistle flower, which has been part of its coat of arms since 1951. Similarly, Berluti's campaigns often reference the brand's origins as a shoemaker, dating back to 1895. - There is a strong interplay between Parisian fashion and other artistic disciplines, particularly architecture. Designers like the late Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton have incorporated architectural elements into their collections, such as jackets featuring 3D models of Parisian landmarks. Fashion shows are often staged in iconic architectural spaces, like the Bourse de Commerce, to create a dialogue between the clothing and the building's heritage and form. - The appointment of Jonathan Anderson as the new creative director of Dior Men in April 2025 is a significant development. Anderson, known for his experimental and craft-focused approach at Loewe, is expected to bring a new creative vision to the historic Parisian house, with his first collection debuting in June 2025. - The on-screen style in the Netflix series "Call My Agent!" has brought a contemporary vision of Parisian workwear to a global audience, with actors like Camille Cottin embodying a modern, powerful aesthetic. - Contemporary French actors continue to influence the perception of Parisian male style. Vincent Cassel is known for a sharp, modern look, while the late Gaspard Ulliel was celebrated for his classic charm and his role as the face of Chanel's Bleu de Chanel fragrance. More recently, Berluti named actor Victor Belmondo, grandson of Jean-Paul Belmondo, as a brand ambassador, creating a narrative that links generational style and the house's heritage.
