Isabel Marant

Since it was launched in 1989, the Isabel Marant brand of bohemian chic has evolved into one of the more iconic—and imitated—Parisian looks. Marant’s meteoric success has a lot to do with her ability to distill a fantasy image of the quintessential Parisienne into a singularly appealing package: part bohemian waif, part glamour puss, part rock star. Last fall’s runway show, featuring sheer metallic sweaters over cropped cigarette pants, topped off with collarless fox or leather jackets and worn with slouchy boots or red suede pumps, thrilled fashion editors and inspired a thousand knockoffs. Winter 2012’s over-the-knee, crazily fringed high-heeled boots, paired with skinny black jeans or a body-hugging mini-dress, will no doubt have the same effect. Marant’s palette is usually restrained, with lots of charcoal, black and pristine white, punctuated by deep indigo or crimson. Separates are pleasingly spare, unfussy and streamlined, making them a cinch to wear even if you’re not a size two. Recurring themes include form-fitting tops and sweaters worn under unstructured blazers with skin-tight jeans or leg-accentuating trousers. Marant’s jackets are pure genius—a thigh-grazing shearling coat with furry bright-white lapels or a luscious fur vest will keep you cozily certain of your fashion creds.

47 rue de Saintonge, 3rd, 01.42.78.19.24. website

Originally published in the July/August 2011 issue of France Today