French Film Nostalgia

French New Wave or “La Nouvelle Vague” films from the late 50s through 60s continue to influence our fashion style. Rejecting the big studios, directors worked with great creativity–and low budgets. The films often had a campy look. And actors wore their own mod clothing. Be the auteur of your own French experiment in Jane’s Vanity’s latest casual undress from French designer Vannina Vesperini.

For a quick visual survey of New Wave, look to Michelle Magda’s charming Clever&Chic video, The Philosophy of Style in French New Wave Cinema.   

Her narration captures the look and mood of New Wave with such words as “light, mischievous, freewheeling, romantic yet risqué, film noir, beatnick-bourgeois.”

Which could describe the dessous/dessus (under/on top) philosophy of Vannina Vesperini. Her new navy silk pieces can be worn in so many interesting ways. The perfectly draped Slip Dress, trimmed in black lace, would look well on the street, with or without the traditional French moto jacket or slouchy sweater. In bed, accessorize with a tiny cup of espresso. The long skirt, with a shirred back waist, just needs a white blouse and headband to emulate the look of actress Catherine Deneuve. Or wear it like actress Anna Karina with her trademark black eyeliner and a few ruffles.

When New Wave began to use color film, bright apparel made a statement too. Vannina Vespirini also loves to play with color. We hope you’re enjoying a summer of her caraco tops and shorts, in such combos as the Ruby and Denim Camisole Set. Or perhaps you’re watching movies in the Sea Glass Long Silk Camisole. Have a film festival with these “14 Examples of French New Wave Cinema” from educational platform MasterClass.

Feel the freedom of New Wave in French garments from Jane’s Vanity.

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