‘La Parisienne’ Reinforces Paris as Capital of Fashion-Past and Presently
Wed. 24 April ‘24
A 'Parisienne' can be an ordinary woman from any town or country, but she discovers her true spirit and happiness in Paris. The film Funny Face’s wonderful depiction captures the magic of Paris. Any woman can transform into a 'Parisienne' by dressing in haute couture, living in Paris, and building a beautiful life for herself and her loved ones. That is the timeless fantasy viewers dream of because film culture has painted Paris with vivid colors and impeccable fashion.
As Chaplin (2017) said, "La Parisienne has been defined as a myth or a dogma, a stereotype, a cliché, and a cultural icon," referring to Parisian fashion in the past. Rocamora (2009) wrote "as much an imagined as a living reality," to describe how films embody Paris as the fashion capital by showcasing haute couture clothes and what they signify to society. Paris showed the world how they were still the capital of fashion because their clothes inspired people, even people who did not care about fashion were entranced by Givenchy's clothes in the film Funny Face.
Funny Face’s Jo Stockton represented Paris as the fashion capital through her poise, wit, and charisma, and emerged as a true 'Parisienne' after creating a new persona. This relates to Funny Face’s representation of the figure of the “Parisienne” because fashion changed Jo's character from a shy, bookish girl to a confident young woman. Funny Face signified Audrey Hepburn’s Parisian wardrobe designed by Givenchy. The film’s portrayal of “la Parisienne” and Paris as the world’s fashion capital is witnessed through the singing scene of the three singing "Bonjour Paris" after sightseeing in the famous capital and when Jo poses in Givenchy dresses. Jo Stockton redefines herself as a new woman after her transformation made possibly by fashion.
Mural of Audrey Hepburn
Funny Face paid an ode to haute couture and celebrated Parisian fashion by dressing Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy's clothes. Audrey plays a character with wit, integrity, and empathy. Jo never considered herself particularly beautiful, but Avery instilled Jo’s confidence by choosing her to become a model for their fashion magazine. In real life, Hubert de Givenchy became dear life-long friends with Audrey Hepburn. He designed her film wardrobe for four decades. Givenchy designed the clothes specifically for his greatest muse Audrey, to exude her charm, wit, spirit, sensuality, and to showcase her optimistic personality. Rocamora described “la Parisienne” as “she who sets trends and gives the clothes and accessories she consumes ‘the consecration of taste, the baptism of fashion” (Rocamora, 2009). French clothing was wearable art designed for women to feel confident in.
Image of Mara LaFontan
One 21st-century example of “la Parisienne” is Mara LaFontan, a Parisian model, content creator, and jewelry designer, who preaches self-confidence among women and embraces modernized femininity. She has over a million followers on Instagram, 33.1 thousand YouTube subscribers, and is a TikTok star. Mara’s face is reminiscent of the ethereal Jane Birkin, who was notably recognized for her work in dominating French films. Mara is multilingual and shows her optimistic personality through her TikTok videos. She dresses in chic, classic Parisian styles. She speaks eloquently, exudes charm, class, and femininity, and gracefully carries her wise spirit. Mara is an assertive business owner and self-made model, who has built a beautiful life for herself. She’s a versatile, abstract inspiration to all young girls and women globally.
Image of Mara LaFontan
