A CLOSE LOOK AT MY BRAND NEW CÉLINE TRIOMPHE BAG, THE QUINTESSENCE OF PARISIAN "ALLURE".

Here is one more post dedicated to a French bag. It's been almost three years since the Céline Triomphe Bag popped up on Celine’s website along with the rest of Hedi Slimane’s debut collection for the brand. In that time the bag has slowly, but steadily found its way into the hands of several style stars, who have been spotted with the Triomphe bag in tow. When these VIP ladies take notice, so do we, and while this isn't the first Céline by Hedi Slimane bag we’ve lusted after, it also likely won’t be the last. 

The Triomphe logo is rooted in Celine’s history and the story goes a little something like this: Céline Vipiana’s car broke down in Paris, right in front of the Arc de Triomphe, and she was inspired by the chain that surrounds the iconic monument. The inside of the double links represent two Cs and Celine’s founder immediately adopted it as a house emblem, using it on bags, jewelry, in prints and on shoes. The iconic house motif was adopted and reimagined by new creative director Hedi Slimane, appearing as the finishing touch on a classic silhouette, which we now know as the Triomphe Bag. Lined in lambskin, both sizes of the Triomphe bag contain a separated interior for maximum organization, as well two interior pockets—a slit pocket and a zippered pocket. The strap is designed to be worn either over the shoulder or crossbody as it’s adjustable. 

The larger size is the less eligible, 24.5 cm L x 18.5 cm H x 7.5 cm D.

The medium size works well for the everyday, though it's a bit on the smaller end for an everyday bag with overall dimensions of  22.5 cm L x 16.5 cm H x 7.5 cm D. 

The teen size is perfect for the mini-bag lover with dimensions of 18.5 cm L x 14 cm H x 6 cm D.

The Nano size is 16.5 cm L x 11.5 H cm x 5 cm D. 

As for the colour and leather type selections, I chose the medium version of the bag, in classic black, smooth calfskin leather, but the model is available also in beautiful neutral, pastel, or vibrant shades, as well as in exotic skins or Triomphe logo canvas + tan leather. 

Anyway, what I like most of this bag is its quintessential Parisian "allure", which inspires me unexpected, imaginary journeys to the "Ville Lumière", in a period of so many travel restrictions.

"E" FOR ELEGANCE: 
DRESSING THE FRENCH WAY LIKE CARINE ROITFELD.

During this long lockdown period, we've focused our priorities on different themes other than fashion, and even the most fashionistas among us have adapted themselves to more sporty and less dressed-up styles, on our errands outside our homes. Now the seclusion has become less strict, but the warm season has not completely settled down, so I still don't feel like writing about beach-style outfits, that we aren't even sure to rock this Summer. That's why I'm going to write again about one of my favourite fashion themes, which is the Parisian chic, but this time, from the point of view of the simple, perfect style embodied in the French icon, fashion editor and stylist Carine Roitfeld, who is the inspiration to the post. As you can see from the following selection of pictures, she never puts a stylish foot wrong, and with a clear preference to clean colour combinations, pencil skirts and high heels she has taught every other woman on the planet how to be French and own up to it in a very unique and personal way, without over embellishments, but always with a touch of allure and elegance. Anyway, she's not the only one. I think there must be something in the water in France that makes those Parisian women so darn stylish. Short of moving to the French capital, I 've tried to sum up six steps to putting a little more 'je ne sais quoi' into your style:

1. Don’t look like you’ve tried to hard. If there’s one thing the French do well it’s looking like they don’t give a damn.

2. Don’t be a slave to trends. Know your signature style and stay true to it, adding a carefully selected edit each season. You’ll never see Carine in anything but her trademark pieces.

3. Get ready, then mess things up a bit. Carine’s messy hair and smudgy, black eye make-up is the key to her look. Think undone polished. See step 1.

4. A classic shirt is your best friend – find a style you love and buy one in every colour. 

5. Stick to what suits you. Carine knows her legs are her best feature and accentuates them with tight pencil skirts and leather trousers. Pick your best feature and work to your strengths.

6. Don’t be boring – classic doesn’t have to mean bland. Add a twist to simple separates with a statement coat or conversational handbag.  

Now it's up to you, dear readers, to try your own personal version of  "Parisian chic"!

1) C.R.'s version of F/W French style:

             2) C.R.'s version of S/S French style: