Art x Outfit Edit #23
In French, the equivalent of the September “Back to School” idiom would be “la rentrée des classes”.
But quite symptomatically of both the French language shortening everything – because, well, it is just too damn long anyways – and the French culture, it is most of the time just referred to as “la rentrée”. Indeed, since holidays are so long in France and August is literally a dead month, everyone experiences this back to school feeling after a long period of taking a break, or at least, going through a fairly long quiet period.
Like the January New Year Resolution ethos, la rentrée is an opportunity to set new standards for the work year ahead and to think about switching things up. Taking this new yoga class, or stop texting variably random people past decent hours during the weekend – granted this one is hardly ever applied.
One thing though, that is never put into question, is the importance of the lunch break. One hour is the minimum, two is the standard, and no desk lunch please. Good food, in fact, is as important as a good outfit, and that has always been the case, rentrée or not rentrée.
When in comes to art, while I have always been more attracted by the astute depiction of delicate fabrics and sophisticated gowns, from Ingres to Monet, I have recently been drawn to the quiet understated beauty of still lives. Especially Still life with Bread and Eggs (1865) by Paul Cézanne. I have always looked at them as a form of memento mori, a reminder of the fleetingness of life. Yet, at the same time, they are a celebration of the beauty of the present moment, of simple things that go away and that one needs to enjoy fully.
You know me, fashion is life and therefore, I wanted to wear what I eat for this rentrée. As a pick me up, and as a reminder that everything, the good, and the bad goes away – and that we can choose to keep only what we find beautiful and nurturing, yes, pun intended….
The Splurge
Jacquemus Coffee Brown Croissant Coat ($1,730)
Courrèges Bodysuit ($460)
Henrik Vibskov Denim ($339)
Tiffany&Co Bean Necklace ($1,050)
Alaïa Flats ($1,150)
Fendi Baguette ($4,900)
(More) Affordable Options
Ganni Long Wool Coat ($625)
ALIX NYC Bodysuit ($195)
Levi’s Denim ($98.60)
Tiffany&Co Bean Necklace ($500)
Reformation Flats ($298)
Jil Sander Cannolo Bag ($1,790)
mabou 