Jane Birkin.
Bonjour! It’s in unofficial April in Paris month here on StoryboardC. Where I will be letting my Francophile Flag fly Super High. 🇫🇷 And what better way to start with the Iconic Actress, Singer Jane Birkin (who actually is English born, but a reminder anyone can be French with enough Joie de Vivre Style.)
If your not familiar with Birkin and her Haute-Hippie style. Your gonna get your beginning Lesson today. Let’s get started…
Jane.
Les Cheveux (Hair): Jane’s Hair is almost as Iconic as the Hermès Bag named after her (more on that later). Her straight long tresses with Fringe Bangs, a epitome of casual 70’s chic definitely has made a comeback in the last 10 years. I even cut my own back in the day and learned my personal bang upkeep from my all-time favorite French Make-Up Artist Violette_FR. It’s so face framing and perfect for wearing your hair up or down. Here some more on the Birkin Bang if your interested HERE.
Le Maquillage (Make-Up): Jane always seemed to take the Au Natural Approach when it came to makeup with some 60’s lower lash action. I thought it would fun to a mini modern bonus to get the look for yourself:
Chanel’s Rouge Coco Baume in 914 Natural Charm. A Hydrating buildable lip balm.
LANCÔME Hypnôse Buildable Volume Mascara great overall volume mascara for top and lower lash.
The original Bronzer for that French Sun-kissed Glow. Guerlain Terracotta. Remember put it where the sun naturally hits. Forehead, Cheeks, Nose and Chin. Bring it down a bit on the neck as our necks can be a bit lighter than our faces.
BeautyCounter’s Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer will give you that ‘I wake up like this’ look Jane is known for with its sheer-coverage and sun protection of SPF 20. The formula also has a cocktail blend of black currant seed oil, peony root extract, and vitamin C to help brighten and firm over time. I personally wear shade Light and it’s perfect for weekends or everyday with with YSL Touché Eclat.
BeautyCounter’s Cheeky Cream Blush gives that natural glowing cheek color that also in a pinch can be used as a lip color. I featured Chai-Dusty Rose.
Hourglass Curator Lash Instrument (featured above) will give your lower lashes the precision attention needed to rock that Jane Barkin 60’s inspired eye look to the max.
T-Shirt•RE/DONE ’60s Slim Tee is perfect. Antique White.
Jeans•The Alina Jeans created by fellow Brit Victoria Beckham. It’s 70’s style Oversized patch pockets and perfectly nostalgic flared legs just ooze Jane.
Shoes•I know they're not French, but Swedish. But, these Hasbeen Red Peep Toes scream ooh la la.
Accessories
Basket• Before and actually after the birth of the iconic Hermès Birkin Bag, There was and is the Birkin Basket. A Portuguese crafted Fisherman’s Basket that has become Jane’s super iconic signature! Carrying everything from Groceries to Hand mirrors.
Hand Mirror•When you carry a basket might as well have a Hand Mirror, I found this lovely Antique Bamboo one HERE.
Fragrance•Jane herself never a fan of fragrance created in 2006 with London Perfumer Miller Harris, L’air de Rien. A friendly nostalgic, fragrance inspired by Old Leather Books, a chest of drawers and the scent of her Mother’s Hair to name a few. Containing a unique blend of Amber and Musks. (Grazia)
Love, C.
JACKIE NYC.
I’ve heard October in NYC is perfection and can only imagine Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis felt the same. As one of it’s most famous residents and lifelong lover of a good morning Stroll. She never allowed the unwarranted attention of onlookers and Paprazzo keep her inside at 1040 5th Ave. And October 7th 1971 seemed no different I'm sure.
Jacqueline headed out to Central Park wearing probably her usual strolling ensemble, but like many of us anything she put together had innate undate-able style to it. This particular day a simple Heathered Henley shirt, jeans, those iconic big sunglasses and a pair of classic Keds was her uniform.
Once her morning walk was done and she headed back to1040, she seemed unaware or pretended to not notice the infamous Ron Gallela who was there as well shooting another women's portfolio. Gallela a bain in her existence, for his downright obsession with capturing her and her children’s every move. She was after all his bread and butter and even a “crush” he later admitted to as well. Now in our age of paparazzi, he would be considered the Father of Stalk-arazzi. And this day would cement it all.
Gallella then jumped into a Taxi after her and told the driver to follow her closely. He took picture after picture without her being unaware. Then at 89th and 90th. The driver blew his horn excitedly to get her attention. Jacqueline with a slight smile turned to the driver and Ron got his now iconic “Windblown Jackie” image. Soon after she figured out it was him behind the camera and the smile left her face and those legendary sunglasses came on.
He then jumped out after her and continued to snap away… finally she arrived home, but before entering 1040, she boldly asked him, “Are you pleased with yourself?” and he responded exuberantly, “Yes.” He was even more pleased when he got back to his studio and developed the shot. It was his “Mona Lisa”, a once in a life photo. Jackie glowing, No make up, a half smile and her bright wide eyes framed with perfect movement.
Whatever you think of Ron (yeah he’s a smuck) or the debate of Public Figures and privacy. It’s a photographic masterpiece that has stood the test of time and a beautiful image of the legacy of Jackie O’s mystique and style.
Jackie NYC.
Henley•Jackie could make the most basic top look chic. Her Ribbed Henley fit like a glove and her sleeves pushed up were casual perfection. I chose G. Label Krystian Long-Sleeve Henley in Oatmeal.
Jeans•A modern version of her fitted slightly flared jeans with a distressed wash, I picked G. Label Kaplan Vintage Flare Jeans that ooze 70’s-esque style with oversized patch pockets to be dressed down or up.
Shoes•Replacing her Navy Keds with La Tennis Bensimon in Shell. Jackie a lifelong Francophile would of probably adored these Parisian Tennis Shoes today and maybe she did when they were created in1984.
ACCESSORIES.
Sunglasses•These were it! It is rumored that Jackie had a basket full of her trademark large framed sunglasses at her 1040 Apartment door for easy access and this original style Jacky 2 by Francois Pinton were customized specifically for her.
Camera•Jacqueline had a good eye for photography herself. Working as a “Camera Girl” Photojournalist for Washington Times-Herald interviewing the likes of her Future Husband JFK even. I'm sure she might have even dreamed of turning her own camera on the dreaded Ron Gallela at times to give him a taste of his own medicine. A 1951 Vintage Leica IIIF Black Dial Camera via Chairish.
Book• A rare copy of Ron Gallela’s 1974 Photography book on Jaqueline. A interesting peek into his favorite subject.
Further Reading Favorites from my own Jackie collection below:
•Mrs. Kennedy and Me. By Secret Service Agent Clint Hill with Lisa McCubbin•Jackie’s Girl By Kathy Mckeon •New York Jackie By Bridget Watson Payne.
