Paris is set to host the 2024 Olympics, attracting an estimated 15 million tourists to the city. French Girl Style ambassador Jeanne Damas, the designer and founder of Rouje, offers advice on how to blend in and avoid looking like a tourist in the bustling city. Damas notes that certain neighborhoods, such as the nineteenth and twentieth arrondissements, are less frequented by tourists, making them good options for exploring without standing out. Additionally, she suggests opting for minimalist fashion choices like color-block looks, simple flat shoes, and avoiding tourist cliches like baseball caps.
Damas draws inspiration from the unconventional style of Paloma Picasso, daughter of artist Pablo Picasso, who had a unique fashion sense that stood out in the 1970s. According to Damas, Paloma’s vintage clothing choices from the ’40s influenced designers like Yves Saint Laurent, making her a fashion icon ahead of her time. Damas herself admires Picasso’s bold approach to fashion, contrasting it with what she perceives as a more conservative and homogenous French style, particularly in comparison to the creativity she observes in New York. The diversity and originality of New York fashion inspire Damas to think outside the box and experiment with her own style.
In her role as Paloma Picasso in Hulu’s “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld,” Damas explores the multifaceted character of the innovative and daring fashion icon. She immerses herself in the unique style and mindset of Picasso, portraying her as a trailblazer who defied fashion norms and embraced individuality. Damas highlights Picasso’s influence on Yves Saint Laurent and the wider fashion industry, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and expressing personal style authentically. The portrayal of Picasso’s creative spirit resonates with Damas and reinforces her commitment to embracing originality in her own fashion choices.
As the influx of tourists to Paris increases with the upcoming Olympics, Damas encourages visitors to explore lesser-known neighborhoods and immerse themselves in the local culture. By avoiding typical tourist attire and opting for chic, understated pieces, tourists can blend in seamlessly and experience Paris like a true Parisian. Damas’s insights into Parisian style and her admiration for unconventional fashion icons like Paloma Picasso reflect her passion for creativity and individuality in fashion. Whether it is drawing inspiration from historic figures or embracing the energy of modern cities like New York, Damas continues to push boundaries and challenge conventional fashion norms with her unique perspective on style.
