Jane Birkin’s iconic vintage style still informs both contemporary trends and classic dressing. Here’s how to channel her mysterious je ne sais quoi.
words by DIANDRA BARSALOU MITCHELL • Shop The Story • /fashion
The Icons series is a weekly shop-the-look feature highlighting iconic women whose style captures a certain sensibility and sets them apart from the status quo, no matter the era, socio-political climate, or popular culture of their time, or ours. Muses— if you will— whose timeless aesthetic causes inspiration season after season.
Jane Birkin
Jane Birkin is undoubtedly one of the most referenced icons when it comes to vintage fashion. Her signature looks continue to find themselves adopted into both contemporary trends and classic style, but to understand her particular brand of je ne sais quoi, is to understand the woman herself, which may always remain a mystery of moving pieces. A balance of contradictions, Jane still prefers not to say her own name or refer to herself “I”, yet inspired the Hermes Birkin bag to which she lent her name. Now an awarded humanitarian, Jane emerged on the Swinging London scene of the ‘60s with a nude part at age 20 in “Blow-Up” by Michelangelo Antonioni. Even though she did not speak french at the time, she went on to star in the French film “Slogan” alongside Serge Gainsbourg, which sparked their relationship and collaboration. Together, they brought us “Je Ne T‘aime Moi Non Plus”, which was originally written for Serge’s ex Brigitte Bardot, a film and accompanying duet that was banned by the Vatican.
Always on the edge of controversy, Jane had a flair for doing what she felt was the unexpected decision, choosing creative projects and making choices that forged a career which continues to reach far beyond any romantic relationship. From sheer mini dresses to flared denim and blazers, Jane’s iconic look was always accented by her hair; long natural waves and a perfectly unstyled fringe. She became known for the ease and playfulness with which she served both masculine and feminine style, always outfitted in pieces that felt like such an authentic representation of her identity, it didn’t matter the occasion as it always seemed to belong to her; a movie premiere, on-stage performance, recording in her apartment, motherhood…. Jane’s three daughters, photographer Kate Barry (who sadly passed away in 2013), actress/singer Charlotte Gainsbourg and model/singer Lou Doillon are all artistic and retain some of her it-girl, seemingly easy confidence in their personal style. Here are some of our favorite Jane Birkin moments, in celebration of a woman who remained steadfast in what she wanted, and found a creative way to tell the world exactly who she was in her sartorial decisions.
““Being a mother gave me incredible confidence. I was so happy. After that, with Serge, with “Je t’Aime Moi Non Plus,” I don’t remember being shocked or not shocked when the pope decided we couldn’t play the record or had it banned by the Vatican.””
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The look: Easy love
Herringbone blazer, white shirt, high waisted trousers.
“ I didn’t have confidence in movie cameras or onstage. But I did have confidence in what I wanted in real life. If I wanted to be barefoot and wear a mackintosh, I would do it. I didn’t give a hoot.”
2. The look: As I am
Knit sweater, skinny denim, boots and thigh high socks, woven basket bag.
“My look is a cocktail. I’m not as nicely turned out as the french, but I don’t care like the English.”
3. The look: Elegant, sultry innocence
