How "Emily in Paris" Embodies the Antithesis of French Style
Like many of the world’s fashion enthusiasts, binging Emily in Paris on Netflix was a must-do over the past winter break. This American comedy drama has been garnering a lot of buzz for its take on French culture, millennials, and marketing in our digital age, but more specifically its fashion.
Continuing into season two, Emily’s outfits in the show are loud, busy, and in many ways the antithesis of French style. I think Emily’s ostentatious style, by costume designer Marilyn Fitoussi is a smart, purposeful branding tactic. Her style not only garners heavy attention for the show but also mocks Americans and American fashion’s belief that more is better (all fashion gurus know that more is more and rarely better).
Here’s my take on what Emily in Paris does not teach you about French fashion, Emily’s lack of assimilation to French culture, and whether Emily’s style will become more sophisticated in future seasons.
MORE IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER
Emily’s styling continues to be aesthetically extravagant, drawing much attention in season two with the theme of experimenting with many colours, patterns, and fabrics together. With the array of colours and patterns, Emily’s outfits become more memorable than Emily herself. I will give Fitoussi credit that the outfits are hard to replicate. According to my mother, I too apparently honed Emily’s multicoloured and textured style as a seven year old who would dress herself but have since learned a thing or two.
Emily’s choice of loud colours and accessories for the same outfit does not draw from the reality of French style. French style, as defined by me, is effortless, simple, and minimalist pieces culminating in a cohesive style, which is luxurious and not complicated. French style is all about the “I just fell out of bed and woke up as a supermodel” je ne sais quoi. Her lack of French style extends to her perfectly coiffed hair and meticulous makeup, which my French friends say is a clear sign that someone is a foreigner. French women prefer undone locks and barely there makeup unlike American women with made up hair and makeup looks.
Emily’s style, whether intentional or not, screams “I spent two hours putting this together” and “I am unsure of myself.” Potentially, this is the style Emily assumed the French wore from Americanized TV and movies she watched in Chicago? However, real French style, and dare I say elegant style, generally is about choosing wardrobe pieces that work together without effort where the wearer looks to spend more time living and less time dressing. As Coco Chanel would say, “before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Less is more when it comes to French style.
I do, however, have one undeniably chic outfit to praise from season two but unfortunately the outfit was one Emily borrowed after a night with Alfie, her British beau. The neutral oversized blazer, undone updo, paired with some colourful pumps is her chicest look yet.
EMILY IS AN AMERICAN THROUGH AND THROUGH?
Emily's adaptation to French culture improved in season two with her understanding of ways of doing business; however, with nuances and language she continues to struggle. She continues to blunder by failing French class and by composing a nearly incomprehensible letter to Camille. Emily’s perspective tends to be that she can continue to be an American in Paris instead of assimilating to the culture or language. Perhaps, she is naive or just doesn't care? This theme in the series is likely a satire of American culture. As cast member, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, known as Sylive in the show, told Page Six that the show’s “director David Starr is making fun of Americans.”
Emily’s lack of adaptation to French culture reminds me of my time studying abroad in Italy, coming across a select few Americans who did not learn a word of Italian and wore their sweatpants to the most prestigious university in Italy. I, on the other hand, spoke Italian, and was acutely aware of how my North American backpack should really be replaced with a sleek tote (let’s not factor in functionality). I wonder if Emily will continue to improve her understanding of the French language and culture in season two or continue along as one of my American study abroad counterparts.
CAN EMILY BE ELEVATED TO BECOME A REAL PARISIENNE NEXT SEASON?
In season two, in two particular looks, I sense Emily is moving towards the right direction (in terms of elegance and French style) with more monochromatic looks. I hope that she is in a period of transformation that will continue into next season; however, we can never be sure!
Emily arrives at the French Riviera in Emily in Paris. Photo: Netflix
French Riviera scene from Emily in Paris. The look features similar light tones fitting the upscale vibe of Nice, France.
Emily attends a fashion show at Versailles in the season two finale. Photo: Netflix
Red gown by Giambattista Valli x H&M 2019 collaboration. Definitely still a dramatic look but one that we can agree is stunning on her!
What do you think of Emily’s style? How would you style her differently?
Until next time.
Patricia