Time Out with Monsieur Bazin



Monsieur Bazin is the very definition of class. He’s going into his 25th year teaching French literature to us eager Americans and we thought it was about time that his impeccable style was recognized. His brown patent leather shoes, Ralph Lauren button downs, and tweed blazers are some of the staples in his closet. Mr. Bazin bikes to school every day showing up in consistently classic ensembles. Not only is he known for his innate savoir faire, he is known for breaking up discussions of Les Fables de la Fontaine with the occasional James Bond impersonation. Recently he took a break from French literature to talk fashion.

His favorite designers say it all: “I love Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix. I like wearing classic clothes, but at the same time, I prefer to see something adventurous on others.”

Early riser: “In general, when I wake up, I think about how happy I am to be awake. I love waking up early. I find that I am more efficient in the morning than in the evening.”

Lucky strike: “I didn’t originally want to become a teacher. When I was young, I wanted my job to involve telling a story of some sort: I bounced between wanting to be a comedian, a lawyer, and a priest. I sort of stumbled across the job by chance. was lucky in the sense that my job corresponded with something that I was passionate about and I continue to be passionate about.”

Inspirations: Baudelaire et Rimbaud

Flashback to the Sixties: “The sixties were full of life for me. I was young, and it was a period of extreme excitement and passion.”

Street Style: Rue d'Orléans


We ran across these two fanshionistos today in le centre ville and couldn't get over their "French lycée meets american teenager" look. The Nike's track shoes add some whimsy to the seriousness of their coats, and skinny jeans make a smooth transition between the two. Plus, in all honesty, we simply can't resist a guy with a Longchamps man-bag. Seriously, Frenchies know how it's done.

Love,

Rebecca, Alec, Madeline and Maddy

Time Out with Shonni Enelow



This past week we were lucky enough to have
Shonni Enelow, writer for The New York Times Style Magazine, drop by our school. Shonni, the daughter of our beloved English teacher, is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania after spending her undergraduate years at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She decided to stop by Rennes during her most recent trip to France, a country that she is no stranger to: she spent several months living in France during her high school and college years. She found some time out of her busy schedule to catch up with us, share her favorite fashion finds, and talk about how her experience in France has undeniably shaped her current style.


She can’t live without: A.P.C., Acne, Dries Van Noten, Vanessa Bruno, Whyred, and 3.1 Phillip Lim. For accessories and party clothes, she prefers vintage.

Self-described as: Jean Seberg meets punk minimalism.


Don’t write her off as a drama dork: “I was an undergraduate at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, where I majored in Theater. I'm now getting a PhD at Penn in Comparative Literature.”


Modest beginnings: “I always loved dress-up. High school was hard because I was this kind of arty punk in a sea of prep. When I got to Tisch, I felt like I'd arrived. I wore '60s minidresses and go-go boots to class. I was surrounded by artists, and we all sort of inspired each other, aesthetically. I've toned it down a lot since then, but I'm still inspired by the louche provocation of the nouvelle vague.”

All roads lead to Paris: "I spent three months in France as a high school freshman, another month as a sophomore. Then, between college and grad school, I went back and lived in Paris. I spend as much time there as possible. I love speaking French; I think that language has an enormous effect on how we think and behave. French dressing tends to be understated, which I love, and less conformist than American fashion (although New York is definitely an exception!). I also tend to associate French fashion with my very chic aunt Patsy, who lives in Paris. She is precise but she always knows when to stop. She's also the one who originally took me to cut my hair off, when I was 14; I've had it boy-short pretty much ever since."

The Society Adores You.


courtesy of www.businessoffashion.com

And to prove our devotion, we're providing you with guilty…but fashionable, pleasures. We're giving out a free Fashion Society T-shirt to one of our lucky commentators who leaves their e-mail address in their comment before December 15th . We know what you're thinking, but it's sooo not like that. We wouldn't dare put our name on some baggy, oversized, cotton-like polyblend bag. Oh, no. Whoever is chosen at random will receive an American Apparel t-shirt in the size of their choice with our silkscreened logo. Trust us, you’re gonna look classy. So, if ready to be showered with gifts from your favorite fashion-obsessed American teenagers studying in France, then leave a comment on any post with your e-mail and just wait for our message to tell you that you've won.

Love, Your Editors
Madeline, Alec, Rebecca and Maddy

VIV’EXPO Fashion Show: 2010 Winter Collection This past weekend, several of us at the Society had the opportunity to help out backstage and model at the Viv’Expo fashion show, featuring 2010 Winter collections of many up-and-coming fashion designers and brands including La Naturalista, Les Mirettes de Cris, Vent d'Ailleurs, and Kiki la Fee. Each fashion designer has a clothing line that features environmentally friendly clothes, made with all natural dyes and fibers. Check out the video for all the backstage and runway action!




Maddy, helping backstage, tries on the Kiki la Fee sac


Rebecca sports the Vent d'Ailleurs vest


Dress from the Les Mirettes de Cris collection


Backstage managers and models try out the "Blue Steel" pose just for kicks

Though the show contained note-worthy designers, here were our favorite designers and brands:

La Naturalista: Super comfy eco friendly shoes in fun and funky colors that will spice up your monotone winter ensemble. Currently sold in most major shoe stores online, including Zappos.


Les Mirettes de Cris: Paris-based designer Christelle Abdelaziz has created a line of extremely cute and flirty dresses that would make a nice addition to any fashionista's wardrobe. We especially love the optional, removable sleeves that make the dress versatile for any weather.


Vent d'Ailleurs: Vent d'Ailleurs specializes in vests made of lamb and sheep skin, imported from Australia and New Zealand. These unbelievably soft and comfortable furs will keep you warm as you fight off the winter blizzards.

All in all, La Société had tons of fun at Viv'Expo, and we've got our eyes peeled for these incredibly talented designers in the future. Stay tuned, and Vive la Mode,Rebecca

Time Out with Caroline Yost

Age: 16

What she's wearing: Steve Madden boots, Juicy Couture dress, ZARA jean shirt, Pierre Cardin belt, vintage bangles, Baby G watch

Midwest Charm: "My family's from Ohio, so I visit often and go thrift-store shopping. I found this Pierre Cardin belt for $3!

Boarding school chic: Caroline is currently taking a year off from St. Paul's School, a prestigious boarding school in New Hampshire, to study in Rennes.

On the Street: Lycée Students at St. VincentIn Rennes, you don't have to wander far to find fashionable teens. Par exemple: I have lunch at St. Vincent (a private high school or lycée) every day, and can't help but notice how many well-dressed, fashion forward, and effortlessly cool students there are.