Sick of the Jessica’s, Paris’s, Lindsay’s, and Britney’s of the world? I don’t know about you, but as influential these girls have been in fashion I feel like they all end up in the same place of homogenous beauty. You know, big curls, fake bake, and boho confusion. Enter Charlotte Gainsbourg, a style maven that is more Sartorialist than Perez-Hilton.

Indie Royalty

Charlotte Gainsbourg hit the fashion and talent jackpot from birth, as both parents are actors-slash-singers (her mother is Jane Birkin - yes, the famed Hermes Birkin bag is named after her). British-French Gainsbourg made her film debut playing Catherine Deneuve’s daughter, and has established herself as an indie queen and musical artist. She has mostly worked in Europe, but is mainly known in the U.S. for her whimsical role in The Science of Sleep.

Left image: Jane Birkin

The Muse 

Gainsbourg is a chameleon. She has that effortless thrown-together-but-so-chic look down that the French are famous for. Her style is influenced by her mother’s era and has undertones of 1960s London – think tall waisted pants, fitted leather jackets, and blousy tops. She is vamped up for ethereal editorials, goes low-key for press junkets, or chooses eclectic hit-or-miss dresses for the red carpet. She has the kind of tall, long-lined body that clothes love to hang on – especially Balenciaga who draws inspiration from Gainsbourg as muse du jour.

Though not a beauty in the mainstream sense, I am drawn to her distinct and non-poseur style. Plus she exudes depth and emotion in those smoky eyes and long loose waves. As cool as she looks, the biggest inspiration I draw from her is the beauty that comes naturally from being one’s self, not from trying to be what’s hot now. Be inspired to be you!