A French Delicacy: What the Cool Girls in France Are Listening to

Image Courtesy: NSS Magazine

When we think of the effortless cool girl, it doesn’t necessarily just mean the way her hair is styled or the red stain that has been smudged on her lips. The French know this best. Within France, women are not confined to a general branding. They are the brand—because what actually influences style? What makes French women so intriguing and alluring?

French women embody individuality. The culture—daring to be different, but not out of performative self-desire. These women have no allegiance to the opinions of others, wholeheartedly doing things for themselves and leading a life with their hearts on their sleeve. This manifests through all forms of individualism, including fashion, beauty, culture, and especially music.

Image Courtesy: British Vogue

So what are the cool girls in France listening to these days? When we think of French icons, Carla Bruni, Brigitte Bardot, and Vanessa Paradis come to mind. These women were not only singer-songwriters but supermodels as well. Carla, Brigitte, and Vanessa were known for gracing the covers of Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar. As they began their rise to fame, women saw them at every turn. Thus embracing the embodiment of the French cool girl.

Brigitte Bardot - The Pop Culture Siren

A symbol of 1960s French chic, Brigitte Bardot's impact on music and culture is immeasurable. Beyond her cinematic prowess, Bardot's foray into music produced hits like "Harley Davidson" and "Je t'aime... moi non plus." Her sultry voice and unapologetic attitude epitomize the cool girl persona, making her an everlasting influence on the French music scene and beyond. Brigitte was known for her involvement in the sexual revolution which began in the 1950s and ended in the 1970s.

Image Courtesy: GettyImages

Josephine Baker - The Jazz Age Icon
Fashion and music are timeless, so let’s transcend back in time to the Jazz Age. Josephine Baker remains an indelible icon in the history of French music and cool girl elegance. Her provocative voice and vivacious stage presence brought a unique energy to the cabarets of Paris. Tracks like "J'ai deux amours" and "La petite Tonkinoise" not only showcase her vocal range but also reflect the joie de vivre of an era that continues to be influential. Baker was the first black woman to be featured in a motion picture film in 1927. She was born in Missouri, and after feeling out of place, she found her way to Paris. After one of her grand openings in the city, she was celebrated and beloved by many intellectuals in that era. She was active in the French Renaissance during World War II and contributed greatly to the Civil Rights Movement. The cool girls don’t just listen to this music because it sounds good, it symbolizes something greater.

Image Courtesy: Britannica

Vanessa Paradis - Whimsical Romanticism

Arriving onto the scene of music as a teenager with the lovely tune "Joe le taxi," Vanessa Paradis has since become known for a whimsical and romantic take on music. With a voice that exudes sweetness and depth, Paradis continues to entrance her audiences with tracks like "Divinidylle" and "Be My Baby." She blended innocence with a touch of rebellion, solidifying her status as an icon in the music scene.

                                           Image Courtesy: L'officiel Usa

Carla Bruni - Effortless Grace and Poise

Known for her elegance and poetic lyrics, Carla Bruni constantly transitioned between the world of high fashion and music. This former first lady of France captivated the country with her delicate balance of strength and vulnerability. Tracks like "Quelqu'un m'a dit" and "You Belong to Me" enchanted anyone who heard the tune; she captured the essence of love and longing. Carla stands today as a modern muse and embodies effortless grace.

                                      Image Courtesy: Flaunt Magazine

In a world where elegance meets individualism, and strength meets vulnerability, these multifaceted women used timeless fashion choices, signature hairstyles, and music to add to their allure. These icons remain relevant to French women today as they represent more than just fashion but also a sensual identity. So, whether you are strolling around campus, or sitting at a cafe on the streets of Paris, let these French icons be the music soundtrack to your effortlessly chic moments.

Find the French cool girl playlist here.

Strike Out,

Writer: Alexis Priest

Editor: Blake N. Fiadino

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