How to dress like Inès de la Fressange

On the topic of lifepegs, Inès de la Fressange ranks high on the list of many fashion lovers. At 56, she can still pull off anything — a jersey wrap dress just falls so perfectly on her slender frame, and she makes a slouchy pair of pants look chic rather than lazy. She defines je ne sais quoi as she lives and breathes and gets photographed, relaxed and non-posey on the streets, at royal weddings, or the red carpet. This versatility has made her the perfect match for Uniqlo — she is a Uniqlo customer, a fact that Fast Retailing founder and president Tadashi Yanai discovered in Inès’ book, Parisian Chic, which paved the way for an epic collaboration. She says, “I often go to Uniqlo during my lunch break, and I buy clothes as a small reward to myself which is always reasonable. I take advantage of the break to enjoy a tiny slice of happiness.”

The versatility that Uniqlo is known for is also evident in its partnerships — from street-style heroes and artists to, on the other end of the fashion spectrum, Inès de la Fressange, once muse to Karl Lagerfeld and collaborator of Roger Vivier, and yes, a French aristocrat. Ines’ designs for Uniqlo’s LifeWear concept are what you’d expect from a Parisian — chic, effortless and desirable. At the launch of the collection recently held at the massive Uniqlo branch at SM Megamall Fashion Hall, mannequins wearing Uniqlo- Inès de la Fressange pieces look a lot less stiff and mannequin-y, if that makes sense. A navy linen shirtdress is strategically crumpled and unbuttoned, its sleeves rolled up, revealing a chambray shirt underneath — hinting perhaps that this is how Ines would wear them.

Always caught saying something inspirational, it was Inès who said: “It’s not good to have too many things. I’ve had everything in my life — all the crocodile bags I could want. After a while you realize you don’t need a lot, you just need good things.”

Out for spring/summer 2014, the collection consists of four categories: Petite Parisienne, a line inspired by French work clothes, in mostly neutral hues but all with a touch of Ines glee, such as rounded collars and floral details inside the sleeves; Note Parisienne features dresses in draped fabrics, knitwear and chiffon, mostly in black, an essential color in exuding French chic; Souffie de Parisienne consists of soft-touch, quick-drying fabrics, ideal for relaxing at home or practicing yoga; and Bleu, Blane, Parisienne, a clean, contemporary line inspired by blue, white and red, the French Tricolor.

“I believe that one can find beauty even in ordinary objects and in daily life. I feel less connected to fashion when it is too prohibitive, too snobbish, or far from real life,” says Ines — the collection is the opposite. The clothes let you breathe, sit, work and play with the kind of effortless style that Ines herself is known for.

Pharrell dressing

The soundness of Pharrell Williams’ recent fashion choices may be debatable — who could forget that giant hat in Cannot Unsee Brown and that time he wore shorts to a black-tie event called the Oscars, but even if we throwback to his NERD video outfits, there is no question that the man has style. In an interview with Vulture, he talks about music using fashion metaphors, something about putting daisies all over a camo print and how that’s couture — he’s just that far into fashion, beyond his fashion line and collaborations. Adding to his body of collabs is his partnership with Uniqlo as the spokesperson for Uniqlo’s UT 2014 spring collection, which he designs with street fashion icon Nigo (the creator of Bathing Ape), who was recently hired as Uniqlo’s creative director. The resulting collection, called “I Am Other,” will be available mid-April, coinciding with the launch of a new commercial that features a Pharrell song from the album “Girl,” and an exclusive interview on the Uniqlo website. As one of his hits go, you can’t be him, he’s a rockstar, but at least you can wear his clothes.

Wearing your Warhol

Uniqlo’s multi-year sponsorship of the Museum of Modern Art has rippled to our shores, with Uniqlo’s Special Edition items under its SPRZ NY (Surprise New York). It consists of pieces inspired by artwork from the museum’s collection and new designs specially made by living artists, based on the works of Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Jack Pierson, Jackson Pollock, Lawrence Weiner, Ryan McGinness, and Sarah Morris.

Bring home Basquiat’s doodles, Pollock’s paint spatters and Warhol’s face, available in cuts for men and women. Plus, of course, a reliable army of basics, which Uniqlo is known for. It’s an interesting mix — Pharrell, Inès, and art-inspired prints, but somehow I feel like they all belong in my closet. Sometimes it is good to have too many things.

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The Uniqlo Inès de la Fressange Collection and SPRZ NY MoMa Special Edition are available in SM Aura, SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa and the comprehensive lineup is exclusive to SM Megamall. Pharrell William’s "I Am Other" will be available in stores mid-April.