Gaga Pour Yéyé. Channelling Serge, Brigitte and Jane

L’Époque Yéyé is a term used to describe French music in the sixties. The songs of this era often resembled popular American hits; replicating their cheery and playful melodies. This Époque brought about change in France, not only in music, but in style as well. Perhaps the greatest figure to emerge from this movement is Serge Gainsbourg; a master of lyrics and the epitome of French Cool. Gainsbourg quickly rose to popularity with his superior and imaginative melodies, and gained a certain level of notoriety for controversial songs such as Je t’aime…Moi non plus. Many of his songs are duets, and feature his most famous lovers, Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin. Bardot and Birkin, opposing style icons, complemented Serge’s sexy disheveled nonchalance as they paraded around Paris arm in arm.

Brigitte Bardot

Ah, Brigitte Bardot. Words cannot describe her infinite sex appeal and the power she had over the men who loved her. She had Gainsbourg wrapped around her finger, as he wrote many songs about her, such as Initials B.B.. When she eventually left him, he was devastated. Bardot’s style varies from classic French pieces, such as a Breton shirt, to sexy and daring pieces, such as thigh-high leather boots. Whatever she wore, she always drew attention to herself; and remained flawless while doing so. Her legacy endures in the fashion world with French brand Lancel’s launch of Le Bardot Collection.

1. 2. 3.

1. Emilio Pucci Thigh-High Stretch Swede Boots

2. Red Valentino Leather Evening Coat

3. Birkenstock Speirs Cap

1. 2.

1. Wood Wood Adrien Striped Top

2. Dorothy Perkins Petite Navy Cardigan

3. Bizou Blue Wrap Headband

(As seen in the music video for Gainbourg’s Bonnie and Clyde)

1.2.

1. Mulberry Classic Top in Bright Apricot Flower Lace

2. Superette Wool Beret

3. Chocolaty Bubble Necklace Set on Emma Stine Limited

Jane Birkin

Jane Birkin, British model and actress, met Gainsbourg on the set of Slogan, which he was starring in. She mentioned that at first, he was cold and indifferent towards her, but when they began to dance, she realized that he was simply shy and awkward (not to mention heart broken by Bardot). The two continued to date and eventually became one of Paris’ most stylish couples. Birkin’s style is “sixties gamine”, with boyish looks complementing her slim figure. She would often be spotted wearing short shift dresses and carrying her famous basket bag, which resembled a picnic basket. Her legacy continues in the world of fashion as seen with Hermés’ classic Birkin Bag, created after Birkin complained that she could not find a leather weekend bag she liked.