Style Spotlight: Alice Tattevin

Alice Tattevin is a first-year from Paris, France who sat with me to discuss the difference between French and American fashion, her addiction to shoes and the benefits of everyday apparel over runway couture.

Parker Selman: Where are you from?

Alice Tattevin: Paris, France.

PS: How does Parisian fashion differ from American styles?

AT: I think it’s just generally very different from American or any other non-European senses of fashion. If I could characterize it, the difference would be the emphasis on accessories, jackets and thinness. I think a lot of the clothes that are made in the fashion industry are built around very tall and thin people. Generally, I think Parisian style is not very flamboyant; it’s very pared down and neutral.

PS: How would you describe your personal style?

AT: I would say it’s pretty monochrome. I wear grey and black and sometimes when I’m feeling adventurous some white tones. I also think comfort is prime and essential so generally leggings when I can and jeans when I have to. Things that are soft, comfortable and not flashy are my style.

PS: Who or what are your fashion inspirations?

AT: Kendall Jenner’s street look with the bomber jackets and the boots with leggings or jeans helps inform my fashion. She wears a lot of dark tones. I don’t look at her runway fashion or red carpet looks but more her everyday style. Also Gigi Hadid along those same lines.

PS: What are your favorite brands?

AT: My three favorite brands are all French, but they all can be bought in America as well. I like Sandro, Maje and Bel Air. They used to be pretty pricey, but now they’re all competing with each other so their prices have started to go down. They make clothes with not many colors, which is good for me. I also like the French brands IRO and Les Petites and I enjoy shopping at American vintage stores.

PS: What is your favorite piece of clothing?

AT: Well, I love shoes. Shoes are absolutely my life. I have a sign back home that says, “I love shoes, I’m superficial, whatever” — it was a gift I swear! But my favorite pair of shoes are these heeled boots with a thick heel that allow me to be tall and comfortable at the same time. Clothes-wise, it would have to be this cashmere hoodie because it is comfortable, soft, grey and it still looks trendy.

PS: What are your feelings on fashion?

AT: I’ve never really had any interest in seeing a catwalk because I think what is shown on catwalks is completely opposite to what people actually wear. Runways are more about people creating pieces; it’s a form of art. I would never even consider wearing the majority of things that go down the runways at Fashion Week. I’m interested in fashion but not high fashion, the wearable and generally accessible clothing. I just can’t own a hat that is the size of an umbrella — it’s not practical.