Before there was Babygirl, there was Belle de jour

Style lessons from the iconic YSL clad Catherine Deneuve

Everyone’s talking about Babygirl and unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve probably already seen the film or at least the viral image of Nicole Kidman drinking a glass of milk. But before there was Romy there was Séverine Serizy, the bored and sexually frustrated bourgeouis housewife from Luis Buñuel’s 1967 French surrealist film Belle de jour. Séverine, who is brought to life by none other than the iconic Catherine Deneuve is the epitome of Parisian chic dressed head to toe in Yves Saint Laurent as she navigates her darkest desires and erotic fantasies as Belle du jour.

The character’s wardrobe features a delicious juxtaposition of Séverine’s pale, innocent hues from a pristine white tennis skirt, cardigan and headband to a bubblegum pink bathrobe in contrast to her pseudonym Belle de jour’s tailored often military style looks that comprise shades of brown and black in fetishistic fabrics like fur, leather and vinyl.

The timeless colour palette and wardrobe of Belle du jour is giving me major inspiration right now. Everything from the white tennis inspired look, to the Roger Vivier court shoes, the brown monochrome looks to the dark framed sunglasses just feels really on point. I’m all about beautiful investment pieces paired with classic items and styled with something to give a bit of edge or element of surprise. It seems like collages are fast becoming one of my new favourite things so here we are again with a Belle du jour inspired edition of items and looks that I’m currently fantasizing about.

1. Keep your locks in place with a chic hat or headband, this one in velvet caught my eye

2. Channel the simplicity of an all-white look with a classic yet playful white t-shirt

3. I know I’ve been waxing lyrical about this Birrot coat but it’s still on my mind

4. The perfect oversized sunglasses for hiding sins and/or a hangover

5. A beautifully written book on erotica by Anais Nin

6. A nightly ritual of applying a lip masque for achieving that just kissed look

7. A modern and affordable take on the court shoes are these beige ballet pumps

8. A classic black handbag for all occasions

Alice <3