Isabel Marant: The Queen of Effortless French Chic

I once showed my very Parisian friend the outfits that I wore to university: joggers, a hoodie and Uggs (and once, very criminally, Crocs) She was absolutely appalled, immediately whipping out her phone and showing me her University OOTDs - only a quick scroll through would tell me everything I needed to know: trench coats, boots and a pristine leather handbag: The French just do it better.

It’s not just the clothes, it’s how Parisian women make it look effortless and flawless - there’s one designer who has nailed the art of this fusion: Miss Isabel Marant. Known for her iconic blend of bohemian, rock, and Parisian street style, Marant has spent decades crafting a brand that feels as laid-back as it is luxurious. With her signature “undone” style, she’s given us countless wardrobe staples that look like they took no time at all to put together—yet manage to look so chic.

It all started in 1994 when Marant officially launched her eponymous label. What began as a hidden gem for fashion insiders quickly became a go-to brand for the effortlessly stylish. Born from her own desire to create clothes that she and her friends would actually want to wear, her designs resonated with those looking for wearable, easy pieces that don’t compromise on style​.

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Marant’s secret sauce? Her ability to blur the line between masculine and feminine, combining the structured with the slouchy, the embellished with the minimal. Whether it’s a fringed jacket, a perfectly tailored blazer, or an oversized knit, her pieces are made for mixing and matching, and with her keen eye for detail, she’s managed to make items like ankle boots and embroidered blouses feel iconic, season after season​.

But let’s talk about the trainers . In the early 2010s, Marant sent shockwaves through the fashion world with her wedge-heeled trainers (Sneakers for the Yanks) These weren’t just any trainers—they combined sporty vibes with a hidden heel, giving you the height without the discomfort. Women everywhere were hooked, and suddenly, these kicks became a must-have. They’ve since been re-released and are still as coveted as ever​.

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Beyond the sneakers, Marant’s Étoile line, launched in 1999, made her laid-back style even more accessible. Étoile is all about “real clothes for real moments” — think t-shirts, jeans, and casual pieces that are as comfortable as they are stylish. It’s no surprise that the line has gained a cult following for its relaxed silhouettes and timeless appeal​.

From her iconic wedge sneakers to boho-chic blouses, Marant has built a fashion empire that goes beyond fleeting trends. Over the years, she’s expanded her brand to include everything from accessories and menswear to eyewear and even a collaboration with H&M in 2013. In recent years, she’s also embraced sustainability with Isabel Marant Vintage, a platform dedicated to buying and selling pre-loved Marant pieces. Clearly, her vision of effortless French chic is one that’s here to stay​.

And let’s not forget her global reach. With flagship stores from New York to Tokyo, Isabel Marant’s influence spans the globe. Her collections are adored by fashion editors, celebrities, and everyday women who appreciate her balance of cool and comfort. Whether you're sporting her embellished jackets, her slouchy blouses, or those iconic trainers, one thing’s for sure—you’ll always look effortlessly fabulous.

So, if you’re craving that nonchalant, Parisian look, just channel your inner Isabel Marant. Throw on a loose blouse, step into a pair of her famous boots or sneakers, and let her designs do the talking. Because, after all, who wouldn’t want to look this chic with zero effort?