French girls are known for their understated style – one that consists of cool, borrowed-from-the-boys outfits, completed with an air of irreverant elegance that confers upon them that je ne sais quoi. Estelle Chemouny Pigault, who grew up in the South of France, embodies all that and then some.
“I grew up with a very extravagant style. I would add big hats and bows to my tomboyish outfits,” the 29-year-old social media star gushed when asked about her personal style. That sense of extravagance has not been lost with time. Estelle’s very popular Instagram feed is filled with bold, colourful and original looks.
Her unique point of view has helped her to carve out a niche in the fashion industry, not only as an influencer but also as a personal stylist. To showcase our Summer 2019 collection from a brand new perspective, we invited Estelle to style the collection’s fashion-forward accessories for a day out at the beach.
She also speaks to us about style, career and travel.
You describe yourself as a French girl living between Paris and London. How have these cities that you live in contributed to your personal style?
When I moved to London at the age of 18, it was such a relief. I could wear whatever I want without being stared or laughed at, unlike in Paris. London is a city where I could reinvent myself and wear all the colours I want. To me, it is the most fashionable city in the world.
Can you tell us more about your career in the fashion industry – how did you get started as a personal stylist and what prompted you to become a fashion influencer?
I used to work as a fashion buyer for some big luxury stores in London. I loved my job but have never been that kind of person who can work for somebody. So, I quit my job and took a short break. When I dressed up to go out, people would always ask me where I got my clothes from – it gave me the idea to help them shop for clothes and style them for events.
In a matter of weeks, the idea turned into a full-time career! It never feels like I am working because I really enjoy helping women feel more confident and beautiful.
Becoming an influencer was just as spontaneous. When I was attending shows as a personal shopper, I would get photographed on the streets. Some of the street style photographers told me that I should start an Instagram account and well, I did. I never thought that this would turn into a job but I love it – especially when people send me messages to tell me that I have inspired them.
As style is often very personal, how do you go about styling someone else?
I always meet my clients beforehand to understand why they want me to work for them and learn more about the changes that they want to make to their wardrobe. It helps to know if they just need a second opinion when they are shopping or if they want to reinvent their entire look.
I follow up by studying pictures of them to identify their body shapes. They will tell me what they love most about their bodies, too, so that I can accentuate those features. It is all about helping them be a better version of themselves and, most importantly, feel comfortable.
What is the process like when you pick out outfits each day? Do you have a method or do you just go with your heart?
To be honest, I do not put much thought into it. I always pick one key piece and create my look around it. If I think too much about an outfit, it always ends up wrong!
The weather is getting warmer and soon, summer would be upon us again. Do you have any travel plans for the coming summer? What do you love most about travel?
I am actually off to Dubai right now as we are speaking – I miss the beach so much! I have not planned anything for this summer but I usually do short city breaks. I may travel to Normandy in France this time around as I have never been there and the place looks so pretty!
I love travelling to places where I know nobody in a simple combination of t-shirt and jeans to enjoy local food. I do not visit anywhere fancy as I spend the whole year doing that, thanks to my job. For me, my holiday is a break from fashion and the digital sphere.
We love how you have styled the CHARLES & KEITH Summer 2019 collection. If you must choose one, what would be your favourite item and why?
I love the tie dye bag. I have loved tie dye since I was little. It is so ‘90s and I am glad that the trend is coming back big time! This summer, I will definitely be wearing the tie dye bag and matching sandals with everything.
Which pieces from the CHARLES & KEITH Summer 2019 collection would make the cut for your list of warm-weather essentials?
I love these barely-there sandals that are as chic as they are comfortable, this stunning asymmetrical bag that is really the ultimate fashion piece to own, as well as these perspex heeled mules – a cool and versatile pair to bring on holiday.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to achieve a signature personal style that is fashionable yet authentic and relatable?
Do not follow the trends that you see on huge Instagram stars or top models. Know what suits you and your style, and buy what you love! When in doubt, stick to the basics and jazz it up with accessories such as earrings, necklaces or sunglasses – there are plenty of them at CHARLES & KEITH.
French girls are known for their understated style – one that consists of cool, borrowed-from-the-boys outfits, completed with an air of irreverant elegance that confers upon them that je ne sais quoi. Estelle Chemouny Pigault, who grew up in the South of France, embodies all that and then some.
“I grew up with a very extravagant style. I would add big hats and bows to my tomboyish outfits,” the 29-year-old social media star gushed when asked about her personal style. That sense of extravagance has not been lost with time. Estelle’s very popular Instagram feed is filled with bold, colourful and original looks.
Her unique point of view has helped her to carve out a niche in the fashion industry, not only as an influencer but also as a personal stylist. To showcase our Summer 2019 collection from a brand new perspective, we invited Estelle to style the collection’s fashion-forward accessories for a day out at the beach.
She also speaks to us about style, career and travel.
You describe yourself as a French girl living between Paris and London. How have these cities that you live in contributed to your personal style?
When I moved to London at the age of 18, it was such a relief. I could wear whatever I want without being stared or laughed at, unlike in Paris. London is a city where I could reinvent myself and wear all the colours I want. To me, it is the most fashionable city in the world.
Can you tell us more about your career in the fashion industry – how did you get started as a personal stylist and what prompted you to become a fashion influencer?
I used to work as a fashion buyer for some big luxury stores in London. I loved my job but have never been that kind of person who can work for somebody. So, I quit my job and took a short break. When I dressed up to go out, people would always ask me where I got my clothes from – it gave me the idea to help them shop for clothes and style them for events.
In a matter of weeks, the idea turned into a full-time career! It never feels like I am working because I really enjoy helping women feel more confident and beautiful.
Becoming an influencer was just as spontaneous. When I was attending shows as a personal shopper, I would get photographed on the streets. Some of the street style photographers told me that I should start an Instagram account and well, I did. I never thought that this would turn into a job but I love it – especially when people send me messages to tell me that I have inspired them.
As style is often very personal, how do you go about styling someone else?
I always meet my clients beforehand to understand why they want me to work for them and learn more about the changes that they want to make to their wardrobe. It helps to know if they just need a second opinion when they are shopping or if they want to reinvent their entire look.
I follow up by studying pictures of them to identify their body shapes. They will tell me what they love most about their bodies, too, so that I can accentuate those features. It is all about helping them be a better version of themselves and, most importantly, feel comfortable.
What is the process like when you pick out outfits each day? Do you have a method or do you just go with your heart?
To be honest, I do not put much thought into it. I always pick one key piece and create my look around it. If I think too much about an outfit, it always ends up wrong!
The weather is getting warmer and soon, summer would be upon us again. Do you have any travel plans for the coming summer? What do you love most about travel?
I am actually off to Dubai right now as we are speaking – I miss the beach so much! I have not planned anything for this summer but I usually do short city breaks. I may travel to Normandy in France this time around as I have never been there and the place looks so pretty!
I love travelling to places where I know nobody in a simple combination of t-shirt and jeans to enjoy local food. I do not visit anywhere fancy as I spend the whole year doing that, thanks to my job. For me, my holiday is a break from fashion and the digital sphere.
We love how you have styled the CHARLES & KEITH Summer 2019 collection. If you must choose one, what would be your favourite item and why?
I love the tie dye bag. I have loved tie dye since I was little. It is so ‘90s and I am glad that the trend is coming back big time! This summer, I will definitely be wearing the tie dye bag and matching sandals with everything.
Which pieces from the CHARLES & KEITH Summer 2019 collection would make the cut for your list of warm-weather essentials?
I love these barely-there sandals that are as chic as they are comfortable, this stunning asymmetrical bag that is really the ultimate fashion piece to own, as well as these perspex heeled mules – a cool and versatile pair to bring on holiday.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to achieve a signature personal style that is fashionable yet authentic and relatable?
Do not follow the trends that you see on huge Instagram stars or top models. Know what suits you and your style, and buy what you love! When in doubt, stick to the basics and jazz it up with accessories such as earrings, necklaces or sunglasses – there are plenty of them at CHARLES & KEITH.
