With their laid-back polish and effortless panache, it's no wonder why the world is mystified by the fashion habits of French women past and present. Though we're definitely inspired by classic Parisiennes like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin, there are a crop of contemporary style setters who provide us with the utmost in sophisticated French dressing. Since today marks the first day of Paris Fashion Week, we're highlighting 11 of our favourite French fashion icons. Click through to see examples of their enviable style, plus find out why we love them so much. Photos courtesy of Vogue Italia, Marie Claire, Vogue Paris, and Tatler.
Over the weekend, the French celebrated Bastille Day, honouring French independence and all things Gallic. French women are renowned for their beauty, which, as anyone who's strolled the Canal St-Martin in Paris can attest, comes forth in diverse forms. An insouciant flip of the hair, the evening glamour of a deep red lip, the embrace of "flaws" like gap teeth: all so French. But what else makes these women uniquely chic? To find out, we asked a few in-the-know people to explain the je ne sais quoi of French beauty. Keep reading to 
In honour of La Fête Nationale, the celebration of the storming of the Bastille which took place on 14 July 1789, we've rounded up some French and fabulous products that every beauty buff should own. And to the country that has brought us Chanel, Yves 
