Did you know you can receive Slow Fashion Muse every Monday in your inbox?
Nawal is a 30 year old pop culture journalist and expert thrifter from France. She grew up in Cannes and is now living in Paris. If you hang out with her on Instagram @nawalbonnefoy you’ll spot deliciously retro fashion inspiration, her funny cat Janet messing around in her wardrobe and regular Taylor Swift and cornichons appearances. She also runs a blog dedicated to vintage fashion called Serial Chineuse (in French) where you can find more details about her looks and shopping suggestions.
✺ ✺ ✺
Tell us the story behind the most interesting piece of clothing in your wardrobe
“Olala, it’s so difficult to answer this question. I really believe all my clothes are interesting and each has its own story. If I had to pick one I’d say I have a particularly emotional relationship with a sleeveless sweater that I inherited from the grandpa on my mom’s side. It’s a brown knitted vest from the 70’s, made by one of my Algerian cousins. Wearing it I feels like a hug from him. Besides, I find it very beautiful as well! I’ve also inherited a Dior monogram canvas bag from my grandma. Her sister had given it to her in the 70’s. She didn’t know it was sought-after and no longer wanted it so I got to keep it. I find it very cool and even Carrie Bradshaw wears it in Sex and the City!”
If your style was…
A song: “True Romance by Citizens because that’s a fun song that makes me wanna dance and also because there’s a real love story going on between me and my clothes :D”
A shade: “Yellow, it’s my favourite colour.”
A fictional character: “A mix between Blair Waldorf, Mrs Maisel and Fran Fine.”
A dish: “A pizza because it’s a joyful mix of tastes and colours.”
A quote from a book:“Bags and shoes – it’s like decorating a cake – IT by Alexa Chung. I deeply believe accessories have the power to transform an outfit and make it go from boring to fabulous.”
Describe the relationship you have with your wardrobe and what’s in it today
“I have a passionate and trusting relationship with my wardrobe. I absolutely adore everything I own and I only wear clothes that make me feel the best version of myself, that are durable and that I’m proud to own. I used to consume big quantities of fast fashion when I was younger but, throughout the years, I noticed they were actually badly made and ended up out of trend too quickly. Today, I only buy clothes and accessories that fit my personal style and I always think in terms of “will I keep this until I die?”. I prefer to thrift vintage and second-hand. If I buy something ‘new’, I’ll usually shop it from a sustainable fashion brand I trust.”
What’s the most interesting item you ever thrifted, where did you find it and why is it special?
“It’s difficult to answer this question because I feel all the pieces I thrift are special but if I had to choose one I’d say my coat from the 1950’s. Firstly because it is incredibly beautiful.. It’s a wool coat in a cream colour with gold buttons and a mink collar. As a side note, I’m not pro-fur at all but I believe it’s better for environmental reasons to repurpose these types of vintage clothing than to throw them away. Secondly, I love the story behind this piece: a very old lady sold it to me for €15 in a garage sale when I was 22 years old. It was in perfect condition, and still in its dust cover. The lady told me she used to wear it at my age and said she was ‘very happy’ it could find a new life with me. It’s with this coat that I realised the power of vintage, trickling down memories from one generation to the next. Wearing a piece of someone else’s past makes me emotional.”
What’s the ultimate dream item at the top of your wishlist and where would you wear it?
“If you had asked me this question last month, I would have said ‘a vintage Chanel bag’ but I found it 3 weeks ago! It’s a gem, in soft black leather, dating from 1986. I’m crazy about it but I haven’t found an occasion to wear it yet. So, now I’d say my next goal is a yellow, red or brown Chanel bag. But since it took me about 15 years to find this one and save up enough money to get it, I think I’m in for another long wait :D”
Which fashion brands or friends should we all go check now?
“I have so many incredible friends that own online vintage stores! I’m a huge fan of their work and selection. You should check Lapin Vintage, Milochka Vintage and Loretta Banana’s shop Joli Coeur Vintage. As for ethical fashion, I love sustainably made shoes from French brands Un si beau pas and Minuit Sur Terre. For jewellery I have regular crushes on Live To Express vintage earrings from deadstocks.”
Which clothes from your wardrobe will you pass on to the next generation?
“Probably my collection of Yves Saint Laurent jackets. I have 5, all from second-hand sources. My vintage bags as well I reckon. I inherited a crocodile bag (!!!) from my great grand mother. She wore that bag in 1961 to the wedding of my grand-mother. This piece is very symbolic and soulful.”
Your favourite places to find great vintage in France
– MissSugarCane in Paris (17e), Batignolles neighborhood: a soft, colourful and feminine ‘boudoir’ run by a vintage jewellery aficionada.
– Any garage sale taking place on the Côte d’Azur (South of France) where I come from. That’s where I found most of my wardrobe including very affordable second-hand luxury pieces such as a Saint-Laurent jacket for €4, a Celine blazer for €1,…
– Free’p’Star in Paris. there are several but my favourite is near Hôtel de Ville (1er). You have to be prepared to really dig deep but there are treasures to find. I found a Burberry coat in perfect condition that I paid 30 euros.
– Blow Up (Aix-en-Provence): this is a fun thrift store where you literally time travel. I used to shop there as a student.
– Marchand d’habits in Paris (Montmartre neighborhood): loads of choice and fair prices.
All images: Nawal Bonnefoy
Interview translated from French by Inês Fressynet
Did you know you can receive Slow Fashion Muse every Monday in your inbox?