Jane Birkin's cashmere
Lutz and Patmos commissioned several designs by "guest designer" Jane Birkin in heather gray or mocha organic cashmere; this 3/4 sleeve sweater is $695 from Barney's.I won't be buying, as largest size offered on the site is medium, but I would love to try it, as it's a ringer for a Calvin Klein cotton interlock knit top I bought circa 1982. I think I paid $135 for it, a fortune then, but when I put it on, it was so magically cut that it changed my whole upper body. With that piece I learned the power of perfect cut on a deceptively simple garment.
It could be overpriced; you can find similar deep V's on a few cashmere sites, though the necks tend to be narrower, more masculine. Jane's looks harmonious and balanced. She designed it so it can fall off one shoulder. And zen zee French guy can kees eet. Or is it just that I love Jane in hers, and so idealize the garment?She also designe
d a tank for the collection, and wears the two together. Vraiement belle, Jane!
Comments
My most loved purchase was a tweed jacket. No doubt I donated after wearing for about 10 years. I would bet I could still wear it now.
Imogen: Suspect that's b/c the sweater in shot is too big for mannequin- see actual one on Jane.
I had a gray lambswool dress in the early 80s that was just like this in basic line, only knee length. Loved it! (It was stolen by someone my then-roommate knew, or I'd still be wearing it - or trying to - today.)
My dress was not designed to slip off a shoulder, however. I have to ask, do we really need to see the Flashdance thing again? Some "styles" really need to die...and stay dead. :)
Having your clothes stolen out of your own apartment is absolutely evil and I am sorry it happened.
And this grey is one of my favourite colours. But I'd need an XL, so even if I had the money it would be out of the question.
I've also seen Jane Birkin's daughter Charlotte Gainbourg wearing similar sweaters, and Gainsbourg has a rather different build, ironically not as "gamine" as mum.
Frugal, Jane is great, and can be very funny, self-deprecating. I guess she figures larger in francophone culture, although she is British and still has an anglo accent in French (some think she cultivates it).
Anyway, I love the wide neckline, finding it very flattering and yes, seductive. Most Vs are far too narrow and then either sexless or shocking. I would absolutely pay that much for simplicity if it was perfect simplicity; something that sounds easy but is in fact quite rare.
The admire that, though the onetime partner of Serge Gainsbourg (one of the all time bad boys) she seemed to stay level headed and sane. Some admire her acting and singing.
She is an active supporter of Amnesty International and was awarded an OBE and the Ordre national du Mérite.