October 30, 2007

denim jeans womenswear

My Style

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld

For this pretty Parisian, great style is in the genes—and the jeans. By Meredith Fisher

When it comes to fashion pedigrees, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld couldn't have it better. As the daughter of French Vogue's Carine Roitfeld and Christian Restoin, the former owner of Equipment, the 26-year-old New Yorker was literally born into the industry. But parents aside, this Parsons grad has been cultivating a daring personal style all her own. While a design stint at Baron & Baron might have honed her visual skills behind the scenes, her recent role as the face of Tom Ford's Black Orchid perfume ads brought her refined rock-chic image to a more public place. The budding designer even masterminded the invitations for Peter Som's Spring 2008 show.

Most recently, Julia served as the inaugural campaign face for the new denim line Restoration of the Monarchy, and accepted a new position at the iconic Manhattan-based branding firm Laird + Partners. And while she may share her mom's passion for all things Alaia, she tells Refinery29 that she won't be following in her footsteps any time soon.

You definitely like to mix up your wardrobe between high-end and everyday denim. What's the one thing in your closet that's a constant?
Latex pants? Ha ha! No, I don't know. I do have a few favorite pieces but my style can't be summed up in one piece. It's more about the right mix between girly and rock.

What designer do you gravitate toward?
Azzedine Alaia because he embraces a woman's curves.

When did it hit you that your family was much more creative than most? Did you feel a sense of destiny for yourself?
I realized it pretty young. I always knew I wanted to do something artistic, not specifically in fashion though. But cats don't raise dogs!

We're jealous just thinking about all the great pointers you must get from your mom…What's the best style advice she's ever given you?
She told me not to try too hard or follow the trends too much—because they change too fast.

Is there anything in your mom's closet you can't steal?
All her shoes! She is a 37.5 and I am a 38.5 almost 39.

What item of clothing will you pass down to your kids?
All of the vintage dresses I wore as a child. I still have them in storage at my parents' house in Paris.

You recently became the face for the new denim line, Restoration of the Monarchy. Given the world domination of denim these days, why did you find this line special?
[I loved that] it was a totally different way to wear jeans. So many jeans cut today feel more tomboyish, but the Restoration of the Monarchy jeans are much more feminine.

How many pairs of jeans do you own?
Not so many, maybe three?

Could you see yourself ever extending your design talents to clothes?
I love designing, so whatever it is, I'd be happy to do it—from shoes, to bags, to make-up packaging…even jewelry!

For more about Restoration of the Monarchy, go to www.restorationofthemonarchy.com.

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