Valerie de La Villardiere's FPQ
By exceedingly popular demand!
Greetings from a high summer, post-Olympic daze. Here sit I, in the salmony “salon rose” of my in-laws’ old country house, lost between Lyon and Grenoble, interviewing possibly the chicest woman I have ever known. I have, apparently, persuaded her to take a moment away from her legendary recipes and superior grandmothering techniques.
Luckily she seems to be having a good time. I certainly am. This is the first time I’ve attempted an out-loud FPQ and I’m in deep. Valerie, my aunt-in-law, is sprawled on the sofa like a Ramon Casas painting, as I translate the Fashion Proust Questionnaire and she replies in dynamic staccato bursts when an idea hits her, followed by eruptions of laughter. Even around a lunch table of 30 or so in-laws here at the summer compound, you can’t not listen when Val tells a story. As I question her, various cousins wander in, stop in fascination, then and wander out again. I take notes furiously.
Today Val is wearing an old pair of white cargo pants and a slightly threadbare grey t-shirt she keeps in the country, and looks like —how do you say— one million euros. Admittedly, there is twinkling Viltier fine jewellery scattered about her person but it’s her markedly nonchalant elegance and notably untampered-with beauty that comes across first and foremost.
I must thank the Dear Reader who first gave me the idea of a Valerie FPQ, and the others who cottoned onto it. You are very clever and I can’t believe I didn’t think of it earlier. Ask and you shall receive.
And, as always, thank you for being here!
What is your idea of a perfect outfit?
It’s somewhat sporty but always intentionally chic. Personally, I don’t like looking too low-key, so I must always add a very elegant accessory —even if it’s a cheap one. The price is not the point!
I don’t care about my wrinkles and never have. I leave them out there, for all to see, and rarely wear foundation but the eyes must be done! Le regard. It’s the most important and I feel absolutely naked without my signature smoky eye. Have you noticed I never come downstairs without it? It’s part of me. Apparently Gucci Westman agrees.
What is your greatest fashion fear?
This no-pants knickers trend. (No offence Monica but please!)
It suits that actress Kristen Stewart like a bag.
What, in hindsight, is the worst outfit you’ve ever worn.
In my modelling days I was once on set with Mugler and they stuck these poufs on our bottoms. These puffy things right there on our butts! One felt very stupid. Mais bon, we were working, and it was the time of that padded-butt style. So be it.
What is the worst outfit you’ve ever seen on someone else?
See the Kristen Stewart knicker fiasco above.
What is your current state of mind with regards to the fashion industry?
Perhaps this is an unpopular opinion but I like that today you do not need to have a tonne of money to be well dressed.
On what occasion do you lie about someone else’s outfit?
Oh, I never say anything, anymore.
What is the quality you like most in a man’s outfit?
I love when men look sophisticated, like they’ve made a bit of an effort. The Italians do this so well. What looks better than a man in a suit? Especially with the buttons open and tie off.
What is the quality you like most in a woman’s outfit?
When you sense that she isn’t doubting herself, at all.
When were you the happiest with your own look?
At your wedding actually! I must say I was pretty pleased with my look. It was that Isabel Marant dress —must have been from the summer 2018 collection— and Valentino heels. I still wear them together.
Which designer’s talent would you most like to have?
Coco Chanel.
What do you consider your greatest achievement career-wise (so far!)
If you were to die and come back as a fashion item, what would it be?
My black Dior Bar jacket. Or maybe the Gucci Jackie bag.
Oh, or actually, it had better be my Fendi baguette in monogrammed black tissue —isn’t it perfect! It goes with absolutely everything, whether I’m in Marrakech or at Christmas mass out here in the middle of the countryside.
Where on earth do you get the most style inspiration?
From the women in the streets of Paris.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Viltier jewellery, (designed by my daughter Iris).
What do you consider the lowest depth of fashion rock-bottom (ie. Karl’s sweatpants)?
Indiscriminate sneaker-wearing for every occasion. You cannot wear sneakers to the opera. It shocks me. At least wear ballerina flats.
What is your favourite fashion-related occupation?
Scrolling on Insta!
What is your most marked style characteristic?
Blondeness. Blonder and blonder. Never blonde enough.
Who are your favourite fashion writers?
All the journalists currently at Harper’s Bazaar France! What a superb magazine I love what they are doing, especially their beauty edits.
Who is your style hero in fiction?
Romy Schneider in Cesar et Rosalie.
Which historical figure’s style do you most identify with?
Jackie Kennedy. I copy everything.
Which individual that you know (or have known) has most influenced your style?
My mother.
What would you like to wear to your own funeral?
A very slinky, curve-hugging black dress. Maybe with a big bow on the collar. Please also put me in very high heels girls… God this coffin is going to cost you a fortune!
Actually, it had better be my Louboutins, come to think of it. Plus that black Fendi baguette and don’t you dare steal it, I will notice.
Don’t forget my smoky eyes!
What’s your style motto?
Style is as much about what you feel as how you look.
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Loved this interview and would love to hear more from her, particularly her likes and dislikes!
Can I have Valerie as an aunt-in-law too, please?