A Moment With: Labériane Ponton
Labériane Ponton is an influencer, stylist, and digital talent represented by Elite. We took Labériane around Rue Charonne on a bright spring day in Paris. Her style caught our eye for its effortless cool—a slight edge that sets her apart from her Parisian contemporaries. She mixes feminine silks with streetwear pieces, always with a key sneaker or statement boot. The elements all together still give off that lassez-faire quality that is unmistakably French.
VSP chats to Labériane about authenticity, the "French Cool Girl", and what makes a perfect night in Paris.
How did your interest in fashion begin?
I first started in advertising but always had fashion in the back of my mind. Even during art school I remember I always wanted to work on my projects through the lens of fashion. I loved to draw silhouettes and create my own clothes.
Do you think what people perceive as "French Cool Girl" style is correct? Has it evolved over the years?
People always see the cliché of the "French girl" and I think that's sad. What they actually see is just a cool, tall and brunette Parisian girl. If you know how to play with clichés it's okay but I don't think the French cool girl is only "that". I think it's more of an attitude and way of life rather than a physique or style or even where you come from. And all the French girls who dress the same—it's maybe because they don't have ideas, and magazines/trends are always showing the same thing. France has always had a strong history in fashion and maybe we aren't daring enough!
What defines an authentic sense of style?
When you stay true to yourself and feel confident, and above all a good attitude! You can wear simple pieces, no brands and still be stylish. You don't have to be "fashion" to be cool and have good style.
What are your favourite clothing silhouettes that you like to wear?
At this moment I like two kinds of silhouettes: a crop top with high jeans/trousers or a cool oversized shirt or suit with sneakers. I also like to mix pieces and trends.
Who are some of your favourite designers, and what are some pieces that you are coveting the most this season?
I would say Jacquemus and Marine Serre and I love what Alexandre Mattiussi is doing at Ami, for both women and men—the silhouettes are so good. This summer I'm dreaming of a Prada hat and bag, also a cute pair of sandals from Staud.
What makes the perfect summer night in Paris?
The place doesn't really matter if you are with the people you love. This summer in Paris you will find me at Canal Saint Martin with my best friends and some bottles of rosé and then later we all go together at our favourite pizzeria.
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Labériane wears Balenciaga, Raf Simons, & Calvin Klein 205W39NYC.
Photos & Text by Marlowe Granados