Country Costumes: France

Les Bleus was my first love. I watched them lift the World Cup as a bemused 7-year old who stayed up until the early morning with her older brother to watch Brazil and France go head to head 7 hours behind our time zone. Being young, I didn't understand much, but I did remember a player that went to pave his way as a French legend and soon became a household name, Zinedine Zidane. His head was still full of hair back then... not so much Fabien Barthez. Though at the time I've yet to discover my love for football 8 years later, I remembered the summer of 1998 to be exactly in three colours: bleu, blanc, and rouge. 

France's 0 - 3 win against favourites Brazil in Stade de France cemented their place as the top footballing nation entering the new millennium. In true French style, they greeted the summer of the year 2000 by winning the European championship in Belgium. They went to win the Confederations Cup in 2001 but followed with a disastrous campaign in South Korea as they exited in the group stages of the 2002 World Cup having been predicted a contender. Collecting another Confederations Cup in 2003, their less than attractive performance in the 2006 World Cup had no one believing they were going to reach the finals.

Everybody certainly remembered the dramatic end to France's hope of winning a second title. One incident overshadowed the whole event: Zidane vs. Materazzi and a little move called the headbutt. Though Zidane was clearly wrong to rise to the provocation, everyone, especially France watched in agony as Zidane walked out the pitch, passing by the trophy he once won almost single-handedly. This would be the last time the world watched Zidane play football professionally as he announced retirement afterwards.

France fell to what I call a post-Zidane syndrome afterwards. They exited in the group stages of both the 2008 Euros and the 2010 World Cup. They were criticised for holding on to ageing players, but when the younger players came to offer their services - a generational conflict unfolded led by the two headed demon, Karim Benzema and Samir Nasri. Stories of unrest within the French camp filled their South African campaign and the players went into what the Frenchman does best: a revolution.

Unlike 1789, 1830, and 1848 - this coup had obvious results: punishment. The squad was suspended, the instigators fined, and the captain questioned by the president. The team regrouped from the drama and managed to qualify for the 2012 Euros. As someone who has a tiny piece of her heart reserved for Les Tricolores, I'm looking forward to see a much-refreshed French squad. With that in mind, this look invokes new beginnings in a parisian chic packaging. Simple, strong, clean lines with classic French icons such as the Hermès Kelly bag and Chanel clip ins. The outfit itself is understated yet packs a punch - burgundy trousers, floral top, and a luxurious smoking jacket. Add a tough minimalist sandal to show that you're here with a point to prove and you might just be ready to win something.

Trousers, Isabel Marant, £195
Top, Vanessa Bruno, £280
Blazer, Balmain, £653 (on sale)
Bag, Hermès, price upon request
Earrings, Chanel, price unavailable (vintage)
Shoes, Givenchy, £636 

Team Togs: Olympique de Marseille

After a quick jump to the French league, there was no stopping on the many teams that come to mind! One that have been continuously suggested by a good friend of mine is none other than Marseille FC - one of the most famous and successful teams France has to offer both domestically and continentally. I personally have a nostalgic relationship with the team as I admit to have been quite enticed by them circa Samir Nasri. Why, yes. I have moments of oestrogen-induced blindness. I'm not proud of it, but the city itself has always been a favourite of mine to watch. 

The city of Marseille have long been associated with multiculturalism. It was and still remains to be one of the crown jewels of Mediterranean commerce. The city saw itself evolve from a gateway to France to a home to the future faces of France - one that reflects the long history of its empire. Zinedine Zidane, one of France's greatest export is a Marseillais, whose Kabyle Berber roots is a perfect example of the city's status as a melting pot. Nasri too, who is a Marseille native is of Berber ethnicity. 

L'OM too is a wonderful reflection of the city's multiculturalisme. Like the French national team, its ethnic diversity is a consequence of colonialism. While France is certainly not the only nation responsible for colonialism, there is a clear difference on the French mindset on its colonised nations in comparison to say, the British and Spanish. Its almost idealistic and romantic attitude to colonialism led to, among other things, the face of France today. 

The outfit is what I call a melting pot in itself. It features prominent Lebanese-French designers such as Rabih Kayrouz and Elie Saab to reflect that. We start with a beautiful neutral-coloured dress as the canvas and thrown over it is a jacket with a beautiful bold African print by eco-conscious label, Fair + True. Marseille's colours are a beautiful powder blue-turqouise and as not to let the colour overpower the whole look, we chose bold accessories to pay tribute such as the clutch and cuff. We finish the look with a statement necklace and neutral safari-inspired wedges. 

Dress, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, £1488

Jacket, Fair + True, £75

Clutch, Azzaro, £706

Necklace, Elie Saab, £290

Bracelet, Amrita Singh, £63

Shoes, Chinese Laundry, £50

Team Togs: AJ Auxerre

Since I'm quite surprised (more shocked and appalled, really) that we have yet to touch Ligue 1 - a Team Togs emergency was needed to cover this void. I could probably proclaim myself a Francophile - I do love the language, the food, the culture, the men, and of course, the fashion yet I probably won't go so far as saying so. Another thing I love from France is but of course, the wine. Say what you want about the growth of Australian, Californian, and Chilean wine - nothing beats a good bottle from Burgundy.

Our Team Togs this time is AJ Auxerre, a team based none other than in the Bourgougne region. For Arsenal fans, this was the team Bacary Sagna grew up and flourished in. He talks about his hometown, Sens sentimentally in an interview, and one thing I've always noted was his constant mention of the vineyards in it. With that in mind, I attempt to infuse the feel of country chic in this winery inspired outfit.

Auxerre's colour is a beautiful powder blue though the team dons an all white kit with this very same blue trimmings. Without being too literal, powder blue and white are two very true colour themes in this look. We add a dose of none other than burgundy to pay tribute to the wine making culture of the region where AJ Auxerre is from.

Think spring afternoon walking through the Burgundian vineyards, picnics under a tree, your very own Bacary Sagna optional, though recommended. This is a perfect outfit for a relaxed atmosphere, girly yet not high maintenance. The printed tee plays down the pastel floral skirt, add a leather satchel in that beautiful powder blue once more, stacked bracelets, burgundy brogues, and a straw fedora.

Tee, J. Crew, £26
Skirt, Acne, £220
Shoes, Miu Miu, £335
Bag, Chloé, £340
Leather bracelet, Presh, £44
'Rope' bracelet, Aurélie Bidermann, £245.50
Bangle, Kenneth Jay Lane, £238
Fedora, Biltmore, £36