Isabelle Huppert and Her Stylist on How French Women Get Dressed for the Oscars
February 23, 2017 7:47 PM by Brooke Bobb
Parisian chic may be all about effortlessness, but there’s nothing effortless about an Oscars red carpet. When movie stars show up for the biggest night in show business, they push glamour to the limit—via stunning couture gowns, hours spent with glam squads, and millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds shining bright for the cameras. And while all this razzle-dazzle is second nature for celebs, that’s not to say French women don’t have their own way to bewitch a crowd on the red carpet. Case in point: Isabelle Huppert, a best actress nominee for her role in Elle.
By combining sharp glamour with a soft, stylish ease, Francophone stars, including Huppert, are often the ones who stun and surprise the most. And while she has long been recognized as a fashion icon in her own country, the U.S. is finally starting to catch on. Before winning a Golden Globe last month, Huppert turned heads on the red carpet dressed in a gorgeous pale blue Armani Privé gown with a subtly embellished bodice, which she accessorized with sculptural Repossi earrings. Later, at the BAFTAs, her peach-colored Chloé gown was a highlight of the evening.
And though Huppert clearly has her own inherent and inimitable sense of style, she also has a secret weapon of sorts. Her friend and stylist, Jonathan Huguet, whom she’s been working with for nearly a year and a half, has helped the stunning 63-year-old star find her fashion footing on the global awards show circuit. He is known for his work with Juliette Binoche, Catherine Deneuve, Léa Seydoux, and Charlotte Gainsbourg—how’s that for a Parisian-chic CV? Huguet and Huppert will no doubt go all out for what could be the biggest night of the actress’s career, but the look will, of course, be underscored by that classic and very cool je ne sais quoi.
Below, the two divulge their secrets for bringing French style to Hollywood on Oscar night, Champagne and all.
What are some of the key differences between American and French actresses when it comes to dressing for the Oscars?
Jonathan Huguet: When I’m dressing Isabelle for an awards show, I try to play both games—the French and American. It’s about finding a balance and combining just a touch of Hollywood glamour with that French effortlessness and attitude. French women tend to not be as done up with the hair and makeup and over-the-top gowns like many American actresses. It’s less complicated, in a way.
How does Parisian chic or typical French style translate onto the red carpet for you?
Isabelle Huppert: No matter what we’re wearing, there’s always a sense of nonchalance. We don’t disappear behind our clothes, not even on a red carpet, and we like to keep our personality. The event doesn’t dictate our wardrobe—French women tend to impose their own tone.
Jonathan, how do you ultimately choose the right look for Isabelle, or for any of the French actresses whom you’ve dressed for major awards shows?
Huguet: She has to have a crush on the dress.
Isabelle, what is your favorite and least favorite thing about getting dressed up for an awards show?
Huppert: My favorite thing is to feel as beautiful as possible. My least favorite is to always be running late—the second answer being the consequence of the first!
What types of fabrics and silhouettes, Jonathan, do you seek out for Isabelle’s red carpet looks?
Huguet: She likes to be comfortable in her dress; it can’t be too stiff. I never choose thick or tight fabrics—always soft silhouettes and textures.
Does Isabelle like to carry a clutch on the red carpet?
Huguet: Her hands have to be free, so I keep the bag for her. She can’t pose with something in her hand. Without a clutch, even a small one, she can just do her thing.
Isabelle, what types of accessories do you prefer for a major awards show?
Huppert: Always high heels. They help with the attitude.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Oscars?
Huppert: To get it [the award] and to drink as much Champagne as possible!
