FASHION CONFESSIONS: JEAN PAUL BRUNIER 19th Century Parisian Photographer and Blogger

Jean-Paul Brunier was a fixture of the 19th-century Paris social and art scene. During a time when the Impressionists of his era were celebrating modern fashion on canvas, Brunier began capturing the scene on camera. While in town to host a series of events and promote his fellow Frenchmen (Caillebotte, Degas, Manet, Monet, Renoir, and Seuratat) at the AIC’s Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity exhibition, Jean-Paul became inspired by 21st-century Chicago. Born from his desire to document modern-day fashion and city life from his unique Parisian perspective, Jean-Paul started Impressions & Fashion. I met this incredibly charming man when he hosted an AIC private blogger’s exhibition tour and brunch. You too might have spotted Jean-Paul around town this summer, maybe at Pitchfork or Lolla, but don’t worry if you haven’t as he’s here till the end of September when the exhibition finishes.

Jean-Paul with Chicago’s leading fashion bloggers.

WHAT’S YOUR FASHION ADDICTION?
I don’t know if I’d call it an addiction. An affliction, perhaps. Like the consumption. Only my symptoms include a critical eye as opposed to a chronic cough. It’s just a part of who I am. Though I’m comfortable in my own skin, I’m much more comfortable in superbly tailored, exquisite fabrics.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN PARIS?
C’est magnifique! Have you never been? Of course, even if you have, I’m sure it is quite different than when I left it. A lot can change in 140 years. Though to set foot in your Art Institute this summer is a bit like stepping back in time to the Paris I so fondly recall. Except one needn’t worry about twisting an ankle on a cobblestone.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
Mon dieu! So, it is time for the personal questions, euh? What will we be discussing next? Perhaps whether I am a Croque-Monsieur Monsieur or more of a Croque-Madame Monsieur?

The Loge, 1874 by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity.

WHO’S YOUR STYLE ICON?
Of course, you have your Balzac, your Zola, your Mallarme. But you can’t overlook the Impressionists. Your Tissot, Manet, Caillebotte and the like – all of whom bring fashion to life on canvas like no one else.

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE FRENCH DESIGNERS?
There are so many fine fashion houses in Paris -- Mme. Marguerite, Maison Courvoisier et Dupuis, Maison Cheron, Robinet et Cie. – I could go on and on. As to whether any of them continue to go on is a mystery to me. I fear I may suddenly be living a bit in the past when it comes to the latest designers. Incroyable!

WHAT'S YOUR FAV PAINTING OR PIECE IN THE EXHIBITION?
That is a bit like asking moi to pick my favorite child. Or favorite top hat – as I have no children. J’adore them all. And for all different reasons. Fortunately, when it comes to appreciating such fashionable works of art, Jean-Paul has plenty of love to give to each of them.

The Millinery Shop, ca. 1882–86 by Edgar Degas.
Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity.

Lady with Fans (Portrait of Nina de Callias), 1873 by Édouard Manet.
Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity.

For Fashion Junkies this exhibition is one not to miss. It asks the questions: “Were the Impressionists fashionistas? And what role did fashion play in their goal to paint modern life with a “modern’ style?" Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity is currently on display at Art Institute of Chicago till September 29.

I couldn’t resist having my picture taken with this très chic Frenchman.

REAL v DEAL: Kiki Classic v Kenneth Jay Lane

REAL: Green Amethyst and White Gold Diamond Earrings, $4,062, by Kiki Classic.
DEAL: Rhodium-plated cubic zirconia earrings, $149, by Kenneth Jay Lane available at Net-a-Porter.

TALKING TRENDS: The Baseball Cap

At New York Fashion Week, back in February, I fell in love with a look I saw at Hervé Léger show, baseball cap paired with eveningwear! FYI the always cool Russell Simmons was also there watching the show wearing what else? But a baseball cap! I was only a couple of rows behind him and in total awe.

Click here to see my New York Fashion Week A/W 13 diary.

Anyways back to these caps, it’s a fashion forward trend that will instantly make you look insanely cool. However you can also create this edgy style for the day if you style it right. Pair it with a fabulous outfit, something totally unexpected, like heels and a skirt.

Spotted in baseball caps include Rihanna, model Cara Delevingne and fashion trendsetters spotted at Fashion Week.

I personally love the idea of a sports brands cap with a retro design from someone like Adidas Originals or Nike. Another store to find great old school caps is Urban Outfitters. I also like the idea of non-traditional materials. For example J. Crew has done a wool cap with crystals or a calf hair leopard print cap. On Net-a-Porter you can get a suede cap by Eugenia Kim.

Wool Jeweled baseball cap, $125; Calf hair leopard print baseball cap, $298; Embroidered Emblem baseball cap, $48, all by J.Crew.

Féline twill cap, $70, by Brian Lichtenberg; Darien washed-nubuck and suede baseball cap, $265, by Eugenia Kim; Wool-blend felt baseball cap, $59, by Karl Lagereld all available at Net-a-Porter.

Supreme B!itch baseball cap, $35, by Married to the Mob; Adidas Heritage napback baseball cap, $26, by Adidas Originals both available at Urban Outfitters.

Me in my totally cool, graphic, Reebok baseball cap.

BEAUTY CONFESSIONS: ALEX SANCHEZ Lancôme National Make-up Artist

This Lancôme’s make-up artist, Alex Sanchez, has created looks for Fashion Focus and New York Fashion week, as well as getting celebrities red-carpet ready. Alex was responsible for the look behind this year’s Glamorama: Fashion In A New Light –an evening of music, fashion and philanthropy. I had an opportunity to meet Alex at the dress rehearsal and talked to him about his beauty addictions and the inspiration for this most glamorous event.

WHAT’S YOUR BEAUTY ADDICTION?
Fragrances especially YSL.

WHAT’S THE MAKEUP INSPIRATION BEHIND THIS YEAR’S GLAMORAMA?
It’s all about Paris from the music and models to the clothes and make-up, the brilliance and decadence of the city of lights. The look is very beautiful glittery sexy.

WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO MAKEOVER?
I would have love to makeover Elizabeth Taylor.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST BEAUTY TIP?
Put on your mascara first before your eyeliner, it’ll create a stiff platform at the base of the lash. This will allow the eyeliner to glide on evenly and smoothly.

AND LASTLY ONE THING YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Caffeine!

Alex Sanchez and I backstage.

Glamorama proceeds benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

TALKING TRENDS: Stripes and Florals

Not a new look but I still love, pairing stripes with floral prints. Both J.Crew and Heidi get this look spot on!

J.Crew S/S 13

Heidi Klum

GET THE LOOK...

CLOCKWISE: Cotton striped top, $45, by J.Crew available at Net-a-Porter. Leather Mascot flat shoes, currently on sale $34.79 (originally $54), Asos. Floral print cigarette trousers, $78, by Topshop available at Nordstrom. Breton stripe top, $165, by A.L.C. Widgit raffia hi wedges, currently on sale $60 (originally $144), by Topshop. Floral print twill pencil skirt, $811, by Dolce & Gabbana available at MyTheresa.

TALKING TRENDS: Hooded Evening Gowns

I’m in OBSESSED with this emerald sequin Diane Von Furstenberg gown with a hood worn by Karolina Kurkova. I wish more designers created evening gowns with hoods –I know I’d wear it.