From The Straits Times    |

The effortlessly chic Parisian style made popular by Isabel Marant’s parade of chilled boho models on the runway and celebrities is trans-atlantic.

Chinese actress, Gao Yuan Yuan was photographed by the high street brand on the streets of Paris in pieces from the much-anticipated collaboration between Isabel Marant and H&M. The fashionista, whose style is as well-known as her acting chops, looked right at home in the mix-and-match ensembles. Be it sequined tights worn with a white tee and sweater or a bohemian knit sweater with tie-dyed trousers – Gao makes it all look so easy.

The fashionista gushed over the capsule collection in an exclusive herworldPLUS interview.

herworldPLUS: This collaborative photo shoot with H&M was shot in Paris. What does the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection and fashion capital, Paris have in common?
Gao Yuan Yuan: Paris often gives an impression that it is fashionable in a very relaxed sense and at the same time, a city with a wide variety of different cultures; this is the exact feeling I have with the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection. The collection has some simple and practical pieces, but when styled together, it brings out the extraordinary fashion sense and Parisian allure. The collection consists of tie-dye prints, embroidery, knitwear and pieces with craftsmanship, which are easy to mix and match. I am extremely excited to add this collection to my wardrobe.

HWP: Tell us more about your experience at the photo shoot with H&M in Paris.
GYY: The entire experience felt like me being a tourist wandering in a big city; an oriental face on the old European streets. There’s the existence of cultural contrast yet I feel at ease and at home at the same time. The designs from the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection allowed me to loosen up and gave me a sense of liberation. On the whole, the shoot in Paris was very effortlessly chic that fits my current style.

HWP: What is your favorite design from this collection?
GYY: I love the bohemian unisex tailoring, tie-dye prints and the weaving details and the craftsmanship elements from the collection.

HWP: Which pieces from the collection would you recommend styling together?
GYY: I love to mix and match the embellished jacket with a white T-shirt; it is simple yet very exquisite. The embellished jacket has to be my favourite item, its mix of tie-dye fabric and beaded details make this a refined piece. When paired with the white T-shirt, it is simple yet sophisticated.

HWP: How would you style your boyfriend in the Isabel Marant pour H&M menswear collection?
GYY: I love the oversized sweater! I feel that guys look great in sweaters, they look at ease and feel more approachable. This season, there are white sweaters that are simple yet filled with details and layers. Guys who wear white in winter can be very attractive.

HWP: H&M collaborates with different high fashion designers every year. What is your view on this?
GYY: I’ve always been a fan of H&M’s designer collaborations such as the Marni at H&M collection, which I love. H&M brings classic designs from high fashion designers to a young group of fashionistas, which goes very well together with its business concept: Fashion and quality at the best price.

HWP: Could you share more about your off-duty style and how different is it from your red carpet style?
GYY: I generally prefer simpler styles with black, whites and greys as the main colour palette. Practicality and comfort are my main considerations when picking an outfit. For the red carpet, I also tend to prefer simpler and sleek looks and rarely consider outfits that are too complicated. This, in fact, is quite similar to my “off-duty” style. I also rarely wear heels normally but high heels are still a must for the red carpet.

HWP: Which of your red carpet looks is your favourite?
GYY: I like red carpet gowns that are minimal and clean with carefully thought out details. The minimalist look can easily enhance a woman’s silhouette and an uncomplicated evening gown is classy and elegant. In the right colours, this look can be effortless and refreshing.

HWP: Any future projects or plans that you can share with us?
GYY: After the photoshoot in Paris, I will film a new romantic movie with Nicholas Tse called Heart City. I am also involved with publicity for a new TV series with Huang Hai Bo called Let’s Get Married.

The Isabel Marant pour H&M collection will be available on November 14, 2013 at 8am at the H&M Orchard Building.

For more information about H&M, go to www.hm.com. Follow the action leading up to the launch by following the hashtags #HMIsabelMarant and #HMSingapore and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hm, on Twitter @HMSingapore and Instagram @HM