Didi-Stone Olomidé revamps ‘French Girl Style’ for the Instagram age

The Paris teen and daughter of Congolese singer Koffi Olomidé has continued to attract a massive Instagram following thanks to her chameleonic hairstyles that change with every stunning post. But it’s her instinct for fashion that has us most intrigued: The belle du jour also happens to be quietly revising the wardrobe of the Gallic gamine. Eschewing ballet slippers and trenchcoats in favor of designer sneakers and LBDs, Olomidé’s modern take on French style borrows from both her father’s sapeur roots and Rihanna’s fearless fashion.

Here, Olomidé delves into her personal approach to dressing and tells us why she hopes to be a Jean Paul Gaultier woman when she grows up.

The French-Congolese Connection

My father is Congolese and is what we call a sapeur [a term derived from the social movement of that country’s nattily attired men—aka, the Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People]. The way they dress is crucial. Their philosophy is to always dress up the best way possible with elegance and sophistication. It is a sign of respect. So my father always teaches me to dress well and take care of my physical appearance. The fact that I grew up in Paris reinforced.

You Never Know What You’ll Find in the Eighth Arrondissement

For French girls, less is more. There is the desire of ease. The look has to be simple, chic, and effortless. I love the Eighth Arrondissement, especially for the Champs-Elysées. It is such an incredible place. You can cross paths with people from all over the world, and it’s the best way to discover new trends and new styles. It is the perfect source of inspiration. And, of course, there are tons of stores, which is just the cherry on the cake.

A Twist on a Classic

My wardrobe essential is the little black dress! I have superlong legs, so they are perfect for me—I like them form-fitting in a very natural material. Another key piece is a good pair of jeans. Levi’s are just timeless.
A Jean Paul Gaultier Type of Woman
I am a huge fan of Jean Paul Gaultier. His pieces are iconic, especially the famous marinière or the corset. His take on masculine/feminine is unique and so modern. It completely defines the strong French woman. I would love to be that woman in a few years!

The Designer Sneaker Is the New Ballet Slipper

I love a good designer sneaker! My favorite ones are those by Yohji Yamamoto. And recently I bought my first Dr. Martens, a limited-edition black and white and a good option when you do not want to wear sneakers but still [want to] look simple and modern. I also loved those Fenty x Puma thigh-high boots [from the Fall 2016 collection]—they were insane. I think the best way to style those is with a denim short and a large shirt. They’re a statement by themselves—you do not need to turn up the volume!

Matching Her Ever-Changing Outfits to Her Ever-Changing Hair

The simpler my hairstyle, the more sophisticated my outfit is—and then the opposite. It’s a question of balance. Currently I have braids with a white shade, so I tend to dress in black and with a more pared-down outfit.

Skip the Beret

I noticed that a lot of French women are wearing very big hats—the kind that helps you hide from the stares. They add a lot of class when paired with a very simple silhouette. Sadly, as I am at school most of the time, it is a bit difficult to wear some of them. You’ve got to have the right occasion!