Paris Journal

Back in time: Travels with Queen Elizabeth inspire Andrew Gn's sultry springcollection

A favorite looks is the cropped silk “taj pants” in a soft pink with anembroidered duchess satin jacket.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Gn
A modern day dress is enhanced with jeweled anklets made of pearls.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Gn
Pale blue gown with crystal embrodiery evoked the look of an earlier era.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Gn
Gn’s signature embroidery also made an appearance down the runway.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Gn
Waist-cinching dress in metallic silver color palette.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Gn

PARIS — When I asked Andrew Gn about the inspiration for his spring 2013 collection, shown at Les Beaux-Arts de Paris, he responded, “We’re covering the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to India 1961, and it’s absolutely sultry.”

He went on to explain that during this time the queen had a stopover in Japan as well, so there were also influences he described as minimal and “simple, but not plain."

“We’re covering the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to India 1961, and it’s absolutely sultry.”

As a designer who is known for his embellishments and colors, these aspects of minimalism were quite new for him. But it was not a full-on departure; his signature style still crept in with jeweled anklets made of pearls and dramatic silhouettes and sleeves.

The show opened with simple, waist-cinching ladylike silhouettes accented with strong shoulders and leather and pearl buttons, all done in black and white. The opulence of the queen in India came through next, with georgette silk blouses and crystal embroidery on duchess satin, in a lilac and metallic silver color palette. One of my favorite looks was the cropped silk “taj pants” in a soft pink, with an embroidered duchess satin jacket.

Gn’s signature black-and-white embroidery was in evidence as well as some interesting brown tones he calls “caramel” mixed with cobalt blue and a bit of chartreuse. The final 15 looks were a series of dresses and gowns that embodied all of the details from the collection, from color to fabric to embroidery.

While backstage, I had a chance to talk with hairstylist Seb Bascle on the inspiration for the models this season. Trying to stay in line with the simplicity of the collection, Bascle decided on a Brigitte Bardot-inspired look, with a side-swept pony tail with a slight pouf in the back.

The make-up was minimal as well, focusing only on a strong red lip.

Gn successfully took us back in time, as a beautifully adorned royal, with the perfect touches of modernity and grand fantasy. As Gn elaborated “riding on a bejeweled elephant, seated beside the Maharaja of Jaipur…”

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EFFORTLESS EDIT

Shop Carolyn Bessette's minimal '90s style at these 8 Houston spots

Photo courtesy of FX/Facebook

Thanks to the show, "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette," 90s minimalism is back and easy to find in Houston.

Thanks to Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, the woman who helped define ’90s minimalism is back in heavy rotation. Her classic way of dressing serves as a reminder that great style does not need logos or loud trends to make a big impact. Bessette-Kennedy's uniform of crisp white shirts, perfectly cut denim, and minimal accessories is not only nostalgic, but a stylish blueprint for getting dressed right now.

Houstonians don't need a NYC zip code or a Calvin Klein press badge to recreate her most classic looks. From River Oaks District to Rice Village and the Heights, boutiques are leaning into that same pared-back polish — making it easy to find a quietly expensive aesthetic without overthinking it.

Accessories

Lele Sadoughi

Bessette-Kennedy often topped off her casual outfits with a slim tortoise shell headband, and Lele Sadoughi, a boutique in River Oaks District, is leaning into similar timeless styles. The Tortoise Emma Acetate Headband and the Jet Faux Leather Bessette Headband are both available for preorder with similar styles available in-store.

Polished headbands and statement accessories with a timeless twist.Photo courtesy of Lele Sadoughi

Krewe

New Orleans-born Krewe eyewear in Rice Village is channeling '90s minimalistic style with slim, small-frame sunglasses that are reminiscent of Bessette-Kennedy's go-to pairs. Its Spring 2026 collection introduces the Kate and Leah styles, each offered in three colorways.

Krewe Sleek, small-frame sunglasses that channel effortless ’90s cool.Photo courtesy of Krewe

Fly High Little Bunny

This Houston go-to for one of a kind pieces offers a variety of both fine jewelry and classic sterling silver styles. Jeweled hoops, dainty rings, and minimal necklaces that were everyday staples of Bessette-Kennedy, are available at their Heights boutique.

Delicate jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces for everyday minimalism.Photo courtesy of Fly High Little Bunny/Instagram

Moreau Paris

Often seen carrying a tote bag, the '90s fashion icon was a big fan of understated luxury. River Oaks District handbag boutique Moreau Paris offers a variety of bags in similar styles including the Mini Vincennes Reversible Totes giving a two-in-one option, as well as the Small Ana Saddle Leather Top Handle Bag for a more structured look.

Understated luxury handbags with clean lines and quiet sophistication.Photo courtesy of Moreau Paris

Clothing

Tootsies

When it came to denim, Bessette-Kennedy kept things classic, favoring straight and bootcut styles. At Tootsies, the brand DL1961 taps into that same timeless feel. The Bridget Boot High Rise Instasculpt offers a flattering polished fit and comes in a variety of colorways and lengths making it easy to find a pair for everyday wear.

DL1961 Classic denim fits and elevated staples for a polished, everyday look.Photo courtesy of DL1961

Alchemia

One of Bessette-Kennedy's most celebrated looks was a basic white button down shirt. She often wore Calvin Klein, as she was a publicist for the brand, but the same classic style can be found at Alchemia. The Essentials Icon Shirt in white is tailored at the waist, chest, and back to give a flattering fit without the dreaded blouse gape.

Tailored essentials, including the perfect crisp white button-down.Photo courtesy of Alchemia

Frock Shop

A versatile black midi skirt not only goes with everything, it can be worn during any season. Frock Shop carries the ALC Remy Drawstring Midi Skirt that is easy to style and comfortable to keep on a regular rotation.

Easy, versatile pieces like midi skirts that work season after season.Photo courtesy of Frock Shop

Beauty

Kiehl's

Used by both Carolyn and John, the Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom delivers soft hold, subtle shine, and natural movement. Ideal for the sleek low buns Kennedy-Bessette favored as well as polished styles. Kiehl's Highland Village location also carries a scent very close to Kennedy Bessette's fragrance of choice. The Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette combines classic musk with with soft floral and woody notes.

Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette Low-key grooming and fragrance for a naturally polished finish.Photo courtesy of Kiehl's

kiehl's frock shop alchemia tootsies moreau paris fly high little bunny krewe lele sadoughi carolyn bessette-kennedy shopping