Friday 1 February 2013

We need to talk about .....Jane

Jane Birkin that is. Now 66, she took the stage by storm at the Cadogan Hall last night, a fab venue incidentally, and sang Serge. Again. This time with a Japanese band of four: piano, violin, trumpet and drums, that she'd picked up a couple of years ago while doing a concert there in aid of the tsunami. And it worked a treat. Jane looked fabulous, hands deep in the pockets of her men's black trousers, a simple white shirt unbuttoned low, sleeves rolled up for the job in hand, a tousled bob and red lipstick ....tres chic. And as luck would have it, I got to get up close and personal after the show and I can report that pillowy pout is all her own, Jane is devoid of Botox and fillers and far more beautiful for it.

To say that Gainsbourg is a god in France is an understatement. According to Jane he is now considered the greatest poet living, dead, or ever likely to be born. And so this tour was to  commemorate ...... the 20 years since Serge's death ..... any excuse it would seem. Some of his songs do rather effuse the boombangabang ever popular in foreign pop, with some interesting lyrics, but Jane brings a certain je ne sais quoi to the ditties, most of which come in around two and half minutes. If you get the chance go see her and have an excellent evening. As Serge might have said, SHEBAM ! POW ! BLOP ! WIZZ !

Top tip: we should all move to Paris where women of a certain age seem to be more appreciated.... if it's good enough for Birkin, Rampling and Faithfull.....

24 comments:

  1. oh yes lets go, I'll even bob my hair and wear mens trousers! Sounds like a great night x

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  2. She does look fabulous for 66 and you can see that she hasn't had anything done ...... I'm 62 today and hope that I look as good as her in 4 years time !!!! XXXX

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  3. You've sold me. Allons-y!!

    What a great description of Jane, that look sounds perfect: slouchy black pants, white shirt, unbuttoned and rolled-up sleeves, tousled hair, red lipstick...

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  4. Ah. I think it is all about the comfort one has in ones own skin. I wonder if I will EVER achieve that.

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  5. She's so naturally chic. Would I become that if I lived in Paris? Probably not, but we can dream x

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  6. She is fabulous, as gorgeous now as then! x

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  7. Great to see this! I'm on a downhill slope to 60, and it worries me sometimes. But if all I have to do is move to Paris, I'm in!

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  8. I'm packing - lets go. Did you see Monty Don on Friday night in Paris? iplayer it - it was fab. The Hermes roof garden is where we need to be. xxxx

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  9. Agree. Let's all move to Paris! I met Jane Birkin once, she is an amazing woman. Intelligent, beautiful & as you say, devoid of Botox. She's playing at the Barbican later this year - though it's probably sold out now (?)

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  10. I was in Paris for the holidays and I totally agree. I think we are more appreciated in Paris. Let's move!!
    xx, Heather

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  11. PS-I wanted to add, and may be brave to do so-a much younger man was staring me down in Paris, and I thought maybe he was joking with me. It was a bit intense...I looked around for my husband. As I think about it, perhaps, just perhaps...he wasn't joking. I love Paris! ;)

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  12. It's funny how a British woman embodies all the quintessential qualities of french womanhood. Good on her for going with the natural.

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  13. Hear hear! Let's all move to Paris. I love their attitude toward women who are no longer young girls. Jane Birkin looks fabulous.

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  14. She is a very interesting and creative woman. Always a great deal of energy coming from her.

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  15. Daddy Nostalgia is a favorite film of mine.

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  16. Whever we tiur France on the motorbike we avoid Paris - maybes we shouls stop off for a couple of nights when we do the tour later this year! Taking in a few wine tasting tours too...hmmmmmmmm interesting combination! lol!

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  17. I love your description of Jane. I learnt a top tip from her - ship skin insoles negate the need for socks....

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  18. Oh wow I am in awe - you met her! Like TNMA did too... and thanks for letting us know what she wore and how she looked too. I have such a crush on her! S x

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  19. She is such a beauty and I love her style. How cool to get a close up with her!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog - always lovely to see a new name pop up! I'm much in need of a new sports bra too and the new brand 'Handful' (what a great name for a bra eh!) from a local Portland lady, looks great and is getting some excellent press. That's first on my list of new fitness gear.

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  20. She looks fabulous! I do, however, think that "older" women are held in far higher esteem in France than in the UK - the UK is terribly ageist...

    Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog, I'm glad you like the shop ;-) Have a good evening xo

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  21. Ageism is something that really bothers me. I can only hope it's getting better. Wonderful post :)

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  22. I saw her at the Cannes Film Festival a few years ago and she looked phenomenal! It really doesn't matter what age she is, she is such a beauty and inspiration.

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  23. Ahh Paris. I think just about everything is better and more appreciated there.

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