The ultimate ‘cool girl’, Jeanne Damas is the purveyor of nonchalant Parisian style.
Tousled bed-head look? Check. Perpetual sun-kissed glow? Check. And that’s not even mentioning her enviable coffee-loving, bicycle-riding, wine-drinking escapades around the French capital, between her beautiful apartment and aesthetic studio. What’s not to love?
But Damas is far from just a girl-about-town. Whether she’s shooting a cover for ELLE, playing Paloma Picasso in the upcoming Disney+ series Kaiser Karl, or running her fashion and beauty label Rouje, she lives a multihyphenate life full of intrigue.
Laying the foundations of her tastemaker status on Tumblr back in 2009 with a moodboard of all things French-girl chic, it was in this same year that she was signed to IMG Models at the tender age of 17. Designing collaborative capsule collections for the likes of Reformation and Sézane soon followed as well as an ambassadorship with Gucci - all before founding her own brand in 2016.
As explained by Damas, “I always enjoyed modeling and being part of the creative process. But everything depended of the choices of others, whether it was designers, stylists or photographers. So, naturally, when I got the opportunity to launch my own brand I went for it. I realise now that working in the industry was like a 10-year-long internship which helped define my aesthetic.”
And, in the seven years since its foundation, her brand has gone from strength to strength. Boasting an A-list fanbase that includes Selena Gomez, Léa Seydoux and Margot Robbie, not to mention a loyal cult following of nearly 1 million on IG, its easy-going collections of wearable yet stylish wardrobe basics has turned more than a few heads.
As if that wasn’t enough, in 2018, she added beauty to her impressive roster with Les Filles en Rouje with a makeup line, and has recently introduced skincare, too. Now, she’s set her sights on London, and plans to open her first store outside of France in the UK capital in April.
What have you been up to recently?
We just launched the skincare line with Les Filles en Rouje, a simple routine with natural products - a project I've been working on for the last two years. Right now we are preparing the opening of our London store in April, our first permanent boutique outside of France. I am particularly enthusiastic about making Rouje a physical experience.
Besides all these exciting projects with Rouje, I'm also working on a Disney+ series about Karl Lagerfeld in which I will play Paloma Picasso, one of his close friends. It's fun to be on film, I did four years at theatre school when I was younger.
Are you excited to play Paloma Picasso in Kaiser Karl?
It's an honor to portray such an extraordinary woman. Everything about her is iconic and inspiring. During my research I've learned so much about her and the Parisian fashion world of the 70s. We are filming right now and I truly enjoy this experience. Daniel Brühl who plays Karl is astonishing - and just wait until you see the clothes!
What inspired you to start Rouje in 2016?
I always enjoyed modeling and being part of the creative process. But everything depended of the choices of others, whether it was designers, stylists or photographers. I was asked to design several capsule collections which did very well as I was always sort of known for my style. So, naturally, when I got the opportunity to launch my own brand I went for it. I realise now that working in the industry was like a 10-year-long internship which helped define my aesthetic.
What's your career highlight?
I don't look back too much, it's more about the current project and the projects to come. Staying grounded and authentic is very important to me, so I am very proud and grateful of what I was able to achieve whilst being surrounded by my close group of friends and my Rouje team.
How do you balance modelling, designing and acting, as well as being a full time mum?
It can be very challenging like I’m sure it is for all working parents. In the beginning I struggled to find a new balance in my life, my reationship, my family, my work and, of course, as a mother.
How do you switch off?
By literally switching off the phone in the evening! The mornings are also family time - we get ready and have breakfast together with no phones - only us and some music. When I leave the house I switch my phone back on and start going through my emails.
What's your favourite piece in your current collection?
I love the mules. I wear them with everything, from jeans, to dresses, to skirts. I think they make everything look cool.
What are you inspired by when designing?
I find a lot of inspiration by looking at the people in the streets, particularly when traveling. The allure of sombody passing by, a detail in a painting, there is so much in everyday life which I find inspiring.
I discuss a lot with my friends and my team about movies, books and of course classic cinema. The heroines of Pedro Almodóvar will always be a source of inspiration.
What's your favourite thing in your wardrobe?
Definitely my jeans! I live in jeans - every season I have this obsession with creating the perfect pair that have the perfect fit. I currently wear the Germain jeans every day.
Shoes or bags?
Why choose...? But I think I prefer shoes.
What beauty products can you not live without?
The face palette from Les Filles en Rouje, and, of course, SPF50 sunscreen, which is the best anti-ageing beauty secret.
Where's your favourite place in the world?
On the road with my boyfriend and my son. I feel never as free as when I’m on a spontaneous road trip.
