In the pop star machine, Françoise Hardy was someone whose work and voice transcended years of work. She was untouchable in her own right. Enigmatic, unforgettable – both on the stage, and off it.

On June 11, 2024 at 80, she has passed after battling lymphatic cancer over the years, leaving a legacy of fashion and music in memoriam. A rock-and-roll Chanson muse with her finger firmly on the yé-yé French ballads of the mid-century, Hardy was a master of soulful crooning. Tous les garçons et les filles, her crowning hit broke over 2.5 million units of sales. She donned Yves Saint Laurent, Rabanne, and revolutionised the French-fille aesthetic, melding knits and leather with interchangeability. She was responsible for the naming of Comme des Garçons. Yes, Rei Kawakubo named her eponymous label after a Hardy song.

We have Hardy to thank in so many realms. In her wake, we've assembled some of her most delicious style moments.

 

A headscarf for any occasion.

In all her rock-star finery. Comment te dire adieu.

 

Our winter style muse.

 

A fur-trimmed shearling is necessary for the Parisian drafts.

 

Motomami chic.

 

A trench is a mainstay. Can you see why?

 

On anyone else it might look a little top Hamburglar. On Hardy, it's effortless.

 

A little double-denim for the tour.

 

A cropped leather jacket is a look we'll be returning to.

 

This mustard yellow set with red piping is all we can think about. It's all boardroom.

 

Certifiably a rockstar.

 

We'll duplicate the same look and airy disaffectedness next time we're at Cafe Freda's.

 

Wire-rimmed. So bad it's good.

 

The peter pan collars, adore.

 

A scarlet letter cardigan for the wintry days to come.

 

C'est Americain. This cow-boy inspired look is perfect for the road.

 

We need our own scooter-inspired getup.

 

This Rabanne look is serious. A RUSSH Fashion muse until the end of time.