- Sold out
How to be a true ParisianWe hit the streets with TikTok star Amine
Amine is known for popping up in the streets of Paris, causing a bit of harmless havoc with the city’s locals. From ’fits to facts with some sass sprinkled in between, he’s here to give us a lesson in nailing the je ne sais quoi of Parisian style.
By Ruhi Parmar Amin
16 June 2024 · 6 min read
Are you happy to be in Paris? ‘Omg of course oui oui’ says local TikTok star and global internet sensation Amine. It’s pretty hard to miss his viral videos where he (harmlessly) harasses the Parisian public, morning till night.
From fans to haters alike, Amine shows us the real Paris, not just the stereotypical charm of the grey rooftops, twinkling Eiffel Tower or freshly baked croissants (all of which he, like the rest of us, loves). With over 1.2 million followers online, he’s taken the streets of Paris, and pretty much the rest of Europe, by satirical and stylish storm, popping up at fashion shows and secret parties all over the capital in spicy new looks from Balenciaga to Acne Studios and almost everything in between.
With a sense of humour pulled from the depths of Paris’ pass-agg personality, Amine is three things: sassy, salty and street-savvy — which is Parisian style in a nutshell really. This GUEST EDIT is going to dive into the one thing Amine knows best, his home city and the looks it serves up.
First things first, what actually brought our (now) local Gen-Z insider to the French capital? “I knew Paris was my city from the moment I was born. I moved here because of Emily in Paris. I watched the whole season in 24 hours and was like there’s no way on Earth I’m not moving there. I’d never been and within two weeks I had moved. Bonjour!” Safe to say Amine isn’t the only one who’s dreamt of moving to Paris in the hopes of embodying their inner Emily…
After going viral with a video of himself and an old lady in the Paris Métro, Amine rose to stardom pretty quickly, passing by the likes of Rick Owens and Michèle Lamy in the streets when filming — pretty iconic for someone who says his earliest fashion memory was being obsessed with the Rick Owens stocking over-the-knee fur boots — I mean, who wasn’t? “One of the funniest moments I’ve had while filming content would definitely be when I was just screaming at this guy, and he was actually deaf...wow, jail for me b*tch,” he chuckles. Filming videos is one part of his shtick, but so is nailing the ‘Don’t talk to me I’m too cool’ of Parisian style.
BONJOUR BABY
ÇA VA SWEETIE?
“A truly iconic Parisian ’fit would definitely be a trench coat paired with some loafers and a tote bag.”
- Amine
“Fashion, toxic, and a four letter word I can’t say here are how I’d describe Paris,” says Amine. “Like different areas of the city have different vibes, Le Marais would be Loewe for example but Paris in general? For sure YSL.” When it comes to what Paris is known for sartorially, the first thing that comes to mind for most of us is either a black and white image of Coco Chanel, a striped top and beret combo or trench coat — and for the most part we’re not wrong, at least with the latter. “A truly iconic Parisian ’fit would definitely be a trench coat, paired with some loafers, a tote bag and a cigarette (this is most important),” explains Amine. “People are free here when it comes to style. They wear whatever they want, whatever makes them feel good, no judgement, no pressure. You can express who you are by the way you put an outfit together, that’s something I love and appreciate.”
And this rings true in Amine’s different looks when he’s filming content. “My style has no theme, but in one sentence it’s ‘C U next Tuesday’ if you know what I mean,” he laughs. “It really depends on my mood, how I feel and obviously the weather because it’s always raining here. If I’m feeling anxious when I wake up or am overthinking too much, I throw on a big ass bomber, oversized jeans and boots. If I’m feeling good, then you can guarantee the look is going to scream hot b*tch. I always have a handbag, because girl, I have to keep my sh*t together! I’ve normally got my digital camera, my battery, perfume, lip balm — I cannot live without it, got to keep these lips nice and juicy. My other essential is a Red Bull to keep my energy levels up, especially during PFW.”
Probably the most hyped fashion week of them all, PFW is a big moment for Parisian style. “It’s so unique on the fashion calendar because of all the big French brands and designers. Everybody gets inspired by them and are curious to see what new surprises they’re going to whip out! I really want to experience going to Mugler, McQueen or Jacquemus — their shows are incredible,” he explains. “Oh, also if there’s a fashion week afterparty you know I’m there, period!”
Known as not only one of the fashion capitals of the world, but a melting pot of gastronomy and nightlife, Paris is unlike anywhere else. But where do all the young locals like Amine hang out? “Ok so my favourite bars in Paris are La Perle and Le Progrès. When it comes to nightlife, I love me some Pamela, Silencio, Carmen or Bisou Bisou — these are the clubs where all the ‘cool’ people go,” he chuckles. “And as for the celebs and where the girls are at, I feel like everyone goes to Hôtel Costes and the 1st arrondissement.”
“I’ve always said this — the ruder you are, the more the locals love you. You want to annoy them? Speak French with an American accent!”
- Amine
Strutting the streets of the French capital is an art, one that Amine has down to a tee. In and amongst the hustle and bustle, it’s not just about the clothes, it’s about the attitude too. “I’ve always said this — the ruder you are, the more the locals love you. You want to annoy them? Speak French with an American accent!” As someone who engages with random people in public 24/7, Amine is subject to the city’s sass all the time. “Paris is such a big city and people are so stressed and short on time and energy. At the end of the day they have to be rude and mean, but I love that,” he says. “When I’m filming, most of the time people are just confused but regardless of the rudeness, they’re cool and they go with the vibe — that’s one of the things I love most about Paris energy — it’s so toxic but so fine at the same time?”
Having lived in Paris for four years, Amine is still amazed by the beauty of the city. “Every time I leave the house I’m fascinated. From the streets and parks to the museums and rivers, it’s just magic. Like yeah I throw shade on the attitude, but it makes Paris what it is.” And with that, I think Paris 101 with Amine is complete. See you by the Seine.
Discover more stories
RINA SAWAYAMA’S EDITA Helmut Lang special
Sharp spring suitingBy poet, model & activist Kai-Isaiah Jamal
The Climber’s EditLet Eugenie Lee change your perspective
Alex Consani’s EditA lesson in basewear as outerwear
The Monochrome EditWith fashion guru Brenda Hashtag
David Alaba’s Guest EditFootball star talks timeless classics
BEAUTY SPOCK’S GLAM EDITThe Beauty Spock guide to old school glam
WORKWEAR WITH TAIGAThe hair artist making workwear work
Blondey McCoy’s EditStyle that transcends skate
STORIES, SERVED FRESH
Product drops, insider takes and stories through style — straight to your inbox.