Who better to show us around her local Paris neighbourhood than the ultra Parisienne Adèle Farine? Catching up with the actress at Hotel Grand Amour, she chats about her budding photography practice, the elusive French girl style, and why the best inspiration comes from art she doesn’t like.

Have you always lived in Paris?
Yes - I was born and raised here.

What are your favourite things about the city?
My favorite things about Paris are definitely the cafes and the “terrasse”. They’re what I miss the most when I travel. Also Paris is such a cool place if you like walking, dreaming and going to museums.

What influence does it have on your style and creativity?
I think Parisian girls know how to embrace their own individual beauty without trying to look like everyone else. That’s the thing Paris teaches me: less is more.

Where do you like to hang out in Paris?
I go to the “Je t’aime” party at Le Rouge in Pigalle, drink beers at Le Saint Gervais or have chinese noodles at “Les pates vivantes” - my favorites.

Do you have plans to move anywhere else in future?
I want to split my time more between Paris and NYC. 

You are also an artist. What kind of work do you make?
I do more and more photography these days. I’ve really found myself in it. I do collages afterwards which I love. It’s really inspiring to keep a diary of your everyday life with your camera and then make something out of it. It’s kind of therapeutic too.

How would you describe yourself?
I find it really difficult to describe myself. I know I’m a curious person. I always want to see or do something new, but I also get bored easily. I have a passion for food, especially Asian food which I eat way too much of... I’m also a music person. Music is the number one thing I need in my life too feel good.

How do you usually like to dress?
I like to dress in clothes that I feel are familiar. That’s the only way for me to feel comfortable. Black, grey and beige are the colors I wear the most, and I prefer pants. I wear a lot of blouses, and I have a huge collection of shoes that I only wear once a year.

Who do you look up to?
I look up to my mom a lot, of course! I also have friends around me that I consider to be like an example and an inspiration for me.

Where do you go for inspiration?
For inspiration, there’s nothing better for me than going to see the exhibition of an artist I don’t like. Sounds weird I know, but as much as you need to know what you love, you also need to understand why you don’t love certain things. As a place, the Musée Gustave Moreau is for me the most inspiring place I know. That’s another place I like to hang out!
    
What do you do to relax?
To relax , I listen to music, or I go to Ladda on Rue de Paradis where they have the best Thai massages! I also go to the library - the smell of old books chills me out.

Lastly what is something you’d love to achieve?
As an achievement, I would love to develop my skills as a photographer this year. Also I can’t wait to do more acting.

Photography by Jonathan Middleton
Interview by Georgia Graham
Styling by Sally Bottomley