It added up to a somewhat rough-and-ready take on French country chic emphasis on the rough.

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Much of this season's crop has the regulation French mix of philosophy and bleak chic.

ECONOMIST: The great French novel has all but vanished

Instead, Baptista propelled the 108-year-old French label boldly forward with strong colors, clean cuts and chic fabrics.

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Chic brands Caudalie and Nuxe both have spas in Paris and farther afield in the French countryside , yet sell their ranges of luxurious and effective skincare products in the humble pharmacy.

BBC: Pharmacy shopping in Paris