French singer-songwriter Sébastien Tellier is one of Paris’s best-dressed guys. He completely embodies the nonchalance that’s associated with Parisian men. In his hands, a Chanel tweed jacket and jeans feels totally casual and dressed down. (He and his wife, Amandine de La Richardière, are front row fixtures at the French house.) Sunglasses are his signature, as is that epic beard. The overall aesthetic is soulful, cool, and unmistakably him.
Small wonder then that Tellier’s newest gig is as a fashion muse. The 45-year-old musician—who released his latest album, Domesticated, in May—stars in a new campaign for Swedish menswear brand CDLP, which was inspired by his personal style. Shot by Jonas Unger, the images see Tellier sporting a new collection of CDLP Home’s tailored-casual clothes (think dressed-up WFH attire or loungewear, a sign of the times). “There is a link between my new album Domesticated and the spirit of the campaign,” Tellier says. “It’s all about home life, someone stuck in a big house with nothing else to do.” Shot in Paris in July, the campaign and it’s at-home concept was totally in step with the musician’s approach to dressing. “It’s really my style because, in a way, I’m a really interior person,” he says. “I have my studio at home and I spend my life at home. But when I don’t wear good clothes, I feel bad.”
Below, the musician shares his thoughts on French guy style, what he wears to work and write music in, and finding creativity during the pandemic.
What do you usually wear to work from home?
I like to be classic at home, but also comfortable. When you write songs, you have to feel fresh. If you don’t feel fresh, you don’t feel like you have a job. I’ve been wearing pink Ralph Lauren Bermuda shorts almost every day. And I still like to wear a shirt. Not a T-shirt, but a shirt. If you wear a beautiful blue shirt, you can wear it with underwear, and then put on some pants to go out and buy a baguette. I love that, because one of the keys of happiness is the simplicity of your life. If you have a simple life, you have a good chance to be happy.
What does your wardrobe in general look like?
My wardrobe is a big salad. It’s a mix between precious pieces like Chanel tops or Dries Van Noten suits, and mixed with basic pieces like Levi’s 501s or Reebok shoes. I have a lot of sunglasses—around 300. It’s a big mess. When I travel to cities, I like to buy sunglasses; I don’t know why. I also love hats. I just did a capsule collection with Maison Michel.
You’re known for your classic French guy style. What do you think makes a French outfit?
In Paris, a lot of the guys have the same style. It’s a short beard, half-long hair, a dark velvet jacket, jeans, and a white T-shirt. Sometimes they wear a scarf.
How have you been staying creative and sane during the pandemic?
I’ve had to take care of my two kids—one is seven, and the other is three—and it was tough. It takes all my energy! The only thing I did for myself during this period was learn how to use Instagram. Now, I’m pretty good. I can post a picture with text. Maybe TikTok is next. I don’t understand why Instagram is more serious than TikTok. Why not do some funny videos sometimes?
Have you been working on any music?
When you’re a musician, you always work on music in a way. Sometimes I play piano in my living room, or I’ll go to the studio to record some goals. But I just released my new album, so I’ve been just doing music for the pleasure. For me, music is more like therapy. I just performed two songs on a French TV show, and it was a good sensation to be onstage.
What does the rest of your summer look like?
I’ll do some virtual performances without audiences. I’m also preparing for a real tour, because I’ll be on tour in February. And now, because I’m in between albums, it’s time to sell some synthesizers to buy some new synthesizers. Maybe some new guitars. It’s an exciting part of my life when I can change my gear.
