25 Lessons in Effortlessly Cool Style from Fashion Icon Jane Birkin

Jane Birkin, the English-born, French-aspiring belle of the 1960's and 70's, was a model, actress, singer, muse, and mother—and undoubtedly, a style icon who continues to influence fashion today. The lithe brunette grew up in London with parents David Birkin, a Royal Navy lieutenant commander, and Judy Campbell, an English actress and singer. Birkin followed her mother's calling, and received her acting break in 1966 in the films Blowup and Kaleidoscope. Heartbroken after her first marriage to composer John Barry ended in divorce, Birkin made her way to Paris with their daughter Kate (and without knowing a word of French) and was cast in Slogan beside Serge Gainsbourg, who would become the love of her life.

Birkin, for whom the famous Hermès bag is named after meeting an executive on a plane and telling him she couldn't find the right carry-all, and Gainsbourg remained together for 13 years and had one daughter, Charlotte. The couple, who had a 20-year age difference and a sometimes dramatic and public relationship, left an indelible mark on the world of style that is tangible to this day. Despite finding the French bad boy arrogant upon first meeting him, Birkin would say, even after they separated and she went on to have her third child with Jacques Doillon, that Gainsbourg was the love of her life.

The openness with which has lives her life—with her lovers, her family, and her work—is also reflected in her fashion sense. Birkin's singular style—a bit tomboy yet graceful, and sometimes a little naughty—is instantly recognizable in women with that certain French air today (see: Leia Sfez). Read on to discover 25 timeless style moments from this incredible icon of cool.