Netflix’s hit show Emily in Paris is back on our screens with all its charms — hot people, great locations, delicious food, and amazing fashion. There’s no denying that the show is full of clichés, but it is also fun and dramatic so you can’t help but binge-watch every season as soon as it drops. Talking about fashion, Emily (played by Lily Collins) is the obvious star of the show with her colourful outfits, bold statement pieces, and patterned looks. But as the series has progressed, so too has the fashion game of the Parisian women of the show — especially that of Emily’s always-in-style boss Sylvie (played by Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu). Today, we’re discussing why Sylvie is the ultimate fashion icon of Emily in Paris.
In the show, Sylvie Grateau is a woman in her 50s running her own business. She’s smart, fearless, and bold, portraying classic French elegance with an edge. The perfect blend of sultry and sophisticated, her powerful approach to a minimalist style has captivated young viewers. Contrary to Emily’s extravagant approach to fashion, Sylvie’s style can be described as ‘very mindful, very demure’. Philippine herself is ageing like a fine wine, and her ‘Sylvie’ wardrobe is a true testament to classic French style and timeless designs.
Sorry Emily, but Sylvie is the ultimate fashion icon of Emily in Paris
We’re not starting a fashion war between Emily and Sylvie, but it’s impossible not to swoon over Sylvie’s outfits. In the first two seasons, Cooper had our undivided attention with her bold and eccentric choices, funky headgear, and head-turning prints. We could not help but root for the sweet American girl-next-door trying to survive in Paris without speaking the local language or understanding the culture.
On the other hand, Sylvie Grateau is her difficult-to-read, hard-to-please boss who is elegant, bold, and à la mode. She represents the best of Parisian fashion — classy and confident. While Emily is known for a playful mix of colours and patterns, Sylvie chooses a more understated palette. She goes for colours like black, grey, and neutrals with the occasional bold pop of colour and statement piece.
One of the major components of her subtle power dressing lies in the perfect tailoring of her clothing. From a sleek blazer to a stunning pencil skirt, every piece of her wardrobe fits perfectly. Her impeccable fashion sense reflects her powerful personality and no-nonsense approach to life. Her accessories are never overbearing nor loud; instead, they complement her ensembles and provide a delicate touch of elegance. She does not shy away from her femininity. Her tailored outfits often feature low necklines and thigh-high slits, but never cross the border of obscenity. It’s sensual but sophisticated. Sylvie exudes the French “je ne sais quoi” attitude, never seeking attention but always embracing it with style.
Here are our favourite looks of Sylvie from Emily in Paris
In episode 9 of season 4, Sylvie crashed Emily and Marcello’s date to ask for a meeting, covered head-to-toe in YSL. Her outfit was composed of the brand’s belted cotton-twill jumpsuit, matched with a canvas calfskin Manhattan shoulder bag.
Agence Grateau held a masquerade ball in episode 3 of the latest season and Sylvie chose to wear a sparkling black Maison Rabih Kayrouz gown from the designer’s 2023 spring collection.
In Season 3 episode 2, during Pierre Cadault’s JVMA collaboration announcement party, Sylvie and Madeline (Kate Walsh) had a couture crash where they both showed up in the same black gown from the Spring 2020 Haute Couture Collection by Stephane Rolland. However, Sylvie styled hers with a pair of Diamond Rain Fringe earrings by Tatiana Verstraeten and Valentino platform pumps.
In Season 3 episode 2, Sylvie is shown in a velvet blazer and pants in azalea fuchsia by Elle Saab. She layered the blazer on top of a reddish-orange shirt and carried a Multipass bag by Barbara Bui to match her shirt.
In season 3 episode 2, Sylvie becomes the new owner and CEO of Agence Grateau. To celebrate the occasion, she dresses up in a Nervi Milano gold bodysuit with a black wide-leg trouser. She accentuates the whole outfit with a Maison Boinet gold leather belt and also accessorised with a few rings and a sunglass.
