There are those unspoken countries and icons you must visit when travelling, and inoubliable France is one of them. Known as one of the most romantic cities in the world, French culture is generally synonymous with croissants, coffee, kisses and art, and So Frenchy So Chic have managed to tap into that but draw out so much more.
The annual event is hosted at the remarkable Werribee Park Mansion, the perfect setting for SFSC with the lawn speckled by flower crowns and navy striped parasols amongst the backdrop of 19th-century architecture.
This year was another big turnout, the cloudless sky and warm weather drawing out the crowds in droves. Once you set up your picnic blanket, you’re free to roam around the grounds themselves to see what the stalls and food vendors were offering. Notably, there was a Maille mustard van and stalls that sold flower crowns and SFSC merchandise.
Fruity and fresh cocktails were on offer as well as the glamorously overpriced champagne ice pops. There was also a ice-cream brioche to indulge in, and with the sun beating down – it was a popular choice.
Just after noon was when the first act, Sophie Maurin, took to the stage – a breathe of French air, her quirky singing bringing out even the tiniest of hip sways in most people.
If you were lucky to grab a shady umbrella in front of the stage, you would have also seen the funky-folk musician Bertrand Belin, who presented a mixed beat overlaid with his smooth timbre. He paved way for 60’s pop rock band The Liminanas, who had a solid crowd of dancers , jumping shoeless before the stage to this psychedelically cool six-piece. Deluxe won costume of the night (with the energy to match) as they ran around the stage wearing red leggings, moustache pants and glitzy additions. As for Nouvelle Vague, vocally they were something to be seen, with a special guest vocalist also taking to the stage, donned in a leopard print dress and oozing 50s charm. But So Frenchy So Chic is about much more than the music, it’s about celebrating and bringing a culture together in one of the region’s most iconic locations. Jusqu’à l’année prochaine!
Werribee Park Mansion, January 15
Reviewed and photographed by Caitlin Haddad, Amanda Sherring & Talia Rinaldo
