Catherine Ringer

Occupation lead singer of Les Rita Mitsouko

Age 50

Personal style grande dame

James Sherwood

Forgive me, Catherine, you're a lady who needs no introduction but let's bring 'les enfants' up to date. Les Rita Mitsouko were the leaders of the French New Romantic movement. You and your partner Fred Chichin are muses to Jean-Paul Gaultier; you've dabbled in soft- core porn movies; you have just set Parisian concert hall La Cigale on fire playing songs from your new album 'Variety'. We're honoured.

Catherine Ringer

You sound so English: really corny, non?

JS

I'm already regretting the big fanfare. What are you doing in London?

CR

Promoting the album, ['Variety' out now on Because Music], hanging out, dressing up.

JS

...or dressing down. Gaultier calls you inspiring and the pose is magnificent but the only theatrical piece I see you wearing is the top hat. Tell me about it.

CR

The hat is fabulous. It's blue tulle set on a cage of wire. That makes it light and easy to perform in.

JS

Do you perform in what you're wearing today?

CR

Sure I do. What you wear dictates how you perform. Killer heels and a Dior pencil skirt make me feel like a vamp. I do not have one style. I like to change with my moods. What I'm wearing today is casual and cute.

JS

Your wardrobe must be bipolar. From the waist down you look rather sedate and from the waist up cabaret. Who designed the stripe balloon sleeve crop jacket? I love it.

CR

Paul Smith; it's relatively subdued for me.

JS

The brooch isn't what I'd call subdued.

CR

No, it's 18th century. I bought it in Rome. My ring once had a black stone that's now lost. I like it because where there should be a precious stone there's now my precious skin.

JS

I admire a diva who dares to dress down for the cameras.

Want to look like a grande dame?

Striped jacket

[pound]165 by Tory Burch from www.net-aporter.com

Red suede shoes

[pound]180 by Chie Mihara, from Liberty 020 7734 1234

Hat

By Philip Treacy Couture 0207 730 3992

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