Keith Girard
Kate Upton is so thoroughly American, of course, the French love her. She dominates the French edition of Elle magazine in an All-American fashion spread that includes hints of ’60s French sex kitten Brigitte Bardot.
The feature is titled “American Beauty,” and features the 20-year-old model in outfits the French would consider typically American.
Matt Jones photographed the 5-foot, 10-inch model in flannel shirts, denim shorts, oversized sweatshirts and those manly varsity jackets that look oh-so-sexy on girls.
Kate looks like she could be a high school bobby soxer, just what the French might think Americans should look like.
Kate Upton California Girl Sexiness
She wears Ralph Lauren, Majestic, A.P.C., Zadig & Voltaire, Topshop and Valentino among other designers.
This is a country, after all, that worshiped comedian Jerry Lewis and action star Sylvester Stallone, long after they were yesterday’s news in their home country. Both are solid American stereotypes, just like hamburgers and hotdogs.
Kate, on the other hand, is on the upside of her career arc. Like so many American icons, she’s getting more recognition on the continent overseas than she is in the United States.
The magazine raves about Kate’s California-girl wholesomeness, even though she was born in St. Joseph, Mich., and raised in Melbourne, Fla., where she learned to become an accomplished equestrian.
Upton, whose breakout came as aswimsuit model for Sports Illustrated, has begun making inroads into high fashion. She’s been embraced by U.S. Vogue Editor Anna Wintour and has appeared in Vogue editions in the United States and Italy, including the cover of the Nov. 2012 issue.
Check out her photos and be sure to follow TheImproper on Twitter for the latest fashion news.