Mastering the Flair of Gamine Fashion and Curating a Minimalist Wardrobe Collection
New Book from David Kibbe Offers Updated Style Tips for the Flamboyant Gamine
David Kibbe, the fashion expert who introduced the world to the Kibbe body type system in his 1987 book, Metamorphosis, is working on a new book with fresh style advice for those who identify as Flamboyant Gamines.
The Flamboyant Gamine is one of 13 body types in the Kibbe system, characterised by a compact, petite frame with sharp, angular features and a youthful, spirited appearance. This body type is often slightly boyish or boyish-edged, rather than soft or curvy.
For those who identify as Flamboyant Gamines, Kibbe suggests a capsule wardrobe that includes essential pieces such as a fitted striped shirt, a fitted ringer tee, a mock-neck sweater, a fitted turtleneck, a black leather mini skirt, ankle-length trousers, cropped, straight-leg jeans, a short blazer with sharp lapels, a cropped, slightly boxy jacket, Chelsea boots, white sneakers, loafers in a funky print, and a small, structured bag.
When it comes to makeup and hairstyles, Kibbe advises against pastels or watercolor blends, overly glittery or ornate looks, and overly severe cuts. Instead, a bold eye look and shiny, deep colors for the lips can create a flamboyant and stylish appearance. Short, tousled, or asymmetrical hairstyles and clear, vivid hair colors are also recommended.
In his book, Kibbe also identifies two other Gamine body types: the Soft Gamine and the Pure Gamine. The Soft Gamine has a slightly rounded hips and a larger bust that gives her a delicate hourglass shape, while the Pure Gamine has shorter arms and legs, making her appear shorter overall than the Flamboyant Gamine.
Some iconic Flamboyant Gamine celebrities include Audrey Hepburn, Julie Harris, Nastassja Kinski, Debbie Allen, Debra Winger, Tina Turner, Twiggy, Bonnie Franklin, Patti LuPone, Shari Belafonte, Shirley MacLaine, Kelly Osbourne, Penélope Cruz, Zooey Deschanel, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Zoë Kravitz, Kiernan Shipka, FKA Twigs, Julia Garner, and many more.
It's worth noting that Kibbe later removed the Pure Gamine and Classic body types from his system, as he believes no one will fall perfectly into these types. However, the test can help you make your decision, and if you feel like the Flamboyant Gamine style fits you best, go ahead and wear what you like, regardless of the test results.
In summary, a Flamboyant Gamine body type is marked by a compact frame combined with sharp, angular features and a dynamic, playful style that contrasts boyishness with elegance. Avoid overly ornate or unstructured pieces for a Flamboyant Gamine wardrobe, as they can make the wearer look immature. Take the Kibbe Body Type test to determine if you are a Flamboyant Gamine and start building your perfect capsule wardrobe today!
- To create a Flamboyant Gamine lifestyle, consider incorporating sharp, angular design elements within your home-and-garden decor, such as clean lines, geometric patterns, and bold colors.
- For fashion-and-beauty inspiration, explore how to adopt a simplified yet stylish approach, similar to the essential wardrobe pieces suggested by David Kibbe, and experiment with bold makeup looks and short, vivid hairstyles that complement this dynamic body type.
