'Art de Vivre' award goes to Carine Roitfeld

As the former Paris Vogue Editor scooped up another prestigious accolade this week, we take a look at the cult surrounding the eternal chic, embodied by French women of all ages.

Her stint at French Vogue may have marked the pinnacle of her career, but Carine Roitfeld's latest baby, the widely followed CR Fashion Book, is keeping her on top of her game, as proves French Institute Alliance Française's recognition of Roitfeld's fashionable contribution to French culture.

Established in 2014, FIAF's Art de Vivre award commends visionary leaders from the food, wine, and fashion industries.

On collecting her award, the internationally acclaimed fashion icon paid tribute to her adopted country: “Americans help me celebrate my Frenchness. As an immigrant in New York, I have found a new life, a new inspiration, and a very loyal support.

Casual, effortless elegance, androgynous styling, undone hair, barely there makeup... French women seem to make anything look good whether it's supreme chic for that special occasion or off-duty urban style.

Anything but Anna Wintour, Roitfeld's iconic smoky eye makeup, sexy messed up hair and razor-sharp fashion wardrobe have been widely applauded and endlessly copied.

When it comes to putting French elegance on the map, Carine Roitfeld is of course, not alone.

Women the world over have been taking their style cues from Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve and stylish 1990s supermodel Inès de la Fressange who has published books on how to nail quintessential French chic. The well-heeled model carries off the casually styled bob, timeless skinny jeans and Chanel jacket or quilted handbag combo to perfection.

Chanel 'mother-and-daughter' muse duo Vanessa Paradis and half-French Lily-Rose Depp are up there with France's top trendsetters. With their boyish looks and taste for rock and hippy-inspired clothes and hairstyles, the pair have on-trend 1990s fashion down to a fine art.

Academy award-winning actress and face of Dior Marion Cotillard and influential Parisian style guru Caroline de Maigret. While the former's irreverent natural beauty and fashion moves (see Cotillard's jeans and t-shirt dress at Cannes) have won over Hollywood, the latter's directional easy boho chic and signature tousled hair are inspiring fashionistas from New York to Japan.

Meanwhile host of digital influencers are also furthering France's impressive style mileage.

Parisian model Louise Follain, for one, as well as fellow model Michaëla Thomsen and millennial fashion bloggers Anne-Laure Mais, behind the Adenorah blog -- whose holiday chic looks are currently a hit with the Insta-crowd.