Sigh.. Isn't the Arc De Triumph a fabulous view? I was walking around, looking for a cozy cafe to have breakfast, before hitting our schedules for Paris Fashion Week and couldn't resist to take this photo. The weather was so crisp and chilly. Just the right combination to start your day with a nice chocolat chaud. Moving on...
In addition to the designer showrooms we have visited, we also paid a visit to a couple of trade shows and exhibitions. I was surprised to see so many American buyers, all the American department stores reps attended.
We went to TRANOI, which is basically a luxury presentation and exhibition of high fashion and new talented designers. To access the exhibition you have to get the mini harmonica necklace (shown in the picture below) by registering with them. TRANOI was held in 3 different locations around Paris. We managed to go to two of them. It was packed with people and you can't finish it in one day. Not all brands shown there are worth viewing.
Vendome Luxury Trade Show was also held in different locations and personally, I think it carried the most refined collections of clothes and accessories. You'd need to get the yellow badge (shown on the below pic) to access the exhibition.
Another exhibition we attended was Première Classe, which is the most important trade show for stores buying shoes. It's a good place to get an overview of what's available for the season and the latest shoe trends.
Of course, after a long day of meeting designers and people in the fashion business, the "it" place to hang out at is Hotel Costes, located at rue St. Honore. It is the place to see and be seen by the trendy Paris Fashion Week crowd (we spotted British actor John Hurt leaving the hotel). We had a quick meal at the courtyard café, which had a very attractive setting. If you plan to dine there during fashion week, make sure to pick out the most stylish, yet understated outfit in your closet to wear.I miss Paris already! In my future posts, I'll try to briefly highlight the best restaurants and cafés to go to in Paris. Until then.. Au revoir.
Comments
:)
When I go on my habitual visit to Paris this summer I'll be sure to check out Costes.
Btw, didn't you go to any fashion shows (i.e. catwalks)?
im curious now as to what you have planned after all the visiting .. are you a buyer?
I'm planning on going to Paris/London/NYC fashion week as a buyer. Are those 3 the best showroom? And I should apply to attend online as a new buyer?
Also, what should I wear to Fashion week? Heels? Diamonds? Birkins & Loubs? Help me please!