Our insiders love these Paris Fashion Week hot spots
New York, London, and Milan Fashion Weeks have gotten us excited about what Spring 2020 will offer, and Paris Fashion Week closes out Fashion Month with a French flourish. From September 23rd through the 30th, paparazzi and street-style photographers snapped their way across the City of Lights, as fashion’s elite took over France’s fashion capital. Once again, we checked in with buyers from our partner boutiques to find out which shows they were most eager to attend, as well as where they planned to sleep, eat, drink, party, and partake in Parisian culture. Here are the hot spots they recommend for Paris Fashion Week and beyond.
Don’t miss these designers
Mame Kurogouchi opened Paris Fashion Week, and luxury fashion mainstay Louis Vuitton closes it out. Between those two pillars, our insiders wondered whether Celine would succumb to nostalgia (and the clamorings of fashion it-girls) by bringing back the “old Celine” aesthetic or keep the momentum of newness going. They were also looking forward to discovering where Bruno Sialelli’s second ready-to-wear collection will take Lanvin, and how Virgil Abloh will make streetwear subversively sexy at Off-White. And they were keeping an eye out for John Galliano’s social commentary at Maison Margiela and Christian Dior’s first female designer, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s take on modern femininity.
Tu devrais dormir at these hotels
Sleep might be the last thing on your mind in a city like Paris, but catching a few winks is the only way to survive the frenzy of Fashion Week (or, really, any visit). Our insiders love the convenient location, decadent decor, and intimate feel of Hôtel La Belle Juliette. The afternoon tea there is not to be missed, with its divine scones (slather them with ‘conviette’ butter), elegant sandwiches and other tasty treats . They also enjoy the quaint luxury and historic feel of the Hôtel Bourg Tibourg, which is centrally located but still somehow feels like a chic Parisian hideaway (you’ll find plenty of reading on hand, and a cinema menu complete with room-service popcorn). Then there’s the recently renovated Hôtel Lutetia. Once a favorite among luminaries like Picasso and James Joyce, the historic hotel underwent a four-year, $234 million overhaul and now offers modern amenities and accommodations, while retaining classic touches from the hotel’s storied history. The only grand hotel on the Left Bank, it’s worthy of the legendary Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
Dine & drink at these insider favorites
Eat and drink, but make it “fashun,” right? If you’re wondering where to start your day, Mariage Frères is a popular option for breakfast, thanks to their immense selection of high-quality teas, and the historic Angelina café is admired for its gourmet pastries and mouth-watering hot chocolate. Enjoy lunch at Café de Flore and L’Avenue for celebrity spotting and charming French fare. At dinner time, try foodie favorite, Chez Janou (don’t miss the apple Tarte tatin), or enjoy the Rive Gauche feel and the duck thigh confit at Brasserie Lipp. Just looking for drinks? Go to La Palette for its history and artistic vibe or Hôtel Costes for its ambient music and couture feel.
Party like a Parisian at these Paris Fashion Week hot spots
After the show, it’s the afterparty—and after that, it’s the club. When you’re ready to leave your cares on the dance floor, head to Raspoutine to hear some of the best electro beat DJs spin, and go to La Bellevilloise to party with the indie crowd.
Whether you’re able to attend the shows at Paris Fashion Week, or you’re there in spirit, shop the best of Parisian fashion for less and have it delivered right to your door— from italist.
And if you’re planning on heading to Milan, check out our buyers’ insider hot spots for accommodations, dining, and hanging out.
Shop italist for up to 30% off on over 150,000 up-to-the-minute luxury fashions for women, men, and kids from leading brands like Golden Goose, Fendi, Gucci, Miu Miu, and many more—direct from Italy’s finest boutiques to your door.
By: Nafeesa Saboor
Nafeesa is the founder and editor of Shoes N Booze, a blog that pairs shoes with cocktails and provides shoe and cocktail-related tips, trend information, and reviews. Her writing has also been published in The Source Magazine, xoJane, Sisters from AARP and other publications.