A Comprehensive Guide Written by Essence Asamoah, Savannah Ennis, Marcella Kukulka, and Greta Putnam
Welcome to the start of an everlasting era. Lingerie has a rich history, for which its beginnings date all the way back to 3000 BC in Egypt. Various figurines from the time show people wearing simple undergarments such as white cloths, but these were not considered lingerie until the French began creating elaborate designs during the 1850s. In the Middle Ages, undergarments were very bulky and usually worn by nobility for the purpose of being modest. By the 16th century, undergarments such as a corset, chemise, and petticoat began to be designed in order to accentuate the female silhouette. Lingerie started to become more feminine and sexualized in the 18th century with the wider development and usage of fabrics like silk and lace. However, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that lingerie became what it is known as today: intimate women’s undergarments that are created for practical, sensual, and/or playful use (History of Lingerie).
When it comes to lingerie in the 21st century, there are endless boutiques, chains, and stores that display sexy and chic undergarments for the women of today. Fashion designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier have made women’s lingerie shake up the cat walks by adding a new and exciting appeal to undergarments for women (Kristina). From lace details to satin linings, designers have looked to vary lingerie trends by adding in fun details, bold straps, and looks. For example, many lingerie looks have been inspired by BDSM fetish clothing that is edgier, darker and dominatrix styled. When going into lingerie stores today, strappy black, pleather, studded bras are trendier looks found by consumers. Nevertheless, classic lingerie pieces with pastel colors, lace, and floral prints will always be timeless staples because modern women have always had a high demand for lingerie that is practical as well as sexy and sultry. “French women demand to be stylish in every layer of their outfit,” said Jenette Goldstein of Jenette Bras. They understand the significance of finding lingerie that is the perfect blend of seduction and practicality. And so, french designers must follow in suit, creating the perfect bra and panty sets that will help the modern French woman and absolute stunner. The French have always had a special influence on the lingerie business because it has been rooted in a unique, rich cultural heritage with designers who have superior trade expertise. Since the early 19th century, a craftsmanship has gone into the making of french lingerie, who just like haute couture designers need to have their workshops in France for proper certification (History | Heritage). On average, each french lingerie brand launches at least two collections per year, each comprising of about ten different lines with several different styles and colors of bras, panties, and bodysuits. The lingerie designers craft consists of designing and precisely adjusting the twenty to thirty pieces that make up a bra over an eighteen month period. The process of combining a multitude of fabrics from so many different suppliers - lace from Calais, embroidery from Saint Gall, tulle, ribbons, fasteners, cotton, silk, and cutting edge elastic fabric - make the creation process difficult and that much more important for designers to be certified in making a proper garment (History | Heritage). This close attention to detail is what makes the price of french lingerie so expensive! It is also important to remember that historically, the french have been at the forefront of innovation for lingerie. For example, the brand Barbara was one of the first to use the elastic lace that revolutionized bra straps. Aubade, one of the stores you will be visiting on your tour, was one of the first stores to start sexually liberating and empowering women with their adverts and sexy styles (History|1950). Chantelle and Passionata were other brands that first used 3D mesh on thermo-sensitive shells to adapt fit to each breast. Whatever the production type, the fitting of the lingerie must be perfect and the French saleswomen have always been adept in facilitating this step (History | Heritage). Instead of being left alone to browse the shop and try on bras by yourself, you might be surprised when saleswomen check up on you every few minutes, take a intellectual look at your décolletage and explain what unexpected changes need to be made. However the overall goal remains the same: the ability to charm both french and foreign clients and adapt to their needs and tastes (comfort, trendy, haute couture) is extremely important to keep french lingerie a staple in world fashion. The ability to appeal to different ranges of price points, different ages and different size points shows that the French want to satisfy the needs of individual women while respecting their differences and uniqueness (History | Heritage). When coming to Paris, you may expect to see the real life embodiment of the mythical Parisian woman (la Parisienne). This woman in all her glory is the perfect mixture of seduction, charm, playfulness and cunning. She is elegant, confident, graceful and alluring in every sense. La Parisienne can take many forms and you will see her all around the city. When traveling to Paris, many seek to understand this certain je ne sais quoi and some wish to learn to be as beautiful and effortlessly sensual as the women of Paris. How do they do it? Many women wonder. Well there are several key things that make Parisian women so mysteriously intoxicating. The first is a perfectly melodic accent, the second is fabulous DNA, and the third is an incredible collection of lingerie. Luckily for you, one of these things is fully attainable and available for sale at one of the essential Parisian boutiques we have compiled. We can't all be Parisian, but we can all feel a bit more mysterious and sensual with some of the beautiful pieces on underneath our sundresses. In order to help you along this journey, we have provided you with a detailed map to discover the wonders of the best French lingerie stores in Paris:
1. Un Amour de Lingerie
80 Rue Montmartre, 75002 Paris || Closest Metro: Sentier (Line 3) Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-7:30pm
Un Amour de Lingerie is a boutique lingerie shop with a diverse product offering despite its small size. Nestled on Rue Montmartre, a nice shopping street in the 2nd Arrondissement, Un Amour de Lingerie is a great place to stop and look at fun, modern lingerie.
The shop has a girly, casual atmosphere. The sales staff are friendly and inviting and will help you find exactly what you need. The shop is small but the selection is fairly diverse so taking advantage of the knowledgeable sales staff is the best way to find the perfect set for your style and shape. The shop caters to women of all shapes and sizes and they pride themselves on their ability to suit the needs of women from ages 20-50. Suitable for small and very large busted women alike, if you typically have trouble finding your size, Un Amour de Lingerie will likely have just what you need. They even carry a limited selection of swimsuits suitable for different body types with varying levels of support. While the styles carried in store change seasonally, lace trim and interesting patterns can be found consistently at Un Amour de Lingerie. The boutique seems to have something for every woman’s budget at a moderate to high price range of an average 72 euros per bra and 35 per panty. The store carries specific brands such as Simone Perele and Wacoal. Most of the brands carried are French but you may see some others lined up on the colorful racks. Although Un Amour de Lingerie carries a variety of fun yet classy prints and colors, their best selling set is a nude Simone Perele brand bra and matching panty which they carry in various sizes. This bra is perfect for warm weather months when fabrics get thinner and more transparent. Some of the signature pieces at Un Amour de Lingerie include the extremely supportive bra in pink pictured below and the beautiful pink floral lightly padded bra also pictured below. These pieces really demonstrate the diverse customer demographic to which Un Amour de Lingerie caters. Also shown is a classic set of black and nude
Directions to next stop: Walk north on Rue Montmartre and turn right onto Rue d’Aboukir (approx. 4 mins.)
2. Valege Lingerie
78 Rue d’Aboukir, 75002 Paris || Closest Metro: Sentier (Line 3) Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am-7:30pm
Valege is a chain brand of affordable lingerie products from France. Their products incorporate bright lace, with a range of different padding and shapes. Their products are extremely accessible but still maintain a certain level of French sophistication. Thought perhaps not as charming as the boutique stores, Valege has products that can suit a variety of styles for an affordable price.
Valege’s target market includes women ages 10-30 who have fun, flirty taste in lingerie. Their styles are not as simple and dainty as the ones available at Un Amour de Lingerie but the price point is too good to refuse. Valege bras run from 27 to 40 euros, making this a low priced brand. Valege products incorporate a lot of lace and the looks are very girly and fun. This store is perfect for a younger age demographic. Pictured below are two of Valege’s signature lace sets.
Directions to next stop: Take Line #8 from Strasbourg Saint-Denis three stops towards Pointe du Lac and exit at Saint-Sébastien - Froissart. This should take approximately 15 minutes (including walking).
3. Odile de Chagny
6 Rue du Pont aux Choux, 75003 Paris ||Closest Metro: Saint-Sébastien-Froissart(Ligne 8) Hours: Tue-Sat 2pm-7:30pm
Odile de Changy is a lingerie shop in the vintage quarter of Le Marais in Paris. Many of the designs of pieces in the store have a girly vintage vibe as the bras were made with intricate lace details and silk patterned lining. The store was set up in a similar fashion, as if it was Marie Antoinette’s powder room from the 18th century, with floral lace details and antique furniture lining the walls. The customer service in this store is amazing because the saleswomen are extremely friendly and helpful to foreign customers. If you ask, they will even offer to do an overview of past season collections which have been primarily bold in color and chic in silhouette.
In general, the price range of the lingerie was moderate to high with pieces ranging from 65 to 180 euros. Due to the higher price in garments, the average consumer would be about 30 to 40 years old, but it is also not uncommon to see older women who enjoy lingerie as much as the younger generations do. Besides the panty and bra sets that were on display, there was not a big range of products to choose from except for various slips and hosiery. One of the most impeccable pieces from the store was a little black lace bra that cost about 75 euros.
Directions to next stop: Walk east (towards Rue de Turenne) on Rue du Pont aux Choux and turn left onto Rue Vieille du Temple (approx. 4 mins).
4. Boutique Ysé Paris
117 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris ||Closest Metro: Saint-Sébastien-Froissart (Ligne 8) Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-7:30pm
Boutiqué Ysé is a small boutique next to the Musée National Picasso in Le Marais. Right near many local designers and concept boutique stores, Boutique Ysé is the perfect pit stop for any woman looking for the perfect two piece lingerie set on her day out in Paris. The location of the store also impacts the atmosphere of the store, as the light shining through from the outside intertwines with the setup of the store, illuminating the lingerie pieces against the store’s cream and light pastel color palette.
The customer service of this store is amazing - the saleswomen make their customers feel welcomed, comfortable and well informed on the variety of lingerie items within the boutique. In our experience, the saleswomen have always been very kind and friendly. Not quite as used to foot traffic because of its small size, the store has a set clientele list that orders from the store, making the relationship between the customers and salespeople very intimate. Boutique Ysé has a very Parisian style, rejecting padded bra designs in favor of lacey bras form-fitted to the breast. The lingerie also mirrored the atmosphere of the store with girly and sophisticated designs. For this reason, the target customer would be a middle-class woman from 15-35 years old. The spring and summer collections have lighter colors while their autumn and winter bras tend to be darker in color. If you come to the store in early June, late August, and mid-February, select items from previous seasons will be on sale for about 15-20% off. Usually, the lingerie items are of a low-moderate price, ranging from 45-85 euros for one piece of lingerie. The range of items within the boutique was quite limited due to it’s small size. Mostly bras and panty sets could be found, but there was also a small assortment of women’s sleepwear in the back (around 5-6 pieces).
One of the most stunning pieces was the red lingerie set featured below because of the lace detailing and vibrant (and classic) French color. The price of the lingerie set was very fair for the high quality of the garment- 58 euros for the panties and 68 euros for the bra.
Directions to next stop: Walk south (towards Rue du Perche) on Rue Vieille du Temple and turn left onto Rue du Roi de Sicile (approx. 10 minutes)
5. Doll House
24 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004 Paris || Closest Metro: Saint Paul (Line 1) Hours: Mon-Sat 1-8pm, Sun 2-8pm
Doll House is a unique lingerie shop that is located in the lower Marais near the Seine and north of Ile de la Cité. This one-of-a-kind store has a darker, sexier appeal to lingerie, unlike many of the other boutiques on this list. This boutique is interesting because there is a bit of a twist. Alongside the lingerie, you can find playful masks, bunny ears, lubricants, oils, and other bedroom toys. This boutique takes much pride in seeing the sexier, dominant side of lingerie. Almost every piece of lingerie was black (with the exception of some whites and neutrals), and almost everything was made of out straps and lace. Contributing to the atmosphere, the sales clerks are edgy dressing in all black, splattered with tattoos, and featuring a dark pin-up makeup look that was as edgy and sultry as the lingerie sold in the boutique.
The target customer would definitely be a younger woman (25-45), one who likes to have a little more fun in the bedroom while wearing her raunchy lingerie. The range of items in the store was wide. Down the 18+ stairwell to the basement, there is a range of sex toys, vibrators, and other adult toys for women that can be purchased in store. The price points were generally medium range, 35-55 euros for one piece of lingerie while some of the bodysuits were a little more pricey compared to everything else. One of the best sellers during the Spring/ Summer 2017 Collection was a tiny polka dot bralette that cost about 35 euros. There will always be classic shops that sell pastel colors and natural lace lingerie, so take a chance and visit this edgier boutique of the Lingerie spectrum while you are next in Paris.
Directions to next stop: Take Bus 96 from Rue Vieille du Temple - Mairie du 4e five stops towards Gare Montparnasse and exit at Saint-Germain - Odeon. Taking this bus route should take about 20 minutes (including walking). Conversely, it takes 30 minutes to walk across the Seine and pass by the Cathedrale Notre Dame or grab a bite to eat. Take Rue Vieille du Temple onto Ile de la Cité, Continue onto Rue Bernardins, turn right on Boulevard Saint-Germain, turn left onto Boulevard Saint-Germain/Carrefour de l'Odéon, turn left onto Rue de Condé, and turn right onto Rue Saint-Sulpice.
Ideas for Lunch Break
6. Emilia Cosi
20 Rue Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris || Closest Metro: Mabillon (Line 10) Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-7:30pm
Emilia Cosi is a multi-brand lingerie boutique that is situated in the Saint Germain des Prés quarter, an area in Paris that specialises in luxury shopping and restaurants. Open for the past eleven years, Emilia Cosi is made for the trendy, glamorous and ultra-refined woman, hosting a selection of the best lingerie and swimwear from couture designers such as La Perla, Chantal Thomass, Gianantonio Paladini and Andrès Sarda. The stores products are selected and switched out by its owner, Véronique, every few months to complement the changes of the seasons.
Situated on the Rive Gauche, the lingerie is less flashy and vulgar than on the Rive Droite. Emilia Cosi is more elegant and sensually sophisticated. Véronique, says that the difference between the two banks is like comparing New York and Miami, both cities have parties to offer but one hosts much classier. Decorated in airy pink colors and beautifully plumaged ceiling lights, the store has a boudoir theme that welcomes any lover of lingerie who can afford the steep price ranges. Bra and panty sets range from 150 to 400 euros, so the average customer is usually about 30 years of age or older. All customers can expect amazing service as Veronique and her assistant work in the store everyday and take personal care of their clients. For that reason, Véronique has a special relationship with her clients - most returning once or twice every year (locally or abroad) to get specially fitted lingerie, pyjamas, or swimwear. As one of the last standing authentic lingerie boutiques in Paris, Véronique warns that Americans might be apprehensive to buy from her selections. “I choose lingerie that is authentic to the vision of la parisienne” said Véronique. “Lots of lace, never any padding… it takes an outgoing and brave American woman to wear lingerie like the French.”
Directions to next stop: Walk east (toward Rue Mabillon) on Rue Saint-Sulpice (approx. 3 mins)
7. Aubade Paris St. Sulpice
4 Rue du Vieux Colombier, 75006 Paris || Closest Metro: Saint-Sulpice (Line 4) Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:30am-2pm, 3-7pm, Fri-Sat 10:30am-2pm, 3-7:30pm
Created in 1875 under a different name by Doctor Bernard, a health corset specialist, the Aubade brand was founded in 1958 when panties and girdles were essential elements of women’s lingerie collections. For decades, Aubade has been a pioneer in the french and international lingerie world. In 1960, Aubade was the first lingerie brand to make matching colored bras and panties. They also created the first strapless bras, halter bras, and the legendary front-hooking bra and G-string panty! Since then, they have continued to make lingerie collections that reflect fashion trends, changing seasons, and pop-culture. The brand is a savvy mix of seduction and technical expertise.
Since it’s inception, Aubade is a brand that represents the audacious, provocative and seductive woman. When you walk into the store, some of the most risqué pieces are on display, because there is no shame in the sexually liberated woman. Since the 1990s, Aubade has launched thousands of Lessons in Seduction, black and white photographs of lingerie models that accentuate a humorous seductive tip such as “Tell him the secret code: 34D” or “Spend the night together”. These lessons are a key aspect of the brand and are hung up on all the store walls. The brand dresses women for all occasions and includes lingerie, swimwear, and loungewear collections for a moderate-high price (items ranging from 60 to 200 euros). Most clients tend to be over 21 years of age because of the extreme sexual connotation of the brand which in 2013 launched the line “Boites à Desir”, a mischievous and sexy collection created specially for romantic games. With many lesser expensive lingerie stores popping up in Paris, the brand continues to show their authentic roots in french craftsmanship. Aubade manufactures all of it’s quality lace and embroidery within France while workshops assemble pieces together within Europe. The brand also collaborated with Christian LaCroix in Fall/Winter 2016 to create a haute-couture inspired theme for an affordable price. As for the Spring 2017 season, the most popular products have been Wild Audacity plunge, the Bahia Couture balconette, and the Rive Gauche Passion balconette (in nude/black) that convey this season's theme of la parisienne.
Directions to next stop: Walk west on Rue du Vieux Colombier (approx. 2 min)
8. Le Slip
20 Rue du Vieux Colombier, 75006 Paris || Closest Metro: Saint-Sulpice (Line 4) Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm
Founded in September of 2011, Le Slip Francais is a undergarment brand that primarily focuses on men and women’s underwear and accessories. Initially created to help drive social and environment change, the manufacturing of the garments and labels are made to encounter the best craftsmanship in France. For example, swimwear is made near Bordeaux, briefs are made in Saint-Antoine Cumond, boxers in Saint - Andre Lez Lille, and women’s lingerie in Aimargues. Other items that are commonly sold are slip-on shoes, socks, hats, sweaters, swimsuits and pyjamas.
Made for comfort, Le Slip Francais has undergarments that are more minimalistic with small detailing like logos or colored elastic bands. However, Le Slip Francais has also collaborated with several major brands and companies like Princesse Tam Tam, Claudie Pierlot, Agnes B, Balibaris, American Vintage and Citadium for more creative designs. As the seasons change, the textiles used for the lingerie change as well. For example, during the summer lighter cottons are used while knit-wools are used in the winters. Making big waves, the brand opened its third and newest boutique in the swanky Saint Germain neighborhood in May 2016. Joyful and optimistic, the sales staff are eager to help with any of your needs, despite the store being hyper organised and minimalistic. The walls are filled ceiling to floor with flat boxes of underwear and tiny display cases with each color and style. Super affordable for the young and old, individual items range from 15 to 50 euros with the most popular items being men’s boxers and briefs.
Directions to next stop: From Rue du Four, turn left onto Rue du Cherche-Midi.
9. Lise Charmel
7 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris || Closest Metro: Saint-Sulpice (Line 4) Hours: Mon 11am-7pm, Tue-Sat 10am-7pm
This store is located near Fifi Chachnil and is quite large with both an upstairs and downstairs. In addition to their huge collection of lingerie, they also have swimwear. It is perfect for customers who would like a lot of options with different colors and styles because they not only offer bras and panties, but also sleepwear, bodysuits, and hosiery.
Based on the style of the lingerie and the people shopping in the store, I would say that the target customer is between 35 and 60 years old. The lingerie had a more mature feel to it and the sales people seemed to relate more to the middle-aged women. Each piece is about 100 Euros or more depending on the details. Something I found quite interesting was the lingerie options they had with elaborate patterns. Even though the majority of lingerie styles were mature, these pieces could be mistaken as swimwear due to their bright colors and funky prints. I love the idea of having a lingerie shop targeted towards middle aged women with fun colors and patterns. This shop is a must-see due to its reasonably priced items, friendly salespeople, and a huge variety of both lingerie and swimwear.
Directions to next stop: Walk east from Rue de Sèvres and take a slight right onto Rue de Babylone (approx. 5 mins)
10. Implicité
4 Rue de Babylone, 75007 Paris || Closest Metro: Sèvres - Babylone (Line 10, 12) Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-7pm
This little lingerie shop can be found in more than 15 countries and offers the everyday woman sexy yet modern lingerie options. This store is very small which makes it easy to find exactly what you need. The women working at Implicité are extremely friendly and helpful with anything you may need, but they thankfully do not hover. The location is right by the metro stop and surrounded by other shops and places to eat.
If you are looking for a more scandalous piece of lingerie, this store may not be the perfect fit. They have very simple lingerie in a variety of colors. It is, however, extremely affordable with pieces ranging from 30 to 100 euros. They also have quite a few sales, making it accessible to everyone. Their target customer is 20 – 50 year olds. The lower prices cater to a younger demographic, but the styles are timeless. The bras and panties were sheer with interesting detailing on each. The ones that stood out the most were the bright red ones. However, each color had the same detail options. This store is perfect for someone who is just starting out their lingerie collection and wants multiple colors of the same simple pieces.
Directions to next stop: Turn left onto Boulevard Raspail, turn right onto Rue de la Chaise and turn right onto Rue de Grenelle (Approx. 5 mins)
11. Fifi Chachnil
34 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris || Closest Metro: Rue du Bac (Line 12)Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-7pm
This shop is located right around the corner from Implicite. It is perfect for those of you who love vintage clothing and lingerie. Not only that, but it is extremely aesthetically pleasing. The cute pink shop has beautiful light fixtures and mirrors, as well as, a variety of gorgeous items. The store itself is laid out in a very clean and simple way, allowing you to find everything you need easily.
The prices at this store are quite a bit more expensive than Implicite with bras priced just under 200 euros and bloomers at about 100 euros. This particular style of lingerie is for people who enjoy vintage looks and more of a pinup style. Even if you don’t love vintage lingerie, the nightgowns are simply fantastic. These are around 400 Euros, but are definitely worth it. The target consumer of this store could be anyone from 20 – 40 years old with a love for cute and feminine lingerie. I definitely recommend stopping by this store simply for its adorable aesthetic and sweet sales staff.
Directions to next stop: Walk south on Rue de Grenelle and turn left onto Rue des Saints-Pères (approx. 2 mins)
12. Sabbia Rosa
73 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris || Closest Metro: Saint-Sulpice (Line 4) Hours: 10am-7pm
Located on Rue des Saints-Pères right near the original atelier of Coco Chanel, Sabbia Rosa is the epitome of luxurious lingerie. The boutique is very small, but the products are so dreamy and incredibly well made that you simply can not help yourself but go inside to look.
The prices at Sabbia Rosa are incredibly steep but the products are made 100% in France with French silks and lace. A thong panty typically costs around 150 euros and a silk robe will cost around 700 euros. The price is steep but you can really see it reflected in the quality of the fabrics and craftsmanship. The silks are heavy and the lace is intricately detailed and perfectly set against the silk. Sabbia Rosa may be incredibly expensive compared to the other boutique shops on this itinerary but it sets itself apart with its uniquely french craftsmanship and custom made appeal. Thats right - Sabbia Rosa’s sets are custom made for the wearer. After receiving measurements, Sabbia Rosa will take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month to produce the pieces. Then customers return for a final fitting and leave feeling like a queen. The target customer is really varied for this brand. As long as you can afford it, women from all ages can find something unique at this beautiful little boutique. 20-30 year olds tend to buy the silk slips and camisoles and wear them out as dresses and tops while older customers (ranging even into their 80s) buy bra and panty sets and robes to add to their sophisticated bedroom attire. The shop is actually very popular amongst wealthy tourists from all over the world as well as Parisian women. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything it is definitely worth stopping by to see Sabbia Rosa’s beautiful, timeless designs. Sabbia Rosa’s products do not change by season. Rather, the house sticks to its classic cuts and swaps out fabrics for new and exciting prints. There are usually around 25 different print colors that are changed every 15 days. This really helps to ensure that each woman has something unique to them in fit and color. The prints are Sabbia Rosa’s best selling fabrics, but all of the designs are popular. Some women buy robes while others buy bras and panties and some come only for slip dresses. It is a complete mix and match and an eclectic mix for wealthy luxury lingerie lovers.
End of Tour
Total Travel Time: 1 h 25 min Total Shopping Time*: 6 h *Calculated by an average of 30 minutes spent in each store
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This year, the Spring/Summer 2017 trends seen on the runway have got people excited about an inherently upbeat season for fashion. From 1980s interpretations to the most saturated color palette, the runways were ablaze with joy, spirit, and spunk! One of the most noticeable trends from this runway season were super-bright colors. Pink played a very bold part in the fashion week schedules, displaying the most eclectic shades of this beautiful hue. Dresses, blouses, skirts and shoes were designed in 50 shades of pink vibrancy, with fuchsia, hot pink, and pink yarrow taking the lead. Youtube Video // A Fashion Pink is a color that has been historically associated with charm, sensitivity, tenderness, sweetness, romance and femininity. Pink was not a common color in fashion until the Rococo Period of the 18th Century, when pastel colors became very fashionable in all the courts of Europe. It was first popularized by Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XV of France, who had a particular tint of pink made for her by the Sevres Porcelain Factory. After making pink the leading fashion color in the Court of Versailles, artists began using the color in their portrait paintings of women. For example, the portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence of eleven-year-old Sarah Moulton wearing a white dress with a pink sash represented youth, innocence and tenderness. On the contrary, other paintings associated with eroticism and seduction included women wearing pinks that were combined with colors of violet and black. Throughout the 20th century, pinks became bolder, brighter and more assertive due to the invention of chemical dyes that did not fade when washed. The pioneer in the creation of the new wave of pinks was the surrealist Italian designer, Elsa Schiaparelli, who in 1931 made the color, shocking pink, which was a mix of magenta and white. This became her signature color. Several events throughout the 20th century gradually transitioned the color pink as a sexually differentiating color for girls and boys. In Nazi Germany, inmates of Nazi concentration camps who were accused of homosexuality were forced to wear a pink triangle patch, a color that was distinctly deemed non-masculine. The pink inaugural gown of Mamie Eisenhower in 1953 is also seen to be a key turning point to the association of pink as a color that “ladylike women wear”. Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy also made pink a high-fashion color in 1962 upon her first international visit to France for the famous unveiling of the Mona Lisa. Finally, by the 1960s, the majority of businesses were using pink as a way to distinguish girls and boys clothing, toys, and products. As of today, pink has been used to signify everything that is quintessentially girly. Most examples can be seen throughout young girl’s popular culture. For example, Barbie, the most famous of girl’s dolls, wears pink, drives a pink convertible, and lives in a pink dream house. Additionally, many Disney princesses such as Cinderella, Ariel, and Aurora have all appeared in pink gowns. At the same time, pink has also been used in political and social movements relating to femininity. As of 2008 various feminist groups and breast cancer awareness organizations have used the color pink to convey female empowerment. A key tactic of breast cancer charities it to promote men and women to wear pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness and research, an immune system disorder that mostly impacts women. With that being said, major sports teams (MLB, NFL, NBA) will wear pink hats, jerseys, and/or shoes during Breast Cancer Awareness Month or other days celebrating women such as Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day. Additionally, during the 2017 Women’s March on Washington, millions of men and women wore hot pink knit pussycat hats to show support for gender equality in America and all around the world. Below is an arrangement of images intended to show the particular connotations associated with pink in the 21st century. These images include flowers, makeup, food, accessories, brands and celebrities that have at one point or another been associated with different shades of pink. While raspberry and deep cherry dominated the Balenciaga, Céline and Valentino runways, candy colors like bubblegum and baby pink charmed at Fendi, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini and Chloé. Bottega Veneta, Jason Wu and Topshop Unique were among the other designers that also set pink as the color of the season. Samples of these looks have been taken from international magazines and publications such as Vogue, Vogue Paris, Cosmopolitan, Fashionisers, and Wardrobe Icons. Ranging from amaranth and bright pink, it is clear-cut that the designers most popular color trend was Pink Yarrow. It was also included on the Pantone Color Institute’s top list of trendy colors for spring/summer 2017. This close-to-magenta shade is nothing but powerful and luxurious. Leading the trend, Valentino created more than four monochromatic ensembles in this bold and rich shade while also featuring outfits with pale pink, blush, fuchsia and deep carmine. Balenciaga, on the other hand, paired his ensembles with other attention-grabbing colors such as purple spandex pants and sky blue gloves. Other brands to feature this shade were Hermès and Sportsmax. Pale Dogwood was a color trend that popped up in the Fashion Weeks of New York and London to Milan and Paris. This neutral muted pink conveyed pretty innocence and purity especially when used monochromatically from designers like Ermanno Scervino, Monique Lhuillier and Blumarine. Other designers such as Chanel, Christopher Kane and Custo Barcelona had many outfits with this shade as well. Apart from Pale Dogwood and Pink Yarrow acknowledged by the Pantone Color Institute as two leading pinks, tons of other pink shades were also featured on the runways. Interested in bubblegum pink? Check out the collections of Barbara Bui. Salmon pink? Cushnie et Ochs. For any other airs of femininity and breaths of sweet pink, check out the collections of Alexander Wang, Delpozo, Fendi and Michael Kors. You can find images here. Since the designers have aired their collections, there has been a rapid amount of work done by accessible-fashion brands to bring these trends to the mass market. In just a few months, the most popular 50 shades of pink have trickled down from the runways into affordable and budget stores such as J. Crew or Target. Below is a table comparing and contrasting different items of pink apparel in the mass market. Pink is a color that easily comes in and out of style because of its cultural connotations in the minds of consumers. For some, pink represents the negative gender stereotypes of a shallow and ditzy girl (take Elle Woods in the movie Legally Blonde) while for others, pink represents a vibrant celebration of femininity. Then again, some consumers like/dislike pink not for any gender connotations but just because of its actual color qualities. Luckily for designers, pink is a color trend that has received positive criticism from editors and trend reporters, and has seemed to stick with recent consumer preferences. As a final testament to show how pink has transcended from the haute-couture, luxury and ready-to-wear catwalks into the fast fashion industry, here is a selection of photographs showing the trend in Parisian streetwear. Works Cited Almassi, Hannah. "Spring/Summer 2017 Fashion Trends: The 7 Looks You Need to Know."Whowhatwear.com. Who What Wear UK, 30 May 2017. Web. 19 June 2017. Edwards, Jess. "These Are next Season's Style Trends You Need to Know."Cosmopolitan.com. Cosmopolitan, 27 Apr. 2017. Web. 19 June 2017. Hovhannisyan, Anush. "Spring/ Summer 2017 Color Trends." Fashionisers.com. Fashionisers, 01 Nov. 2016. Web. 19 June 2017. Neyt, Jennifer, and Eugénie Trochu. "Spring/Summer 2017 Trends." En.vogue.fr. Trans. Kate Matthams-Spencer. Vogue Paris, 10 Oct. 2016. Web. 19 June 2017. "Trend Report Summer Event Dressing - Ruffles and Pink." Wardrobeicons.com. Wardrobe ICONS, 2017. Web. 19 June 2017. After living in Paris for three and a half weeks, I thought it would be fun to look at ordinary things in a new way and see my new city in a different perspective. Thus, I went on a mission to spell PARIS by looking at architecture, nature, sculptures, and cafés in the city of Paris.
When I began this project, it was really strange to walk around the city looking for letters that technically don’t exist. I was trying to work systematically, looking for P’s then A’s all the way to S, but I realised that I must have been missing other letters that were in plain sight. So instead I decided to start looking up, down and all around - not looking for letters specifically but looking at the beautiful details of the city around me. While taking a walking tour in the town of Barbés, I found my letter P while standing next to a metro gate. This gate, which was blocking me from seeing an ugly subway station, caught my eye because of it’s intricate design of fleur-de-lis’ and curlicues. The P is symbolic of all the perplexity you can find in Paris, even if it is just a metal gate or steel doorway. I also found the letter I while in Barbés. As we were walking to the Square Léon park, we passed by this beautiful green fountain that was in the middle of a barren street. Barbés is a bit rundown so finding this fountain was a pleasant surprise and a reminder that even in it’s worst places, Paris has something beautiful hiding around every corner if you take the time to look. I found my letter A while visiting the Balenciaga, L’Oeuvre au Noir exhibit at the Musée Bourdelle on Saturday. The museum incorporated a collection of Cristobal Balenciaga’s black evening gowns displayed right next to Antoine Bourdelle sculptures in order to convey an understanding of how Balenciaga’s artistry exploited fabrics and embroideries to make outstanding structures. The sculpture by Bourdelle depicts a small child with giant wings, which I found to be both fantasy-like and empowering. Without even realizing it, I found my A when looking back at my pictures the next day. This picture is symbolic of all the incredible artwork and masterpieces that can be found in galleries around France. R and S were two photographs that I took while walking in Le Marais by my school. Even though I cropped my picture to feature the silhouette of the lamp post, I really was taking a picture of the building in the background. It had very interesting balconies which I found to be architecturally alluring. Even though it was taken aimlessly, I think R definitely symbolises that Paris is the city of light. No matter where you go, you can find the city shining with cafés, street lamps, and most obviously le Tour Eiffel. On the other hand, S was more purposeful. With this last image I really wanted to capture a piece of architecture to represent the amazing upkeep of Parisian architecture. It amazes me to know that there are buildings that are centuries old but look brand new (despite the obvious stylistic changes…). Paris is a remarkable city - one that brings its residents a sense of nostalgia and the capability to imagine themselves in a different era just by walking down its streets. Whether it’s the architectural excellence or famous pieces of art, Paris is a city that exudes magnificence no matter where you turn. First created in 2015 by two friends, Ilan and Jimmy, Atelier Beaurepaire (A.B.P.C.S.M) is a French ready-to-wear brand that specializes in bright, lively-patterned unisex clothing. Focusing on quality, originality, and great importance to detail, the retail brand has a selective distribution model that makes it’s unique designs hard to find. Selling most of it’s clothing online, Atelier Beaurepaire workshop in the Canal Saint Martin area of Paris usually turns into a pop-up shop during Paris Fashion Week each year. The brand is also exploring options of expanding, so you can find their merchandise at department stores like Citadium and Marché Noir du Compoir Général. The up-and-coming streetwear brand focuses on making basic unisex pieces (like bomber jackets, t-shirts, etc.) with an innovative patterning technique that works with wax. Assembling their clothing in Moroccan workshops, the two founders work with excellent craftsman to create the intricate wax designs on basic pieces of fabric. With a passion for traveling and discovery of other cultures, the founders take inspiration from their Dutch and Congolese roots for their urban and contemporary designs. Using Instagram and Facebook to communicate with it’s customers, Atelier Beaurepaire targets millennials who are “wildly creative, collective artists, and followers of differentiation”. The brand even seeks out collaborations with it’s followers, such as with young tattoo artist Jeykill from Bleu Noir. Knowing that its audience does not have a large budget, the brand states that it makes clothing of affordable prices, but one glance at the website would prove this controversial. Pants start at 95 euros and jackets range well above 200 euros. While I was at Citadium taking a look at their SS17 collection, I did think that their quality and craftsmanship was sublime. Most of the t-shirts are made out of thick cottons while the pants can be made out of linen or jean materials. While very vibrant, the patterns do not seem standoffish and the styling samples looked adequate for both men and women. Also, the cut of their garments is more narrow which helps with sizing between both genders (ie. a jacket size for men is narrower so that it is not baggy on women and vice versa for overalls or jeans). One of my favorite pieces from the collection was this “Maurice” bomber jacket with rhombus, triangle, and eye patterns. It is made out of Go Wax and has a soft navy blue ribbed collar, cuff, and hem. As not to disrupt the pattern, the two lower welt pockets blend right into the jacket. This jacket would match perfectly with jeans, chinos, and even a LBD for girls! Another piece that I loved was this “plain” white t-shirt with the A.B.P.C.S.M. logo, but surprisingly features a portrait of the Virgin Mary on the backside. This is a characteristic of street style - the flashing of logos and pop culture icons - that I think the brand designed effectively. I also think that this shirt wasn’t necessarily created for a political/religious statement but just for the aesthetic design, which is slightly uncommon in the street style universe. Overall, I really like this brand and I look forward to seeing more of their designs in the future.
If you're interested in seeing the brand in action, you can visit the A.B.P.C.S.M workshop everyday from 12 to 20 h at 28 rue Beaurepaire in the tenth arrondissement of Paris. Want to buy some clothing? Visit http://www.atelierbeaurepaire.com/! Also become apart of the #ABPCSMMOBB by following their brand on Instagram at @atelierbeaurepaire. For any other inquiries, email [email protected]. During our first weekend in Paris, our class took a trip to see an exhibition about the international singer and actress Dalida at the Palais Galliera. This exhibition payed homage to the late star with a display of her wardrobe which was just recently donated to the museum by her brother. Yolanda Cristina Gigliotti, better known as Dalida, was the definition of an international star. Born in Egypt to Italian parents, she spent most of her career in France, singing in French and acquired French citizenship in 1961. She performed and recorded her music in more than ten languages (Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Dutch, etc) and she ranks among the seven most popular singers of all time. Beginning in 1956 and ending her 30 year long career with her last album in 1986, Dalida committed suicide after struggling with clinical depression and multiple tragedies (all four of her husbands committed suicide). Curated to break the iconic image of Dalida as a tragic diva, the exhibit successfully shows how she used fashion to convey an image of herself that she wanted to offer to the public - that of a beautiful, fun and happy woman. An immense lover of fashion, Dalida, even from her beginnings, was dressed by some of the greatest designers of her time. Collaborating with designers like Loris Azzaro, Jacques Esterel and Yves Saint Laurent, Dalida created a jaw-dropping (literally) wardrobe for both on and off-stage with haute couture and ready-to-wear collections. Showing fans another side of the pop star’s life, this exhibit successfully displays how Dalida was an avid follower of fashion movements, but also used fashion to reflect her personal and artistic development through her career. I chose three pieces from the exhibition to exemplify her style and magnificent wardrobe during different points of her career. Floral day dress, Daphné, 1958 This first dress is from the first gallery room which featured outfits from 1957 to 1965 when Dalida wore town and stage outfits that could be used interchangeably. These pieces corresponded well with the time period, showing off Dalida’s young figure with a generous neckline, nipped-in waist and wide skirt. The perfect example of this silhouette is a floral day dress created by Daphné in 1958. It is printed cretonne with multicolored flowers on a white base. Lined with white tulle, the skirt flows away from the body creating a perfect hourglass shape. Dalida wore this on television programs such as “Et voici quelques airs” and for songs like Mes frères and Love in Portofino. The second dress I chose is from the second gallery room of the exhibit which featured outfits from 1966 to 1977 when Dalida started to assert her taste in clothing - splitting her town outfits and stage costumes. For her stage costumes, she chose to wear longer dresses, neutral colors, and add more embroidery and embellishments to her gowns. Created in 1973 by Pierre Balmain, this long, ivory silk evening dress was worn by Dalida both on television programs and during concerts. The beautiful “Ziberline” dress has braided embroidery of silver metal threads, white plastic beads and crystal rhinestones. Also featured in the second room were her town outfits which followed the trends of the 70s hippie movement and took inspiration from international fashion, for example, turning arab abayas into conservative walking tunics. The third outfit I chose is from the third, largest and most star striking room which displayed outfits from 1978 to 1987 when Dalida reached the height of her career. Despite being in her 50s, Dalida liked to show her sexuality, wearing flamboyant clothes sprinkled with rhinestones, fitting as tight as possible and showing a lot of skin. One example of this game-changing type of style is a flesh-colored stretch knit leotard designed by Michel Fresnay and embroidered by C. Vicaire in 1980. This nude ensemble is decorated with gold and silver tubes, copper sequins and gold fringes with transparent beads. When Dalida first wore this outfit at the Palais des Sports for the song Money Money many people were shocked because not many women were wearing such revealing clothes at this time. Her outfits became iconic - you could say she was the Madonna of her time - and were an influence for the wardrobe of later female musicians. Though smaller and less intricate, the fourth room exhibits Dalida’s designer accessories such as Christian Dior shoes and Lancer luggage. The fifth and final room features the outfits Dalida wore during her short career as an actress. I think one of the most important things I took away from the exhibit was that Dalida regarded fashion as a creative outlet, a form of self expression, a mask for her audiences, and a truly enjoyable past-time. She loved versatility; her wardrobe including extremely feminine pieces like a pastel pink cape made of feathers, sexual pieces like her leopard print stage bikini, and other outfits that were simply sophisticated. Fashion was an outlet that Dalida used to convey an image of what she aspired to be and now her wardrobe stands as a lasting glimpse into the nuances of her life. What is street style? The most common definition would be “a fashion that has not emerged from studios but from the people in major urban city centers”. When comparing a country like the United States to China, the differences in style might seem obvious, but what happens when we compare the fashions of two famous European cities? After spending a long-weekend in London, I have noticed a many subtle differences between the streets styles of men who live in Paris. Before going into what makes London and Parisian street style different, I want to talk about their similarities. In both cities, I noticed that men primarily compose their outfit out of basics. This can refer to the type of garment, like jeans and t-shirts, but also neutral fabric colors, like black, whites, grays and blues. Additionally, I think that both French and English men tend to wear less accessories (specifically: belts, watches, hats) while on the street as to keep their outfits from getting overly complicated. From there, the Parisians and Londoners are catapulted into different directions that distinguish their style from their cities but also as individuals. I chose two different photographs that I think perfectly exemplify men’s street style in London. The first picture features two men wearing very basic shirts and trousers, but they have made their looks unique by adding lively jackets and detailed shoes. Starting off simple, the man on the left wears a black button-down and black trousers but then grabs the attention of the whole street by wearing a silver plastic-sequined knee-length jacket with multi-colored spiky shoes. Similarly, the man on the right is wearing a white-button down shirt (with some type of orange accent) and black trousers, but plays up his look by wearing a floral and geometric embroidered jacket with silver snake accented oxfords. For both of these men, if you take away one or both of their accessories, the outfit is immediately just blah! Instead, the London man uses basics to create a canvas for something exciting. I think this way of dressing is also symbolic of the differences in the French and English identities. In France, people wish to blend into a crowd whereas Londoners are more willing to stand out and seek attention! London is also a city that is very upbeat and has a lot of outside influences from the international people who also live there. I think that the typical London man coordinates his style well with his city and he is not afraid to show off. The second picture I took for London street style is of this man who is wearing plain black trousers but has completely transformed his look just with his oversized t-shirt. The sweater-shirt has embroidery and beading on the mid-length sleeves, and features an amazing portrait of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus on the front. His black mules aren’t even that flashy, but the snake embroidery coordinates well with his top. This man definitely grabs attention from bystanders as he walks down the street and makes one wonder if and how he is using fashion to show his identity. After observing so many different people on the streets, I think the essence of being a trendy London man means that your style somehow looks effortless despite how ostentatious it might actually be. It’s a perfect balance between chic and laid back. As for the Parisians, I think street style tends to be a bit more feminine and a bit more formal. The outfits are still simple, but I think outfits tend to be more traditional in Paris and more modern in London. For example, this man was out shopping on a free day yet he still chose to wear a crisp white button-up, grey vest, and blue blazer paired with light grey slacks and mahogany oxfords. His lack of a belt and tie plus the mismatching of colors takes a modern twist on the traditional suit look. Another indicator of the differences between street style in Paris and London is the tailoring and fit of the clothing. In London, trousers tend to have wider legs paired with shirts and jackets that are more square/bigger in shape. In Paris, garments to be more fitted. For example, this man’s trousers are cropped and narrower as the garments nears the ankles. The Parisian man fits in well with his city - preferring more feminine, minimalistic, and sophisticated garments rather than the dichotomous lively and relaxed street style which is seen on men in London.
As fashion capitals of the world, I think Paris and London have had many similar trends but will always be inherently different because of the identity of the people and the characteristics of their cities. It is so interesting how two cities and cultures that seem very similar can have so many differences - but that is also what makes them special! As for street style, I would be interested to return to both these cities five, ten, or fifty years from now to see what has changed and why (political, social, environmental effects). One thing is for certain though: personal style, the trends paraded around cities and through different cultures are things that will never cease changing. Recently, our class took a weekend trip to see an exquisite fashion exhibit about Cristobal Balenciaga at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This exhibition examined the work and legacy of the influential Spanish couturier, with over 100 pieces crafted by himself, his protegés and contemporary fashion designers working to imitate and leave the same innovative tradition. Curated to help fashion-forward thinkers discover how his craftsmanship and exceptional designs shaped modern fashion, this exhibit successfully exemplifies why Balenciaga is known as “the master” by his contemporaries. The exhibit is divided into three separate sections of concentric circles. Firstly, the outer ring on the lower floor displays a complete overview of fashion from the 17th century until the present day. With an extensive collection of Balenciaga designs from the 1950s and 60s, the most central displays on the lower floor explore his craftsmanship, workrooms, and clients. Lastly, the upper floor looks at Balenciaga’s impact on fashion designers and the fashion industry as a whole - showcasing works and quotes from people with whom he worked closely and those who draw inspiration from his designs currently. Cristobal Balenciaga was born in 1895 in Getaria, in the Basque region of northern Spain. Introduced to fashion by his mother who was a seamstress, Balenciaga began working as a tailor’s apprentice at the age of 12. He then went on to train formally as a tailor in Madrid as a teenager. The exhibit was keen in pointing out the fact that Balenciaga was revered for his training. Unlike most couturiers, he was skilled in every stage of garment making: designing, cutting, tailoring, and dressmaking. Coco Chanel once referred to him as “the only couturier in the truest sense of the word, the others are simply fashion designers.” Balenciaga’s clothing is characterized by its sculptural quality, curious manipulation of textiles and dramatic use of color and texture. Three pieces in the exhibit, although not all made by him, truly exemplify his style and and outstanding creativity that helped break a rigid system. Throughout the 1950s, Balenciaga designed a series of extravagant evening dresses that were based on drapes and flounces. Made in 1954, this scarlet silk taffeta evening gown is one of the highlights of the exhibit. Special attention was attributed to the x-ray, which shows the intricacies of how the dress is structured. A sleeveless bodice with a plunging v-neckline, the dress has a simple appearance in the front with a straight narrow skirt and slit at the centre front hem. The back is composed of two triangular flounces that are wired and padded together by a bow to keep their bouffant shape. Lined with a few layers of chiffon, the dress fastens with a row of buttons on the backside. Exemplary of Balenciaga’s desire to create unique shapes with fabric, the garment is also reminiscent of the late 19th century bustles. Made first by sewing machine and then perfected by hand, this dress also exemplifies how Balenciaga began with fabrics and designed the garment around them. “It is the fabric that decides,” he said. In the latter part of his career, Balenciaga started to simplify the construction of his garments. They were made with few seams, minimal decoration, and calmer colors. This wool evening coat, modeled by Lisa Fonssagrives in 1950s French Vogue, is exemplary of one of his most innovative but simplest designs. The t-shaped kimono is manipulated into dramatic folds by an invisible ribbon which runs along the sleeves to hold the gathers in place. With front and back panels, the coat has no sides, drawing mass attention to the ruffled sleeves. Staples of modern wardrobes such as tunics and column dresses, owe a debt to this Balenciaga design. With a wide understanding of materials and how they behaved, Balenciaga encouraged experimentation of “the new” in his fashion house. Introducing this experimentation changed the highly traditional haute couture world, and made him an inspiration for other designers to push the limits on unusual materials, new technologies, and unorthodox manufacturing techniques. As the son of Balenciaga’s head seamstress in San Sebastian, Paco Rabanne worked closely with the master and quickly became a leader in the 1960s radical fashion experimentation movement. Using jewellery-making techniques, Rabanne made this evening mini-dress out of plastic paillettes with metal wire and nylon. This “chain mail” dress which was to be worn over a flesh-colored bodystocking - broke all the fashion rules. It was made famous by Baroness Helen Bachofen von Echt when she wore it to a party in New York where she danced with Frank Sinatra all night long. If you look closely, you can see there are missing paillettes near the bottom of the skirt, which is endearing to recognize that this garment has been worn and not just displayed in a showcase for decades. Organizationally speaking, the exhibition was excellent at providing an abundance of information about the designer and his legacy while also giving each garment an equal amount of importance (not overcrowding the showcases). The exhibit was even interactive, featuring a corner that let visitors create their own paper copy of a Balenciaga overcoat by giving directions for folds and cuts. I also really enjoyed the videos featured around the exhibit, one showing the Balenciaga design processes (pre-design, making, embellishing, etc) and another that featured modern designers speaking about his influence on their art. Most importantly, the exhibition was a wonderful glimpse into the magnificent impact Cristobal Balenciaga has made in the fashion world. By inspiring other designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Emanuel Ungaro and Hubert de Givenchy to explore creativity and hone their skills, Balenciaga has made his brand one of the most renowned in the world, and has contributed to the success of so many others. While the company has passed to many different creative directors (and wavered a bit) since his death in 1972, now under the ownership of the Kering group and headed by Demna Gvasalia, I hope that the luxury fashion house will return to it’s innovative roots and make a huge comeback. One of the most intriguing parts about fashion is its versatility. Two women could be wearing the same blouse, but their outfits could be entirely different. For those of us who are not skilled in making garments, personal styling can be one of the most rewarding experiences within the fashion industry. Going to the mall, curating an outfit, and then being able to wear your masterpiece feels very artistic in and of itself. Even more interesting is the fact that fashion can be used to express the truest form of yourself or it can be used as a mask to take on various personas. For Shaaz, elegance and practicality are important components of his everyday outfits. Comfort does not have to compromise poise. “I am more comfortable in a button-down shirt than I am in a hoodie. It’s the way it makes me feel.” Shaaz makes a great point about feeling confident in what you wear. We can all take note of the fact that fabrics and textures don’t make garments comfortable if the person inside of them feels insecure. Not specifically avoiding any trends, Shaaz says that you would rarely, if ever, find him wearing something feminine. Finding inspiration from the writers of Gentleman's Gazette, Shaaz's ideal outfit consists of a button-down, long trouser, leather shoes, and always his blue and silver Breitling Chronomat B01 watch. Wearing the accessory everyday, Shaaz says that all of it’s features (that show; altitude, temperature, timers) make him feel wise and informed. “This was one of my favorite gifts. It is classy and useful,” said Shaaz. When asked to create a shirt that he would wear, Shaaz said that it would be a well-fitted, extremely opaque white button-down with round turquoise buttons matched with silver cufflinks. “I am not very flamboyant with what I wear, I like being simple.” As a way to understand what type of items Shaaz dreams about, I asked him to tell me what five items he would buy if he had one million dollars to spend. Savvily Shaaz replied that he would want to buy items that would appreciate in value. “Definitely two Audemars Piguet watches,” said Shaaz. “...and maybe a gold bracelet with diamonds, a nice suit, and a vertu phone.” Enjoying simple day-to-day clothing, Shaaz likes to play things up with lavish accessories. For a young student, Shaaz's sense of style already embodies sophistication. While spending time with him on this dialogue program, I am excited to see what pieces he will buy while in Paris and if his taste will change or branch out and try something new!
Bienvenue à Paris! It has been just a few days since our program has started, but we have already done so much around the city! Since moving to our new city, we have already been to one class and on two museum tours. It has been a bit overwhelming to get organized, but the program is already so interesting. Orientation on Wednesday was full of tips and tricks on how to survive in the city of light and love. Although I have spent a lot of time in France, I really enjoyed the CEA discussion about cultural differences between Parisians and other nationalities around the world. I noticed three cultural aspects in particular about Paris that stick out to me. I have chosen three photos with the compositional elements of line, texture, and color to help explain my first impressions. Firstly, I have chosen a tree-lined garden to symbolize how Paris is alive and flourishing. After the dreary winter months have faded away, every Parisian is now out on the street, eating tartines at cafés and sunbathing on the banks of the Seine. The beautiful gardens of Paris not only symbolize the changing weather but the attitude of the Parisians and the abundance of things to do in the city. Savannah, Kelley, Tanya, and I have experienced this liveliness in our Tour Eiffel neighborhood - watching children run carelessly through the parks, attending live music venues, and socializing with locals in the train. Secondly, I have chosen a row of old books to symbolize the Parisian’s love for antiquity. While walking through the Palais Royal Gardens, our class saw many vintage couture shops that have many hidden treasures inside. Walk anywhere in the city and you can find a specialty shop for old items; just like the bookstore at Galerie Vero-Dodat or even a small key shop in Le Marais by our school. They say that the French don't like change, that they admire the past more than the present. I believe that this is the reason France is so stunning - you walk around feeling like you are in a modern city but are surrounded by engaging things from the past. Lastly, the photograph of a colorful “POP” sign is symbolic of Paris never failing to wow audiences - whether that be tourists or residents. You can experience this sensation by walking by the Eiffel Tower or just by biting into a buttery croissant. Paris is a wonderful city; the architecture is classic, the fashion is forward, and the music is enticing. Whether you have never been or have lived here for 50 years, Paris pops like no other city in the world!
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