The end of fashion week...

Like every year around the same period it was Fashion week in Paris this week. Some may find this industry a bit superficial, some may think fashion is as valuable an art as painting or singing, I personally quit wondering... And since it's one of our last successful industry, I tend to think that we're lucky Paris is still the Mecca of fashion for a lot of people ;-) Besides, it's a good occasion to visit some hidden parts of Paris, where exhibitions are being held, like this loft, in Le Marais, that I would never had seen if it weren't for fashion week! 

Fashion Week (again!)

If there is one specialty France has managed to keep alive it's fashion! What was initially a social class identification system has now become a huge industry. Of course we do have competitors, but still... France and Paris in particular is a passage obligé (mandatory place to be) when dealing with fashion (whether on the creative side or the business side). Some may find it superficial, but whether you like it or not you cannot deny it's a true art! Yesterday the Fall/Autumn 2014 season has started and it will last 9 days. I took this photo during a previous show, when, at the end, hairdressers and make up people get on stage to make a appearance.

Top hat!

I took this photo at rue des Rosiers, which the heart of the Jewish part of Le Marais (a must visit place if you like falafels and bagels!). I fell in love with this coat the minute I saw it, even though it's not exactly everyday wear! Besides since obviously the place (it's called Yoahm, after the name of the owner of this store) was closed, I don't know how much it costs. But i'll go back and ask! 

Fashion week, Paris

I'm not big on fashion; not that I don't look up to the talent of designers, but I'm just very foreign to this world. And though today, thanks to Ingrid Chua (aka "the bag hag"! that I met through PDP), I got to pay a visit to the showrooms of a few British designers. A fantastic moment. I took many photos of course (which you can see on the ParisDailyPhoto Youtube channel), including this one at Mary Katrantzou's showroom. One of the models was in a playing mood, so I played!

The largest fashion show in the world!

Like last year and the year before the Galeries Lafayette Department store organized a giant fashion show near their main store, at Boulevard Haussmann. The event would be pretty usual if it weren't for the 400 models that were all amateurs and selected prior to the event among 5 000 (to 8 000?) applicants. Great idea, great event and great place to take photos (see my selection in this little Animoto or view the complete video). Last, but not least, let also thank Samsung Electronics France fro inviting me to this show.

Return to the 40's

I came across these two young ladies in the 3rd arroundissement and for a moment I thought I was travelling in time! They really looked like they just came out of a movie from the 40's or something. I looked up on the web and there is apparently such a fashion trend (look at this article in Elle), but it's actually the first evidence I witnessed! I'm not sure it's really suitable for a sunny day, but who am I to judge? ;-)

J'adore Dior!

This is a pretty rare document: an original drawing by French designer Christian Dior that I photographed during my visit of the Plaza hotel. I thought of showing it today because Dior (the haute couture brand that now belongs to LVMH) is a lot in the news these days and not for a good reason... Why? because John Galliano, who is the current and talented designer of the brand was caught on a tape at a restaurant in Le Marais, having a racist rant (read the story and watch the video here if you're interested). Christian D must be rolling over in his grave...

Café Society

I went to another kind of fashion show today! A one that took place in the Jean-Jacques Henner museum (that I already mentioned here) in the 17th arrondissement... It was organized on the occasion of the release of a book by Thierry Coudert dedicated to the "Café Society". Café Society refers to a period that lasted between the 1920's and the mid 50's during which, rich aristocrats and heirs of all backgrounds would spend their money throwing large balls and giant feasts around the world - and in Paris in particular. They would also spend their money buying art, which explains their proximity with a lot of artists (including people like Doisneau for instance). Fascinating times... If you're interested Thierry Coudert's book Cafe Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920-1960 is also published in English.

Galeries Lafayette Fashion Show

I confess, sometimes I find it hard to post a photo a day on PDP; lack of inspiration, of luck (or is it talent?!), time... You name it. And sometimes I have photo opportunities that make me forget all this! Hence yesterday (Thursday), when I had the chance to attend a fashion show that the Galeries Lafayette organized right in front of their main store, at the back of the opera house (I also attended the rehearsal in the morning which was even more fun...). Did I mention it was not just any fashion show, but one made by 100% amateur models of all ages and looks. Brilliant idea. The result was stunning. See for yourself in the little Animotos, that I made for you on the occasion (the short version - the long version). Or the slideshow in the right column.

Paris Haka

Do you know what the Haka is? It's a ritual dance performed by the Maori people from New Zealand (find out more here) and by the All blacks (the New Zealand Rugby team) before matches. But it can also be performed  on special occasions, like to celebrate the opening of a store, like the one of Koko, a new Kiwi fashion store located in the 3rd arrondissement. Very impressive, and I'm not only talking about the Haka, but about the New Zealand fashion too! Check for yourself in this video clip from the NZ television.

Antoine & Lili in Le Marais

Weird encounter with a mannequin today! I found "her" at rue des Francs Bourgeois, in the Marais, just outside a pretty "in" women clothes brand store called "Antoine & Lili". I checked everywhere and I was totally unable to find out who hides behind this brand (they have 15 outlets in France and 6 in Paris, including a large one by the Quai de Valmy in the 10the arrondissement). All the stores are painted with a super bright color. Clever. And, by the way, they also have a  stunning website.

Bag dress! Euro Trash!

You like this suit? Don't you think the cape adds a cool note to it? Well, take a closer look (click in the photo, if you need a larger view)... Yes, this white silky material is... plastic from garbage bags! Don't go thinking it's the latest fashion in Paris, or that the crisis struck us so bad in France that we have no money left for clothing! It's just a cool idea people from Ikks (a French clothing store chain) had during the soldes (sales) period. More in the making of.

Farewell Monsieur Saint Laurent

Do I really need to remind you who Yves Saint Laurent was? For us, French, he's definitely part of our culture. He is also one of the most famous fashion designers in the world, one of the few that contributed to France's reputation for Haute Couture. He died on June 1st and will be buried a funeral service will be held today (Thursday) in Eglise Saint Roch, near the Louvre. I went to one of "his" stores, on Place Saint Sulpice to take a photo that would represent his talent best, but I finally found the shot I really wanted, in the Passage Verdeau - in a superb black and white photographs gallery...

Sooooooo Unique!

Do I really need to tell you who designed these shoes? No, I know, you all guessed Jean-Paul Gaultier (don't forget to pronounce the "L" in Gaultier, he's very picky about it!) did. Despite being a great designer (you may not like what he does, but you cannot deny he's got talent) he also happens to do other things. Hence his presence in Eurotrash, a program for the British Television (Channel 4) and soon, he's going to co-present the Eurovision song contest for the French television! Hilarious! BTW, these shoes cost 615 €. I know you would ask...

Paris wedding dress

It's been a while since I wanted to take a photo of this very beautiful wedding dress shop located boulevard Raspail. Tonight, on the way back from my office, I finally did. Looking up on the web, I found out that it belongs to a designer called Monique Germain, who, apparently has been in this business for over 30 years. Have a look at her website, I'm not an expert, but I'm sure she's very talented. BTW, thank you very much for your help on tomorrow's theme day. I have 24 more hours to make a decision...

Fashion star!

I rarely show people on this blog but this time I could not help it. I think this lady is perfect to illustrate La Semaine de la haute couture which just closed yesterday and which is a unique occasion for designers to show their work.. Of course this is not exactly a Haute Couture outfit (mind you, I'm not really an expert, but I don't think so...) but you can really feel the sense of fashion in this lady. And by the way, dear - female - viewers, if you want to see what you'll be wearing next fall/winter - 2008 -, here is a sneak preview ;)
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Jean-Paul Gaultier

During my visit to the Musée des Arts de la Mode (fashion art) located in the musée des Arts Décoratifs , I took advantage of having a drawing made of me by none other than fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier. You see my name? That proves it doesn’t it? Ok, well you’ll have to see for yourself, but hurry, this special exhibit celebrating the collaboration between this famous couturier and renowned choreographer Régine Chopinot is only running until 23 September 2007. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
PS: I am currently on vacation so I cannot reply to your comments. I'll read them when I return, on May 7.