Although challenged in its supremacy for some years by the emergence of the New York scene, Paris still retains its preeminent position as the world capital of fashion. Firm evidence of this will be presented by the always vital Paris Fashion Week, taking place this year from February 27th to March 6th.
Historical influence
Paris is not only the capital of fashion, it is also that of luxury and has been so for several centuries. This is amply demonstrated by the city’s world-famous department stores and entire neighbourhoods dedicated to creativity. Depending on your tastes, you’ll want to visit the famous shops of the Place Vendôme or those of Faubourg Saint Honoré. The Sentier district welcomes creators of all styles. The shops and the workshops are nestled side by side and offer creations to suit all budgets. It’s a real journey of discovery in places located less than 5 minutes on foot from the Hotel Paris France and which lead you straight to the Centre Pompidou.
The far-famed department stores
Heralding a retail revolution that swept the city in the 19th century, the renowned department stores of Paris can still be found on the capital’s central boulevards. Their display windows are gorgeously decorated, and venturing inside is as much an immersion in history as it is a shopping experience. Your time in Paris will be incomplete without a visit to the famous Bon Marché, Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville (BHV), Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. The latter is also listed as a Monument Historique and, like the other establishments, has an entire floor dedicated to fashion and ready-to-wear.
Those prestigious fashion houses
In Paris, the prestigious houses of fashion are well-established, and sometimes situated in historic buildings. Hermés, Dior, Givenchy, Lanvin and Yves Saint-Laurent have their own boutiques in the most popular areas of Paris. Each store presents an opportunity to gaze in wonder at the design of the display windows and admire the lovely architecture of the exteriors. Then it’s time to step within…
Paris Fashion Week keeps the city buzzing
Twice each year, all of Paris pulses with excitement regarding the pending presentations of the spring-summer and autumn-winter collections. Catwalk parades are at the forefront and the city is featured heavily in some of the biggest fashion magazines. Once more the beautiful Grand Palais and its iconic glass roof will welcome designers from far and wide. Rumours are already rife about the collections to be unveiled. It is whispered that Jean Paul Gaultier will show wedding-themed couture to delight the whole of Paris. Even for the uninitiated, getting an invitation for Fashion Week offers a remarkable experience. The atmosphere is very special, and it all happens in a place steeped in history. Here, the world's greatest couturiers, visiting stars and some of the most influential journalists and editors from the world of fashion come together.