Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE SHOW OF SHOWS
The Paris fashion haute coutureshows fall in late January for the spring/summer col-
lections and early July for autumn/winter ones. But most established couturiers
present a more affordable prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear) line, and many have aban-
doned haute couturealtogether. Prêt-à-porter shows are in late January and Septem-
ber. Shows are exclusive affairs, not open to the hoi polloi.
For alternative catwalk action, reserve a spot at the Friday-afternoon fashion show
(excluding January, February and August) at department store Galeries Lafayette, 9e.
Nostalgia & Recycling
Hipster 'purism' gives an approving nod to second-hand and recycling, while the desire in
less uber-trendy circles to have an original Hermès scarf or Chanel black dress never tires.
Vintage
Parisian women play safe with classic designs and monotones, jazzed up by a scarf (those
by Hermès, founded by a saddle-maker in 1837, are the most famous) or other simple ac-
cessory, hence the fervent nostalgia for the practical designs and modern simplicity of inter-
war designer Coco Chanel (1883-1971), celebrated creator of the 1920s' 'little black dress'.
Equal enthusiasm for pieces by Givenchy, Féraud and other designers from the 1950s hey-
day of Paris fashion contribute to the overwhelming demand today for vintage clothing.
Twice a year Parisian auction house Hôtel Drouot hosts
haute couture
auctions. Collector
Didier Ludot has sold the city's finest couture creations of yesteryear in his exclusive twin-
set of boutiques at Palais Royal since 1975: his legendary boutique, La Petite Robe Noir,
showcases little black dresses by designers from the 1920s to the 1990s.
Post-Vintage
Post-vintage fashion is about recycling. Art and fashion studio Andrea Crews, born between
new-millennium sex shops in Pigalle and now at home in Le Marais, was among the first to
reinvent grandpa's discarded shirts and daughter's has-beens into new hip garments.
