Paris Fashion Week is the last week of the hectic Fashion Month; a last chance for the world’s glitterati to congregate and relish in all things fashion. Although this season may prove to be a bit different to years past, Paris is still the world’s most beautiful city and what better time to go than when it is celebrating its most famous industry. DDW rounds up some of the city’s very best places to sleep, eat, drink and be seen:
Where to stay
There could be no better hotel in Paris to call home than the newly opened JK Place. The first location outside of Italy for the jetset’s favourite group of hotels (best recognised from their iconic vistas at JK Capri or their piazza-side aperitivi at JK Florence), JK Paris is a true gem nestled within in the chicest corner of the City of Lights.
Designed by the incredibly talented Italian architect Michele Bönan, the hotel oozes with the eclectic sophistication and timeless luxury its cult of international fans have come to expect from the brand. Delicately commandeering the stately Norwegian embassy in St-Germain-des-Prés, JK boasts 29 exceptionally decadent rooms, a Sisley Spa (one of only 2 in the city) with an indoor pool as well as Miky and Leticia Grendene’s famous Casa Tua Italian restaurant, imported from Miami.
As with their other properties, JK Paris naturally attracts fashion-conscious bon viveurs from all over the world year round. During PFW expect recognisable faces in Céline and Gucci lounging among the hotel’s masterful mix of classical lines, mid-century modern furniture and Asian and African objet d’art.
For those looking to nab the best reservations in Paris during PFW or find the best hideaway spots, ask for the legendarily charming hotel manager Riccardo Ortogni’s recommendation; his international address book is more impressive than even the most proficient socialites – ensuring you will be in great hands.
Address: 82 Rue de Lille, 75007
Where to take a break
Tea time may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to Paris but who could pass on treats made by master patisserie chef Yann Brys (named the Meilleur Ouvrier de France – ‘Master craftsman of France’ in 2011) and views of Le Marais’ most majestic square; the Place des Vosges.
Situated under the regal archways of the Parisienne landmark of the Cour de Vosges Hotel (a gorgeous new offering from Evok Hotels and once the home of Calvin Klein’s Parisian studio), diners can enjoy chef Brys’ traditional desserts and signature creations such as his award-winning lemon tart (a mouthwatering combination of sweet pastry and soft almond biscuit topped with lemon jam with a refreshing lime zest and smooth lemon yuzu cream meringue) and delectable raspberry fig pie.
Pair your pastry with one of the many loose leaf teas on offer or a (few) perfectly chilled flute (s) of Billecart-Salmon Champagne for the ultimate moment de repos in between shows.
Address: 19 Place des Vosges, 75004
Where to dine
The hardest thing to do in Paris may be deciding where to dine. With so many incredible options across the city, it can be an overwhelming decision to make. Although we highly encourage strolling the avenues and streets to find your own romantic restaurant bolt-holes, you cannot go wrong with these three incredible options:
Loulou
Loulou opened in Paris a few years ago and has made its mark known. With a regular crowd of cool kids and fashionistas, you are sure to run into the odd famous face or magazine editor here. Run by the infamous Paris Society group (the ultimate arbiters of “cool” in Paris) – the concept for the restaurant is centred around aesthetics, with crisp white lines by architect Jospeh Dirand paired with eclectic, richly designed interiors and whimsical artworks by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.
In the kitchen are two noteworthy chefs including Benoit Dargère (also at the helm of the group’s Monsieur Bleu restaurant) serving up easy, yet elegant southern cuisine reminiscent of sun-soaked days in the Riviera and accompanied by Italian chef Diego Compagno’s renown family-style Pugliese cuisine.
As if all that wasn’t enough to sway you – Loulou is located in the courtyard of the Louvre at the Decorative Arts Museum where it enjoys has majestic views of the Eiffel Tower. Reservations are hard to come by but are more than worth the wait.
Address: 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
L’Avenue
They say that getting a prime table on the terrace at L’Avenue during Paris Fashion Week says more about one’s social clout than anything else in life. The restaurant’s director Alexandre Denis is renown for his cuttingly restrictive policy on table allocation but once in, the food and atmosphere make it worth while.
Owned by Jean-Louis Costes (of Hôtel Costes fame) L’Avenue serves contemporary French fare paired with an impressive wine list and a cocktail list sure to be executed with perfection. The restaurant is a stalwart on the fashion calendar and PFW is its prime time so dress your best and make sure to book in advance.
Address: 41 Avenue Montaigne, 75008
Le Train Bleu
Only in Paris would such a majestic restaurant be hidden within a train station. Serene, grand and exceptionally Instagram-worthy this five star restaurant is hidden within the Gare de Lyon station and comprises 2 large bar areas and a spectacularly resplendent central dinning room.
Built in the Belle Epoque of the 1900’s Le Train Bleu features original paintings, chandeliers, gilt, floors, panelling, leather banquettes and furniture that will undoubtedly transport you back in time.
Address: Place Louis-Armand, 75012
Where to be seen
Hôtel Costes
If there was ever a place that would top the list of ‘cool places to be seen around the world’; it would be Hôtel Costes. The courtyard of this moody, dark and decadently designed hotel is iconic for regularly playing host to the best parties and the most iconic names and faces.
Everything from the smell (their candles are home design must-halves) to their drinks are the stuff of legend. Make sure to charm your way onto the courtyard for some of the best people watching PFW can offer.
Address: 7 Rue de Castiglione, 75001
Lapérouse
For those looking to escape the regular ‘fashion’ spots in exchange for something more private there’s always Lapérouse. A former 19th century aristocratic brothel complete with decadent wood panelled walls and original oxidised mirrors (many of which sport scratches made a century ago by ‘workers of the night ‘checking the validity of diamonds they were given for their services) this venue has lived many lives.
Last year it was relaunched by ‘nightlife king’ Benjamin Patou who set it upon himself to revitalise the 250 year old restaurant once frequented by luminaries such as Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Honoré de Balzac, Colette, Marcel Proust, Ernest Hemingway and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Book an upstairs private room for dinner or prop up the fabulously pink Lapérouse bar. With investors rumoured to include LVMH scion Antoine Arnault and his supermodel wife Natalia Vodianova you’re sure to be in great hands.
Address: 51 Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006
Le Bar at Plazza Athénée
The Plazza Athénée hotel is one of Paris’ ‘Grand Dames’, a legendary property on the impossibly stylish Avenue Montaigne and as one could expect from such a storied location, it has one of the best bars in town. Popular with the fashion set and American stars alike, this is the perfect place to grab a late-night drink whilst listening to some of the world’s best DJs.
Address: Hôtel Plazza Athénée, 25 Avenue Montaigne, 75008
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