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By Kristen Bateman

Fashion month is soon coming to a close, with Paris underway. Here, in the romantic City of Light, some of the most exciting brands (Chloè! Chanel! Balmain!) debut their new collections each season. Wondering where to stay and what to pack for the big event? We put together a guide just for you. Remember, Paris, especially in the springtime, is always a good idea.


What to Pack

Paris is all about high fashion, but here, the classics are valued, perhaps more than any other fashion capital. Let a button-down shirt dress be the base of your outfit, and for the perfect layering option, bring a leather jacket or two. Don’t forget a pair of statement sunglasses to punctuate any look. Lastly, get inspired by the city’s street style and pack plenty of statement bags–in shearling, bright colors and prints.

Button-down Shirt Dresses

Kiton Kiton linen dress.
Burberry Giovanna vintage-check shirtdress.
Lafayette 148 Organic cotton poplin shirtdress.
Etro Stamp-print silk shirtdress.
Isabel Marant Seen button-front striped shirtdress.

Leather Jackets

Akris Short leather jacket.
Miu Miu Napa leather coat.
Prada Leather biker jacket.
Dolce and Gabbana Hourglass leather coat.
Alexander McQueen Leather fit and flare biker jacket.

Statement Sunglasses

Valentino Cat-eye studded frames.
Balmain Wonder Boy square-frame sunglasses.

Bag Envy

Marni Faux fur tote bag.
Valentino Vsling mini crystal top-handle bag.
Gucci HA HA HA Jackie 1961 shoulder bag.
Roger Vivier Clutch Love Strass buckle micro-bag.
Bally B-Hook leather shoulder bag.

Where to Stay

Saint James Paris

If you’re looking for a non-traditional experience, head to the newly opened Saint James Paris. The cozy, chateau-like building was designed by Laura Gonzalez, and takes its inspiration from Parisian style over the decades. When you need to wind down, the Guerlain spa is unmatched.

Saint James Paris bar
The bar at Saint James Paris.

Cheval Blanc

Cheval Blanc, which opened in Paris in late 2021, is undoubtedly one of the most impressive luxury hotels in the city. Located just steps away from the Louvre, the hotel was designed by Peter Marino and pays tribute to the building’s Art Deco heritage. You might find it hard to leave the building with its multitude of amenities, including Chef Arnaud Donckele’s three Michelin starred Plèntitude, Dior Spa and one of the dreamiest pools we’ve ever seen.

A room view at Cheval Blanc in Paris
The view from Cheval Blanc.

Maison Proust

Stay in the magical Marais at Maison Proust, a recently opened hotel inspired by the French author, Marcel Proust. Jacques Garcia designed the stunning Belle Époque-style suites, and the rooms are filled to the brim with 19th-century paintings and thousands of vintage books. And don’t miss the Moroccan-style heated pool.

Bedroom at the Maison Proust hotel in Paris
A room at the Maison Proust hotel.

Where to Refuel

Le Cafè

Tucked away in the heart of Louis Vuitton’s brand new “LV Dream” exhibition is the cafe dreamt up by Pastry Chef Maxime Frédéric. Sip coffees and teas along with limited edition logo cakes and chocolates decorated with the brand’s motifs. Just make sure to book a ticket in advance to the exhibition (open until Nov. 16, 2023).

Interior of the LV Dream Café in Paris
Le Café, by pastry chef Maxime Frédéric.

Caviar Kaspia

It’s a fashion week staple for a reason, and you can’t go here on a busy night after the shows without seeing familiar faces (or a celeb or two). Order the signature caviar baked potato and Norwegian smoked salmon on a fresh blini.

Caviar service and brunch served at Caviar Kaspia
Caviar Kaspia has long been favored by the fashion set.

Cedric Grolet

For otherworldly croissants as well as inventive takes on French pastries, stop by Cedric Grolet next to the Opéra Garnier. Grolet, who is Le Meurice’s executive pastry chef, creates experimental pastries with beautiful fresh fruits that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious.

A selection of Cedric Grolet’s fresh fruit pastries
Cedric Grolet’s eponymous pâtisserie.

Clamato

Clamato feels like the kind of insider restaurant closely guarded by the effortlessly cool Parisian style- set. Michelin-starred chef Bertrand Grébaut and Théo Pourriat change the seafood-inspired menu daily. This cozy and hard to get into spot doesn’t accept reservations, so arrive early.

A dish of marinated sardines, mezcal jelly and sour cream at Clamato
A dish of marinated sardines, mezcal jelly and sour cream at Clamato.

Lapérouse

A favorite hotspot for fashion week brand dinners and the chicest afterparties, Lapérouse serves French haute-gastronomy in candlelit salons with different themes–each one more extreme and beautiful than the next. Fun fact: Serge Gainsbourg famously met Jane Birkin here.

A dish of marinated sardines, mezcal jelly and sour cream at Clamato
The bar at Lapérouse.

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