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
Button-down Shirt Dresses
Leather Jackets
Statement Sunglasses
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
