Your insider’s guide to Paris Fashion Week – Part One

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She studied womenswear and underwear design at Esmod Paris, and currently works as a production assistant for Issey Miyake. Now, she takes fashionistas behind-the-scenes at Paris Fashion Week for Localers Tours

Who better to take you through the wonderful (and wild) world of Paris Fashion Week? Today, we’re talking street style with Cordelia Houel. 

8463957644_2c75720cc8_n“My first experience [at Paris Fashion Week] was as a dresser for Ungaro,” she explains. “However, working on the Issey Miyake show has probably been most revelatory, just in terms of seeing what is really going on backstage.”

So what really does happen behind the scenes at Paris Fashion Week? Cordelia describes it as a “moment of high drama and spectacle”.

“What’s really interesting is that the catwalk show only lasts ten minutes. As you can imagine there is huge expectation. Six months of hard work is all over in ten minutes. For many designers those ten minutes are make or break moments. After that high adrenaline rush you really feel the blues.”

So, where can we catch the best street style?

“The Tuileries Gardens right by the Louvre… Most of the big labels show in the tents erected in these gardens. You can easily check out the PFW schedule online.”

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“If you come at the beginning of the shows you will see all the people who are attending, especially the big name stylists and journalists.”

“Sometimes, if you are lucky, you might get in to see a show.”

Who has the most exciting looks on the street?

HANNAH DUKE - Paris Fashion Week guide part 1 - My French Life - Ma Vie Française - www.MyFrenchLife.org

“I always look out for Marie Claire accessories stylist Taylor Tomasi Hill (above) – she’s an icon. Also the fashion journalist Anna Piaggi for her incredible look, before she passed away.

“Last year I saw Keira Knightley outside the Chanel show. I love her style. I think she really embodies the vintage look.

“I pay particular attention to the legion of fashion bloggers who come from all over the world. People like Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist, Garance Doré, Susie Bubble… You will see them outside the shows taking photographs of the well-clad invitees.”

Thanks, Cordelia, for sharing your insider tips with MaVieFrançaise® – discover more in part two and part three of our ultimate guide to Paris Fashion Week!

Image credits:
1. It’s a wrap, via News.com
2. Cordelia, courtesy Localers
3. PFW SS13 best looks, via The Telegraph
4. Taylor Tomasi Hill, via Citizen Couture

About the Contributor

Hannah Duke

“I’m a Melbourne-based journalist, editor, photographer, and blogger dreaming of la vie européenne. I love all things French except for the pigeons: film, food, literature, fashion, and I indulge in this passion as often as possible! Find me on Twitter, or Google+.”

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