As an Israeli stylist and fashion consultant living inParis, and a self-proclaimed Francophile, I am very happy for the opportunity to share my thoughts on Zvi's charming site, and to enrich us all with another historical and interesting aspect of Paris.
So especially for those readers who have already read my previous article regardingOutlets in Paris, and send questions and recommendations from personal experience to My Facebook pageI am posting the following article with great joy, sinceHistory of France, AndFashion history in general, are among my favorite topics, and I could write entire issues about them.
The following article is entirely dedicated to the maxims ofFrench culture (and Francophiles in particular) and touches on some of the city's most well-known neighborhoods. This article will shed light on the local Parisian fashion code. Also, if you're visiting the City of Lights soon, it's up to you to assimilate and look like the last of the Parisians with the help of some useful tips.
Jumping back in time
Paris' status as an international fashion capital is undisputed. But the history of France, and Paris in particular, suggests the need to establish fashion (style of clothing) as nothing less than a necessary tool in its development as a cultural and economic power.
In 1648, after the Thirty Years' War, France was establishing itself as the richest, largest, and most powerful power in Europe. As international trade recovered, the Bourbon monarch, Louis XIV, recognized the enormous potential of using fashion as a tool to project France's undisputed cultural supremacy.
Louis XIV He ruled his aristocrats with a strong hand through a long list of laws and cultural codes, among which was the obligation for those living in the palaces of Versailles to dress according to a fashion edict he dictated. Even then, the economic potential inherent in the import of fine silk fabrics, delicate embroideries, and gold and silver ornaments (and the artists who produce them) was recognized by the heads of state, who harnessed all of France's power to develop the fashion industry.
Paris – the ideal destination for innovation of that period, attracted businessmen and merchants from all over the world, who flocked to purchase and renew their fashion items and travel suits. These suits were tailored to measure, which reflected their economic and, above all, cultural status.
Rare in Paris: quiet air conditioning and unlimited hot water. First floor with elevator.
In the heart of the vibrant Jewish Quarter (and the falafel!), a studio equipped down to the last detail.
Near Parc Monceau and the Rue de Lévis market. Also suitable for Sabbath-keepers (mechanical entrance).
We have carefully filtered and selected dozens of additional recommended apartments in all the equal districts of Paris.
We have collected for you the most recommended hotels in Paris – from intimate boutiques to absolute luxury.
And back to the 21st century
In years when competitors such as Milan, London and New York are rising up for the coveted status as the “world fashion capital”, Paris remains the only capital that proudly carries the banner of high fashion creation (haute couture). And so in recent years, the City of Lights has been supported by 5 fashion weeks a year for women and men, and is also injecting street fashion into the market in a luxurious and minimalist version.
On the other hand, despite and despite the rich and turbulent history of the fashion industry in Paris, and with a soft touch I will bring up names like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent And Cristobal Balenciaga, there's something very different about the way modern Parisians approach fashion.
So despite the popular belief that everyone in Paris runs around in heels and couture dresses, sometimes it feels like the opposite is true: that ease and simplicity are the name of the game. Sometimes it seems that the local Parisian would prefer sneakers over heels and flaunt a luxurious bag that she would proudly carry with shorts and a T-shirt.
Every day – from a place of Kafrat Bashan deposits on a wicker chair in a random bistro in the heart of the city, over a cup of coffee and through dark sunglasses, I absorb the energy of the city. Staring at the passers-by, those swarms of people streaming through the streets are my main source of inspiration.
District 3: The Marais area
The 3rd District Bustling with life, young people and hipsters. Not only because of the shops that are packed to the brim with tourists, but mainly because most of the PR offices and management offices of big brands are located nearby.
During the day, and especially during lunch break, you will always come across particularly fashionable young people, who look as if they were just pulled out of a fashion magazine and sent out onto the street. And you can usually also get a glimpse of what will be worn next season, since those hyper-fashionable young people will not be caught dead with items that others can easily purchase in stores.
What to wear in the 3rd district?
A chic Parisian woman in the Marais district. Photographed by Zvi Hazanov
As with every spring-summer, brightly colored items (red, orange, yellow), striped items, and a wide variety of monochromatic items in beige, white, and black will flood the street shelves as a fashionable and accessible answer to the urban heat.
Most often, in the Marais area, one comes across feminine and romantic dresses worn with sneakers for women, or high-waisted pants and a simple white T-shirt for men.
Simple, sophisticated and relaxed.
6th arrondissement: Saint-Germain area
https://youtu.be/RNyBqg6NaGM
It's always nice to visit here.
The combination of a tourist area with a locality of a middle-to-upper economic class always yields creative results.
Mostly light button-down shirts, worn with tailored pants and quality leather shoes, something like Alain Dillon on a summer vacation in Saint-Tropez.
You can always try and fake it with less prestigious brands in terms of clothing, but expect desperate looks from locals if you decide to stop for a glass of wine at a local bistro in the evening, wearing flip-flops or sneakers.
What to wear in the Saint-Germain district?
Emphasize fabric compositions: Friendly fabrics such as linen, silk, cotton, muslin, and jersey will always work in your favor and are very suitable for the season.
Soft dresses or blouses, combined with linen pants or a tailored shirt (!) will always look fresh and effortless.
And in the evening, with a quick change to high-quality men's heeled sandals or moccasins, they will upgrade their look for a social gathering.
7th Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower area
https://youtu.be/ZX3U0ga6MKQ
As befits a wealthy neighborhood, here you can view the best of the latest Chanel and Dior collections.
The very clear segment of the affluent population boasts a dress code befitting its status. Here, in all seasons (even on pouring rain), women walk around in high heels, with meticulous hair and makeup, and sip coffee in a posh bistro with a Hermes handbag resting on a chair next to them.
What to wear in the 7th arrondissement:
As tourists during the day, which is convenient. However, if you planned to go out for dinner at one of the area's restaurants, neat and fashionable clothing is a must,
And it will even help you get faster service than a surly waiter. Women can flaunt it to their heart's content (as long as they're wearing heels), while men should wear a tailored jacket with pants or jeans, and quality shoes.
9th arrondissement: Pigalle area
https://youtu.be/yC46iyWItCQ
A bit reminiscent of Florentine in vibe, there is something very relaxed and non-binding about the almost sloppy and slightly vintage style of clothing.
Jeans and a T-shirt are the code that rules the streets, and even a great-grandmother's dress with sneakers and a canvas bag as a handbag.
What to wear in the Ninth District?
Whatever you want. It's all random. The area is very busy during the day and a bit crowded, and it always seems better to wear something comfortable over something fashionable.
Feel free to sit down for a coffee and a pastry with comfortable clothing that will accompany you through the tourist destinations concentrated there, and it is best to wear comfortable shoes because you are expected to climb a lot of stairs.
20th Arrondissement: Belleville Area
Traditionally, this is an area dominated by the working class, although in recent years it has been changing its complexion and presenting a night of wealthy families and young professionals who enjoy its proximity to the city center with more affordable living costs, alongside locals of African and Asian origin. The delicate and very special weave of trendy parents and children in sneakers, alongside African women with their uniquely dazzling and very refreshing traditional attire.
What to wear in the 20rd district?
Trendy and effective.
The cotton pants and polo shirt will definitely be relevant, and sneakers will always be appropriate for any social gathering during the day.
Feel free to wander through the local markets with a small shopping basket, and enjoy a very wide range of flavors, smells, and accents.
*Tiny tip: You can always soften a “masculine” button-down shirt worn with a skirt or pants by tying a small silk scarf around your neck, a motif that recurs in most seasons in Paris.
A few words about Nathan Evergreen
Nathan Evergreen is a stylist who runs fashion tours and personal styling tours in Paris. You can book these tours and get great tips on the hottest stores and deals in real time atHis Facebook page.
As far as I know, it's easier for men.
In winter, wear black with a scarf
In the summer, wear black with a scarf.
When someone asks you something, take a long breath out of your mouth, Pfft.
And you are Parisian
Hey deer
How are you?
Thank you for the lovely article, especially suitable for the first coffee on Saturday morning…
Unfortunately, this time too I'm missing you and leaving Paris a few days before your arrival. It's okay, I'm not discouraged and I'll keep following...
I wanted to comment that four of the exhibitions you advertise (for buying tickets) are no longer relevant. Not as a criticism, but to draw your attention, because your blog is always so perfect.
And by the way, the Mary Cassatt exhibition was one of the most amazing – a delight!
And most of all, I wanted to say a happy and blessed New Year, full of joy, health, and Frenchness.
Orit Shtiver
Hello Orit.
Thank you very much for the comment. I update this article more or less once a month and I still haven't had time to do it in September. When I do, I will put all the exhibitions that have ended in the archive.
In any case, I write the end date on each exhibition so that people can know in advance that it has already ended.
Best regards,
deer
Thanks for the fashion tour. A pleasure to write about.