Fashion Girls Guide to Paris

Paris, often referred to as the "City of Lights," is a beacon of inspiration at every corner. It's almost impossible not to fall in love with its intoxicating charm and want to move there at the toss of a coin. You're enveloped in an aura of "je ne sais quoi" with every step you take, a trait that's undeniably Parisian.

While many tourists flock to the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame, I've got a different take on these iconic sights. They're worth a quick visit to check off the bucket list, but for an authentic and immersive experience, local recommendations are the way to go. Luckily, I've got a network of friends who've made Paris their home, and they graciously shared their list with me. After spending countless hours starring all these places on my Google map and creating shared spreadsheets (not ideally for visual people), I narrowed down the spots I wanted us to explore based on neighborhoods. As much as I like to leave room for spontaneous moments, when I am traveling, I like to know where I am going to spend my valuable time, energy, and money.

In the whirlwind of a week, my best friend Pia and I turned Paris inside out, discovering hidden gems all over the city, and many that weren't even on our list, but we casually stumbled upon. In this fashion-focused travel guide, you'll get the lowdown on places to shop, eat, see, and drink. Some you'll recognize, and ideally, some will be new to you. I hope this guide will inspire you as much as it has helped me recharge my creative batteries.

Alaïa Flagship Boutique: The exquisite interior architecture alone, designed by acclaimed artist Marc Newson, makes this a must-visit. Not to mention, seeing the collection up-close and personal is an incredible experience within itself.

Paco Rabanne on Monti Avenue: As one of my favorite brands, this boutique feels like a candy shop! It showcases the entire runway collection along with a wide selection of hard to find accessories. The sales associates are exceptionally cool and helpful!

The Broken Arm: This boutique offers a well-curated selection of brands, making it highly likely that if you appreciate one brand, you'll also appreciate the others they carry. I love their Wales Bonner, Ann Demeulemeester, Comme Des Garçons, and Prada curation! The sales people are sweet and unpretentious which is a breath of fresh air. Discover more here

Elevastor: A self-described interdisciplinary space, they carefully curate an ultra-edgy and exclusive selection of fashion, art, and design pieces that are difficult to find elsewhere. Their lineup includes notable brands like Ottolinger, Blumarine, La Manson, Hugo Kreit, MISBHV, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Rombaut. Discover more here

Tom Greyhound Paris: The ultimate destination for avant-garde multi-branded womenswear and menswear, meticulously curated with beloved brands we all know and cherish, such as Jil Sander, Loewe, JW Anderson, Courreges, Marni, and Dries Van Noten. It's impossible to leave the store empty handed because there's literally something for everyone. Discover more here

LouLou Studio: If you are looking to replenish your essentials with high quality classics this is the place for you! Founded in 2019 and crafted in Paris under the guidance of Creative Director Chloé Harrouche, Loulou Studio beautifully achieves a harmonious fusion of classic and contemporary elements. The collection embodies a delicate balance of contrast and precision, creating a truly remarkable aesthetic. Discover more here

Bimbo's Vintage Club: Located in the vibrant 11th Arrondissement, this shop is an absolute gem and my personal favorite vintage destination! Inspired by beloved icons like Carrie Bradshaw, Paris Hilton, Marilyn Monroe, and Fran Fine, the owner, Anna, is an absolute doll. I appreciate her exclusive focus on fashions from the 1980s to the 2000s. Anna meticulously curates every piece, giving priority to renowned labels such as Christian Lacroix, Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Cavalli, Moschino, Sonia Rykiel, Blumarine, and Emilio Pucci, just to name a few.

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Modes: With an extensive assortment of over 300 brands, the selection exudes an Italian sensibility - glamorous, sexy, and chic. The incredibly talented team of stylists will dress you from head to toe; this type of customer service is rare to find. They have over 9 physical stores and a robust online platform.

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Nuovo (Vintage): With a focus on the iconic Galliano years at Dior and Tom Ford's era at Gucci, the founder Lisa meticulously curates rare designer pieces and distinctive clothing from the 90s and 2000s. Although the price are on the higher side, you pay for what you get – many of the items I would consider as collectibles.

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Palais de Tokyo: If you have a passion for contemporary art and video art, a visit to this museum is an absolute must. It operates from 10am -10pm, offering the opportunity to explore even during the evening hours. If you happen to visit at night, don't miss the chance to take a stroll to the bridge in front of the museum, which provides a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower. Furthermore, the museum houses one of the most AMAZING bookstores I have ever come across, perfect for finding gifts, books, and office decorations.

Palais Galliera: formerly known as Musée Galliera, predominantly highlights fashion and fashion history. The current exhibition pays homage to the transformative year of 1997 when iconic designers such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Rei Kawakubo, and Ann Demeulemeester, to name a few, made indelible marks in fashion history and forever changed the landscape of the industry. Discover more here

Galerie Dior: Offering an immersive and profound experience, this gallery unveils the remarkable journey of Christian Dior's career and delves into the rich history of the atelier. The exhibition spans from the 1930s to the present day, providing a comprehensive insight into the evolution of the iconic brand. Moreover, it was incredible to see some of Galliano's works firsthand!

Galerie Kreo: Devoted to producing limited edition contemporary pieces exclusively for the gallery, created by the most renowned designers, this gallery is at the forefront of ultra-cutting-edge and provocative art.

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Azzedine Alaïa Foundation: Preserves the enduring legacy of Azzedine Alaïa, where you'll discover his creative process and gain a profound appreciation for his unparalleled contributions to the world of fashion.

Perrotin: This gallery is truly a hidden jewel near the Marais. This ultra-cool contemporary gallery features an amazing roster of artists, including Daniel Arsham, Takashi Murakami, and Cristina Banban. Set in a classic 'Haussmann' architectural designed building, it provides the perfect backdrop for some amazing photos. The highlight for me was the charming giftshop, which offers an array of knick-knacks from the artists they represent.

Foundation Louis Vuitton: Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum is currently featuring a vast collection of paintings and objects created by Basquiat and Andy Warhol! It's definitely a staple that's not to be missed.

Aux Prés Cyril Lignac: Experience the intimate and delectable French bistro, helmed by renowned celebrity chef Cyril Lignac. Nestled in a setting that exudes a hypnotic ambiance, this hidden gem offers an exceptional menu where you simply can't make a wrong choice. Moreover, they serve the most delicious espresso martini I have ever tasted.

Leperouse: Established in 1766, is a captivating time capsule of 18th-century elegance and allure. With its meticulously preserved decor and legendary status, this historic gem attracts famous personalities, providing an opportunity to get lost in the corridors and experience an intimate setting, all while indulging your taste buds with classic French cuisine.

Le Bon Saint Pourçain: Located in the Saint Germain des Prés district, this quaint restaurant radiates genuine Parisian charm and offers an inventive menu that beautifully combines traditional cuisine with a modern twist. While it's on the pricier end, reserving a table is essential.

Fréquence: Embodying a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere with a cool vibe, this spot serves inventive cocktails and yummy tapas. I appreciated the music and design of the space.

Hôtel Grand Amour: Located in the 10th Arrondissement, its all-day café/bistro is a prime spot for drinks. Drawing in locals and fashion insiders alike, it's definitely a venue for making an appearance.

Folderol: Savor a scoop of olive oil ice cream and a glass of natural wine to cool down. Despite its reputation as a trendy spot, I still think it's worth visiting if you're in the area.

Le Procope: Paris' oldest café, is a must-visit for history buffs. Offering traditional French cuisine with a hint of Italian, its richness lies in its historical significance and an impressive list of past patrons including Marie Antoinette, Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Napoleon. Reservations are a must.

xx,

Farnaz