A weekend in Paris is the quintessential getaway for the discerning style blogger. There is certainly a whimsical quality about its old streets, beautiful architecture and grand open spaces, which lends itself to romanticism, elegance and classical style. Who wouldn't go prancing around one of the prettiest cities in Europe, head to toe in one's finest vintage-esque attire, all the while Instagramming everything quaint and charming?
But for this fashion blogger, a weekend in Paris did not involve much in the way of exploring narrow streets and stately gardens, nor did it involve eating pastries and multicoloured macarons, or posing next to pretty cars and bicycles. Rather, this fashion blogger exhausted himself in the frenzy of Paris Fashion Week, photographing Vogue editors, catwalk models, and famous fashionistas.
Having never visited Paris before, the city astounded me from the very start. Over the rooftops, the spire of the Eiffel Tower dominated the cityscape in all its magnificence. But there was little time for sightseeing on Saturday morning, as I followed La Seine in search of my fellow photographers. I soon found them at the Grand Palais, awaiting the VIP guests for
Mugler. The sun beat down on us from a beautifully blue sky - an unexpected change of climate from the autumnal mood of England.
The rest of the weekend seemed to whip by in a blur, even though we lingered outside each show for no less than two hours at a time.
Acne,
Kenzo and
Céline drew the fashion elite in their designer resplendence, who were quickly ambushed by a firing squad of photographers.
Anna Dello Russo and Giovanna Battaglia of Vogue Japan were indisputably the people's champions, attracting more than fifty photographers outside
Céline. Peacocking is even greater at Paris Fashion Week, compared with London, although the sense of style is far more refined.
Eventually, the swollen crowds became a tad overwhelming for this young blogger, who thought there might still be time for some sightseeing after all. One pistachio ice cream and an Eiffel Tower later, I slumped aboard the return Eurostar, finally feeling the physical demands of such a fast-paced weekend. Yet despite my complete and utter exhaustion, I had come to understand what
David Nyanzi said to me outside the Grand Palais - once you get a taste for Paris Fashion Week, you always come back. See you soon, AW15.
