A Weekend In Paris

Last weekend was Paris Fashion Week and I headed over to look at the fall collections and make selections for our stores. What adds to the excitement of seeing what’s new is how it’s merchandised in the showrooms, what the Parisian ladies are wearing, where they’re eating and what art galleries they’re visiting. So for this week’s post, I thought I’d share some of what I saw and ate in Paris…

My trips to Paris are always centered around visits to showrooms to see collections from new and existing designers that we carry at DIANI, or are looking to bring in. There is no better backdrop for fashion than the historic buildings and epic views of the city. I think I'm my most creative when I'm here and, I've been coming here since I was young, so it feel like home away from home. 

Bistrot des Tournelles is a retro stye French bistro located in the Marais district of Paris between Places des Vosges and Place de la Bastille. Traditional plates are prepared by Geoffroy Lalangella, the son of Neapolitan butchers who trained at the École Ferrandi. You can expect anything from a perfectly cooked sirloin steak and fries to eggplant millefeuille sprinkled with basil. They serve a selection of beautiful natural wines with a focus on the Beaujolais region. This place is a little gem to add to your list. 

When I was here last October, the Mark Rothko exhibit hadn't quite opened yet, so I have been patiently waiting to visit this time around. Covering three floors in the Louis Vuitton Fondation space, designed by Frank Gehry, it covers Rothko's journey from his birthplace in Latvia, to his immigration to the US, and his life as an abstract expressionist artist. Though he rejected the notion that he was a colorist, it's hard to escape, when looking at his paintings, that they are a master class in poetry of color. This is a must-see exhibit. 

I always try to visit Le Bon Marché, and though it's famous for the curation of designers, it's as much about their food hall which is over-the-top amazing! It has everything, and everything is on another level of great. I could write a whole post about this market, but I'll spare you and just drop these photos of a tiny part of their cheese department. Located on Rue de Sèvres in the Saint Germain des Prés district.

L'avant Comptoir du Marché is a wine bar located in the 6th arrondissement with charcuterie platters, small plates and the absolute best bread and butter served gratis with wine. The ambiance is casual and the staff help you select the perfect wine for your palette with unlimited tastings. This place is a must, every time I'm here and looking for something non-fussy and authentic. And, one of these days, I'm going to make them tell me how they make their butter taste so damn good. 

Big Love is a vegetarian restaurant offering French toast and pancakes for brunch and tasty pizza and pasta for dinner with the freshest of ingredients. The decor is part pantry, part intimate family style kitchen. Their pizzas are probably the best I've ever had, and I highly recommend their chocolate torte dessert which is served on a plate of cream. Located in the Marais district.  

Though it rained most days while I was here, there really is no bad day with all that this city offers. It's a feast for the eyes and a tonic for the soul. If you have some favorite spots in Paris, would love to hear about them. Drop a line in the comment section below. 

Sending lots of love,