Blogger Zahra Lyla and stylebop.com‘s fashion director Leila Yavari give us the insider low down from Paris Fashion Week spring/summer 2015.
The EW Insider: Zahra Lyla
“Paris is one of my favourite cities but during fashion week it really comes into its own. The streets are buzzing with the fashion elite, the street-style darlings strut their Louboutins down the pavements, models are seen taking cigarette breaks outside the venues in full hair and makeup, while tourists linger with their selfie sticks waiting to spot a celebrity. It’s no wonder I’m so excited to be in the City of Love.”
DAY ONE
10.00am
I jump on the metro to the Eurostar to pick up my photographer, Adam Lloyd Wilson, who will be documenting my outfits throughout the week. Because Paris makes a stunning backdrop, I’ve packed a month’s worth of outfits instead of a week’s. Adam has his work cut out for him.
DAY TWO
9.00am
Breakfast at Les Deux Magots one of my favourite spots.
10.30am
We head to the the river to shoot my outfit – leather Zara shorts, a lace-trimmed sweater from Sandro and a mini Furla cross-body bag.
DAY THREE
1.00pm
After a quick bite I make my way to the Valery Demure showroom to meet with the lovely sister duo behind accessories brand Lizzie Fortunato.
4.00pm
The Louvre for the Christian Dior show. The insanity outside is always fun to watch. I spot Marion Cotillard and Dakota Fanning. Meanwhile the international fashion bloggers are entertaining photographers with their crazy outfits.
5.30pm
It’s close to the golden hour so Adam and I shoot my look at the Tuileries Garden – a Frida Kahlo dress by Dubai designer Reemami.
DAY FOUR
8.00am
After only three hours sleep, I’m up and ready for my terrace shoot with Printemps. The spectacular view is a must-see for anyone visiting Paris. I pick out two outfits which include pieces by Peter Pilotto, Proenza Schouler and JW Anderson.
1.00pm
I take an Uber to the George V hotel – first to the the Madiyah Al Sharqi suite where I was blown away by her designs – and then to the Alessandra Rich showroom to see her spectacular gowns.
2.00pm
Off to the Roger Vivier presentation where my mental wishlist grew.
3.00pm
Accessory designers Nathalie Trad and Paula Mendoza are in a joint showroom which is music to my ears. It means less running around and being late!
DAY FIVE
9.00am
Another early morning wake up call but this time for the Kenzo show located in a random industrial area. I then shoot my day’s outfit with Adam – a pair of Alexander Wang culottes from Harvey Nichols-Dubai, an ASOS top, Gianvito Rossi heels and a Sophie Hulme bag, with Fendi glasses at hand to hide tired eyes.
11.00am
I make my way to the Maje presentation – totally Instagram-worthy with themed sections and a stunning fruit spread.
1.00pm
A quick outfit change before hitting the Chloé show. Walking in I catch up with the beautiful Caroline Issa. Outside I chat to the lovely Rachel Zoe before heading to Ralph’s for one of their delicious burgers.
DAY SIX
10.00am
Finally a lie in! A few emails later I make my way to the Sophia Webster presentation.
1.00pm
Next stop, the Grand Palais for the Giambattista Valli show, filled with stunning floral details.
3.00pm
I meet Bahrain-based designer Amal Al Mulla for a catch up at Cafe de Flore-definitely one to look out for.
7.00pm
Stuck in traffic for the 8pm Saint Laurent show, I change into flats and run to the metro. The pouring rain didn’t help but I was not missing that show. Soaking wet and breathless, I finally made it as they were closing the doors. Glamour, no, but totally worth it. Til next season, Paris!
The EW Insider: Leila Yavari
“I relish any time spent in Paris – it closes the month-long season of shows and, by this time, everyone’s ready to ditch the itinerant life for the comfort of their own beds! Paris’ artistry energises me, though and gives me the extra push I need to make it through the final leg.”
DAY ONE
11.00am
I check into my cosy, yer luxe room at the Hotel Costes and unpack – my PFW sanctuary.
9.00pm
An evening at La Belle Epoque, the new must for the fashion set.
DAY TWO
10.30am
Even the silver servicewear is beautiful at Simone Rochas’ Paris showroom. I love her furry leather sliders. Visiting this rising star was such a treat.
2.00pm
Bump into chic Parisienne Caroline de Maigret striking a pose on her scooter. One of the coolest women in the city.
DAY THREE
6.00am
I glimpse the white-coated Margiela design team before the show. Their clinical dress was the perfect foil to the opulent setting.
DAY FOUR
6.00pm
Amazing lace crochet detail on look 20 at Elie Saab – red carpet dressing at its finest.
DAY FIVE
4.30pm
Look 64 from Valentino, undeniably the best show of the week.
