Ahh Paris - the city of love, lights and fashion.
I headed over for a business conference and tacked on a few days of much needed vacay. Admittedly I flew in just after PWF but I assure you that you don't need to head there for an annual fashion parade to appreciate international trends and couture, the streets of Paris are as good a runway as any to observe style and for the French (at least in the Marais district) an ordinary day is reason enough to step out in your finest. It wasn't my first time in Paris but it was definitely my longest stay and crazily enough shopping was not my number one priority, which, for the record was really not such a bad thing as the Parisians were battling the bitter beginning of their winter and I am in no need of any more trenches, knits or other winter attire. On that note, apart from the prevalence of capes, I felt like I had stepped back in time as the winter collections were all too familiar of the leather, man styled blazers and ankle length trenches we saw in Sydney months ago (aha! So we can't be that behind on international trends now can we).
I must say I have such conflicting sentiments about the Parisians, we've all heard about the not so glowing feedback of the Parisian tourist treatment, but I think here is the first error - you see the Parisian let's call it disposition is not reserved for tourists and foreigners alone, no no mon amis, it struck me on this visit that the city dwellers are just as dismissive, haughty and at times downright discourteous to their fellow urban citizens. I'm talking disapproving looks, deliberately keeping patrons waiting, protesting at one encroaching upon the other's personal space, impatience toward customers --- the whole suite of odd and hostile mannerisms are exchanged indiscriminately. And yes, that is supposed to make all of you frequenters of Paris a little more settled about the Parisian disposition. And for every bizarre and hostile Parisian you'll be sure to meet a perfectly pleasant and welcoming one.
As for conflicting sentiments, as baffled as I am about the cultural differences I am always so intrigued and in adoration of the Parisian women. It cannot be doubted that there is an air of unspoken elegance to the way they carry themselves. I can't put my finger on what it is in particular that makes the women so effortlessly sophisticated but I have brainstormed a very serious list of common characteristics:
1. Hair: Always looks freshly shampooed ( I know that reads weird but you can see clean) and has more of a "naturally-imperfect" arrangement rather than "strand-not-out-of-place-perfect" look.
2. Expression: Dis-interested bordering on absent-mindedness and occasionally on a good day a slight smirk may escape the lips.
3. Skin: FLAWLESS.
4. Makeup: minimal and nude (not J-Lo nude) and FIERCE eyebrows
5. Attire: apparently Parisians are pretty frugal so it seems they are all about those very few expensive staples with affordable details (or vice versa). I also struggled to see many wearing anything beyond neutrals - totes expected.
6. Speaking: Minimal moving of the mouth when talking, volume turned down, usually sound unimpressed about something (probably everything).
7. Mentality (easily my favourite one): Very liberal, unconcerned with typical "life goals" as preached by western ideals such that "perfect marriage" "perfect career" or even "perfect home" are more likely to be replaced by "passion comes first" "the intellectual pursuit" and "independence" (even if the only way to afford it is in a shit-box in the 18th arrondissement)
Apart from making widely unsubstantiated generalisations I have massively digressed from the key point of this post - and that is the sweet little montage of my blissful little getaway to the city of love.
Enjoy!
CM x
