What I Learned in Paris
Have you ever heard the story of why Paris is called the City of Love? Yes? Well you can skip ahead smarty-pants! The rest of you, well… It’s because in the 1800’s, Napoleon Bonaparte erected thousands of the iconic French street lamps that we see all around the city today. Paris was the first place in the whole world to have electric street lamps where before, only the rich could illuminate their way by hiring a slave to hold a burning oil lamp in front of them. Because of the light flooding the streets, Paris became thought of as the safest city in the world causing actresses, singers and dancers to flock over. The over exposure of beautiful women in such a small place (think the LA of the 1800’s) quickly peaked the interest of many wealthy men who would fly to Paris quite frequently, in order to meet with their lovers (leaving their wives at home of course).
The women were so beautiful that men would drape them in diamonds, pearls and regal clothes to show their love. The more beautiful or desired the woman, the “wealthier” she became. Back in these days, men showed their wealth by dressing their significant other in the best that money could buy as luxury fashion divided the classes.
This all changed with the revolution of Gabriella “Coco” Chanel. A brief history of Chanel: When she was a young girl, her Mother died and her Father abandoned Gabrielle and her sister in a French convent where she would spend the rest of her young life. Upon leaving, she became a penniless seamstress, had many lovers and controversially began walking around freely in pants. Chanel drove herself around without the assistance of a man and most importantly, founded CHANEL in 1909. Chanel built the multi-million dollar company from nothing, living off her own money instead of her family’s or husband’s. This was simply unheard of at the time.
While I was in Paris, I had the pleasure of visiting the Ritz Hotel where Gabriella Chanel lived for 34 years of her life. The iconic and original Chanel building was only a few blocks away! Thanks to this icon, French women felt free to dress comfortably, while still maintaining their elegant aura, believing they could do anything that a man could.
CHANEL is by no means the only or oldest French Luxury Fashion house, Hermes was founded in 1837 and Louis Vuitton in 1854. Later came Christian Dior in December of 1946 and between 1950-1961 arose Givenchy, Chloe and Yves Saint Laurent.
When I was in Paris, I was fortunate enough to take a Summer Course at the Top 7th Fashion School in the world - Instituto Marangoni Paris titled Fashion Luxury à la française, The Business of Fashion and Luxury in France. What fascinated me about each Fashion House was the story or “brand identity” that is associated with each label. You don’t fall in love with a Hermes Birkin Bag, you fall in love with the quality of the leather, the iconic colour of the bag, the way it makes you feel sophisticated and the status that comes with carrying the unattainable accessory. We learnt that people want what is exclusive and you don’t get much more exclusive than the Hermes Birkin; which has an infamous waiting list and can cost you anywhere between $10,000 - $80,000.
Time to Mythbust.
After my trip, I can safely say that the stereotype of the French being... how do I put this delicately…? Assholes? Is a complete myth! If you say “Bonjour, parlez-vous anglais?” (a.k.a “Hello, do you speak English?”) – They’re more than happy to assist you or call over someone else who can speak English! If you don’t even try and launch straight into speaking English then yes… they will be assholes. I have witnessed it with my own eyes and it is not pretty!
A couple of accurate stereotypes of the French include
1.They ALL smoke, all day every day
2.The men are extremely sleazy, they can make you feel dirty just by looking at you.
3.Eating snails is something you must try at least once! Although, never have more than 2 or 3 and don’t look too close before you eat one. If it looks too snaily then you will be turned off and want to put it back in the garden.
4.Save up and shop for Luxury brands in Paris as they are slightly less expensive and you get 12% tax back at the airport.
5.Get your hands on as much French white wine as you can. It tastes like the happy tears of a particularly beautiful angel.
6.Finally, EAT ALL THE BREAD with heaps of butter! While you’re at it, enjoy the warm afternoon sun that doesn’t set until 10:30pm (real-talk).
All in all it was an amazing trip and one that I hope to repeat very soon.
Au Revior for now.
Kaiya X
