Paris City Guide for the sartorially inclined
Fondation Azzedine Alaïa
Paris is a city that wears its history with effortless charm: haute couture stitched into its avenues, the whisper of past icons lingering in its cafés. It is a city for the dreamers, the collectors and the connoisseurs of beauty. This guide takes you on a journey of Paris through the eyes of The Curator.
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For those who seek inspiration beyond the runways, Paris offers museums that celebrate the craftsmanship, vision and rebellion of fashion’s greatest minds.
Musée Yves Saint Laurent – A shrine to one of fashion’s most influential designers, this museum is housed in his former atelier.
La Galerie Dior – Recently unveiled, this exquisite space showcases the world of Dior through its archives, garments and devotion to timeless femininity.
Fondation Azzedine Alaïa – The embodiment of precision and sensuality, Azzedine Alaïa’s foundation is a love letter to sculptural silhouettes and the art of dressing the female body.
Palais Galliera – Paris’s dedicated fashion museum, hosting exhibitions that explore the evolution of style, from Belle Époque elegance to modern avant-garde.
Musée des Arts Décoratifs – A treasure trove of fashion, design, and decorative arts housed within the Louvre’s western wing, showcasing everything from haute couture to historical textiles.
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Paris is never more alive than when seen from a café table. During fashion season, these spots transform into front-row seats to the city’s most spontaneous runway.
Sugaar – An intimate café-bar with a moody yet effortless Parisian cool, perfect for a late-night rendezvous.
Ojii – A sleek fusion of Japanese and French aesthetics, where minimalism meets indulgence.
Camino – A newcomer exuding an air of quiet luxury, attracting those with a penchant for understated elegance.
Loulou – Tucked within the Louvre’s gardens, this spot is a sanctuary for the effortlessly chic, serving Italian fare with a Parisian backdrop.
Hotel Costes – An institution of allure, its dimly lit, gilded interiors are a magnet for the international fashion set.
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The true Parisian wardrobe is not built in a day—it is curated and discovered in hidden boutiques and vintage treasure troves.
Charly Horloger – A discreet gem for vintage watch collectors, where timepieces tell stories of elegance and heritage.
Valois Vintage – The oldest vintage store in Paris, since 1998, specialising in luxury pieces from Chanel, Hermès and more.
Nuovo – A contemporary take on vintage shopping, where curated finds blend modernity with nostalgia.
Erem – A minimalist's dream, offering timeless vintage pieces with a focus on sustainability and refined style.
OFR Bookshop – A cult-favourite bookstore and concept space, where art, design and fashion publications collide.
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Even city lovers need an occasional retreat. A short train ride from the city, these destinations offer a glimpse into France’s eternal romance with art, nature, and grandeur.
Palace of Versailles – A gilded dreamscape where fashion once dictated the course of history. Wander through the Hall of Mirrors, explore Marie Antoinette’s private hamlet, and revel in the theatricality of 18th-century opulence.
Monet’s Home & Gardens, Giverny – The closest one can get to stepping inside one of his paintings. Stroll through the water lily ponds that inspired Monet’s masterpieces, an idyllic retreat from the city’s electric pace.
