Paris Fashion Week 2013: How Fashion and Not just Paris is Seduction

Chic is whoever you think you are – and with confidence. There’s absolutely no question about it. It’s in your soul. And it requires passion and an interest in life itself. The minute that fabric touches your body it envelops you and folds around your very being -who you are; how you are; what you are. A man –a woman – (it makes no difference)- lets the clothing fall as it may creating the excitement; the allure – contagious from the core and carries forth to those around. This glow, this feeling leads to such seduction. Color, the feel of texture and how it affects the wearer – these are the very elements of how to be alluring. Perhaps this is why so many fashionistas flock to Paris, Milan, NY. They have created a dedicated seasonal holiday around the globe called Paris Fashion Week – to embrace and celebrate this seduction.

I hear the words – “Ready to Wear” and “Haute Couture” and I tremble. Visions of Balenciaga, Lanvin, Vivienne Westwood, Dior and Chanel dance in my head. It’s a delightful time for those dedicated seducers to attend NY Fashion Week (September 5-12, 2013) followed by Paris Fashion Week (September 24 – October 2, 2013) – the latter being my favorite given the extensive Paris Fashion Week schedule.

What most impresses me about creating luxury experiences around Paris Fashion Week – before and after – are the special VIP visits to the various fashion houses and workshops of Dior, Givenchy and Hermes in which a true fashion follower can view private collections and learn the history of each designer. After enjoying canapés and champagne, guests will be dizzy from the whirl wide of special attention and education offered by attending these unique fashion experiences. Indeed this may also include exclusive access into the fashionable world of Coco Chanel with a private visit to her workshop and residence at 31 Cambon though this is not for the faint of heart or those with limited funds.

While fashion week in Paris should not be missed there are other options for those who love Paris fashion chic. For travelers who cannot attend the glamorous couture workshops that Paris has to offer, visitors may enjoy perusing the various neighborhoods such as Le Marais with quaint little shops or seek a handful of annual fashion exhibits such as the one I attended in 2011 at the Palace of Versailles. Hosted in part by Vogue the exhibit celebrated the 18th century and the glamour of Marie Antoinette. Couturiers and fashion designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy, Chanel, and Balenciaga created modern interpretations of 18th century costumes. Each dedicated room paired an original 18th century piece with a contemporary version. The inspiration could be seen in delicate lace, embroidered silk and luxury accessories ranging from jewels to gloves and clutches.

History continues to inspire us in how we dress and act. Chic is an endless flow time cultivated by those inspired by fashion and its catwalks. Its movement is based on individualism for no one can dictate what is chic to the self. Coco herself said it best “There have been several Duchesses of Westminster but there is only one Chanel!”