How To Experience Paris Like A Local
Harper's Bazaar India|September 2019
From the hottest after-parties to the best lunch spots, luxury entrepreneur Kalyani Saha Chawla shares her notes on how to experience Paris like a local during Couture Week.
How To Experience Paris Like A Local

Paris is always a good idea, especially during Couture Week. The city comes alive, and that ambience and palpable excitement is a pure adrenalin rush. The journey of a couture collection is fascinating. From conceptualisation on the mood board to experimentation with fabrics, embroideries, and most importantly the draping of the toile.

The atelier is abuzz till show day. The excitement begins at the entrance to the venue with the paparazzi, who wait for front-row celebrities to appear. The entire production—from staggering sets and heritage venues, to models and, of course, the clothes, make for the most expensive 20 minutes. Over a decade in fashion, I have witnessed many collections develop from sketch board to ramp, but I still get goosebumps everytime.

My first show this season was Ralph & Russo at the British Embassy in Paris. The sprawling gardens with a 90-mts runway made for a beautiful venue. The collection depicted a 1930s soirée en plein air, or garden party, referencing the drawings of artist and designer Erté. The pretty, feminine silhouettes were generously embellished with pearls and sequins and came in bold colours that are perfect for an idyllic summer wedding or gala. Each piece could also be worn separately keeping in mind the house’s increasingly new, younger clientele. I already see Sonam Kapoor Ahuja wearing their looks at the next awards season.

My dearest friend Bibhu Mohapatra was also in Paris to showcase his Resort 2020 line. Bibhu’s journey from Bhubaneswar to New York is a story by itself. This season his collection was full of sparkly sequins with elegant silhouettes that would flatter every body type.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HARPER'S BAZAAR INDIAView all
Unyielding And Unmatched
Harper's Bazaar India

Unyielding And Unmatched

In an industry where every move is scrutinised, Kareena Kapoor Khan lives passionately, loves her job, and understands that there’s more to her than just box-office numbers.

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 2024
SEEN AND HEARD
Harper's Bazaar India

SEEN AND HEARD

Female authors explore how crucial it is that women write about their personal experiences.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
INTO THE WORLD OF JUDY CHICAGO
Harper's Bazaar India

INTO THE WORLD OF JUDY CHICAGO

What makes the feminist trailblazer an icon?

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
'THE LEGACY OF A SINGER WILL ALWAYS STAY INTACT'
Harper's Bazaar India

'THE LEGACY OF A SINGER WILL ALWAYS STAY INTACT'

AR Rahman believes AI can be used without compromising on the artistic essence.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
THROUGH HER EYES
Harper's Bazaar India

THROUGH HER EYES

Indian supermodels remember legendary photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta ahead of his 68th birth anniversary.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2024
THE SHAPE-SHIFTERS
Harper's Bazaar India

THE SHAPE-SHIFTERS

From adorning your body to your mantle piece, jewellery designers are turning to homeware.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
WEARABLE ART
Harper's Bazaar India

WEARABLE ART

Three limited-edition timepieces, inspired by Gaston-Louis Vuitton's love for artistry, is an ode to the Maison's legacy of craftsmanship.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
AS LONG AS TIME
Harper's Bazaar India

AS LONG AS TIME

Bazaar India delves into the ethos of watch brands.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
MILANO MAKEOVER
Harper's Bazaar India

MILANO MAKEOVER

Sabato De Sarno's reimagination of this classic Gucci bag is is an ode to his Milanese becoming.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
A LOVE LETTER TO JAIPUR
Harper's Bazaar India

A LOVE LETTER TO JAIPUR

Designer Surily Goel reveals the making of her latest collection.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024