The gang:
Emerald, Ryan, Jess, Alex, Hilary, and me.
Anita Bitton, a casting and creative director for The Establishment casting agency works with many designers including Charlotte Ronson and Alexander Wang. On her recent trip to Paris for Fashion Week, she took Modelinia along, all through her diary, keeping track of the events, stores, and parties she attended during her fast paced weekend abroad.
Arrival: Saturday March 7th (although I’ve been flying since Friday), I’m a bit apprehensive upon landing. I’m starting this trip with a HUGE list of tasks. Will I accomplish everything? Or will I spend my time as a non-tourist in a non-paradise? Transplanted from Crosby Street, NYC to Rue des Beux Arts, Gay Paris, and now I find myself in the hands of Ryan Korban, to do with as he sees fit. Have I mentioned I was in Paris to attend a dinner for Alexander Wang, designer? Also, whilst in the city of lights, I am to attend meetings. Meetings? UGH! I am traveling with vibrant youths! They want to party!
Upon arrival, my cell phone is not behaving, even though I had been promised it would perform internationally (with no problems) so that I am able to work, work, work! My luggage is spilling out all over the tarmac; I am drowned in a mess of fur, leather, spandex, denim, and metal studs. With my spiked heels and a couple of tote bags, I am ready to get into the city and join my friends! “TAXI S’IL VOUS PLAîT”!
My companions rented a Parisian flat for the six of us to lodge in. I am bowled over with excitement; what lies ahead for the next few days is going to be a complete adventure, I am sure. Please driver, “Can we get there faster?”
Of course, my friends had arrived the night before, and when I walk into the flat, I see their bodies are strewn about the place. They look fabulous even in their sleep. Needless to say, not a moment was wasted!
There was a bit of an agenda to stick to. We began by visiting some of the showrooms where the Alexander Wang team was preparing to debut the collection for the very first time in Paris.
The beautiful Amy Wang, CEO, was already working hard when we arrived at the showroom. Amy, along with her husband, Dennis, are at the helm of the Alexander Wang ship, and they run it tightly!
And here I am with Ryan Korban, Interior Design extraordinaire.
Ryan is the creative mind behind an abundance of amazing interiors. If you don’t already know him, you absolutely should. And although I really loathe giving away my secrets, not only does Ryan do great interiors, but he is also a partner at the most incredible shoe boutique in all of NYC: Edon Manor. Rare and beautiful shoes has become the most fashionable vice in my life. I have two words for you: Azzedine Alaia. Hence, this is a great “work trip” for Ryan as well, buying shoes in Paris for the new season.
Victoria Bartlett
Next Stop: VPL. As luck would have it, Victoria Bartlett’s Paris showroom (below) is in the area! Victoria (above) is another British transplant, as well as a client of mine; and her studio looks likes it has been picked up and flown from NY to Paris. Happily, I can now scratch two items off my list!
Victoria Bartlett’s showroom
And, now to hit the shops: Mary Luisa, Collette, Balenciaga, Hermes, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, only to be followed by the search for amazing vintage threads in the Pigalle. Shopping can make even the most slender girl hungry! So we dined opposite the Four Seasons at the delectable brasserie Rival.
Kai Kuhne
‘All work and no play’ will not do for NY-ers in Paris! Saturday night, off we go to the Jeremy Scott’s after-party. The first reveler I run into is another New York designer, Kai Kuhne. (Above) Halfway across the world, and it feels just like home when the sun sets. I want to say that in Paris, everyone I know is well-behaved by French standards, but trust me, that bar goes up and down. It was an interesting evening, to say the least. We tripped the light fantastic, and sang the body electric! Hours and hours of disco dancing and five million red bulls later, we brought the party back to our flat…say no more.
Stay tuned for Part Deux!
