Hey, fashionistas, it’s Haute Couture Week in Paris. Are you guys wondering what that means? Hosted in the City of Lights, this four-day biannual celebration of the best Haute Couture houses attracts stars, the most prestigious international press, buyers from the best department stores on the planet, photographers and celebrities from all over the world, filling the city with excitement.
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It is all about a sumptuous serenade of couturiers displaying an extraordinarily high level of craftsmanship, creativity and artistry and applying fancy ideas to the most luxurious fabrics, trims and embellishments without worrying about budgets.
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If you are into fashion, Haute Couture Week is your place to be. And we’re pretty sure you’d like to read about it and even fantasise about participating in this exclusive showcase. Well, we’ve got you covered. Read on, and you will discover that attending a Couture fashion show is within reach and could soon become your next pinch-me moment.
Dream the dream. What is Haute Couture (and why is this week still the best way to sell a fashion fantasy)?
Haute Couture is the epitome of French luxury and fashion. It showcases expertly crafted garments made from premium materials, designed by the most renowned designers, and constructed by highly trained artisans. Clothes worn by stars on the red carpet and made to fuel all the dreams.
Start packing. Here’s where to go
To have a look at the Fashion Week schedule, check out the website of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.
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But if you look for the venue of these shows, you may be disappointed as you will often find the words “see on the invitation” instead of the actual address. But no worries, Haute Couture Week is not only a luxury fair but also the most routine-friendly event, as many fashion houses hold their shows twice a year in the same locations without exception: they want to be sure their most loyal clients – sometimes called “porte-monnaie sur pattes”, aka “walking purses” – all know where to go. And so do you now.
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The most popular show venues include the Grand Palais for Chanel (currently being restored and replaced by the Grand Palais Ephémère on the Champs de Mars), the Musée Rodin for Dior, and all the Tuileries – Louvre-Palais Royal Area. Louis Vuitton usually holds its shows at the Musée du Louvre in the 1st Arrondissement.
It’s just a tip. How to attend Haute Couture shows without an invitation
If you’re not in the fashion industry, there are still ways to attend Paris Fashion Week. You can work as a staff member or a backstage dresser: offers can be found on LinkedIn or by messaging event organisers directly. Volunteering to help set up the event can also give you a taste of the fashion world. Becoming a hostess through an agency is even an option for placing guests on-site.
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And if none of these options works, you can still watch the show live from home (they are often streamed live on the brands’ sites) and enjoy the new collections and guests in real-time. Watching and commenting on them with your fashion friends can still be enthralling!
Remember, backstage is not the only place to be. Here’s how to experience Fashion Week while partying
Even if you don’t go backstage or front-row at the fashion shows, you can still experience the excitement of Haute Couture Week.
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The city has become a hub for stylish people, and there are plenty of places to mingle with fashionistas and celebrities during the week.
Our go-to places are:
- Sinner – a favourite among locals and celebrities.
- L’ Avenue is still one of the hottest spots during Paris Fashion Week.
- Derrière, for a more “underground” and local option.
- Café de Flore is the go-to choice for an afternoon coffee break in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, frequented by models, designers, and celebrities.
- Hôtel Costes near place Vendôme
- Hotel Plaza Athenée on avanue Montaigne
- The chic Loulou Restaurant, at the MAD, the Fashion Week hotspot.
- Ralph Laurent’s Ralph’s Restaurant on Saint Germain
- Hôtel Particulier Montmartre.
If you aim to party and meet people (you’ll probably have to find a way to sneak in), show off your tracking skills. The locations constantly change and are kept secret, but you could follow accounts on social media that magically help us find out and share after-party addresses per day. We recommend @yourfavoritechiara on TikTok – this is our favourite, indeed.
@yourfavoritechiara ♬ son original - Yourfavoritechiara
How to get spotted by street photographers while wandering around Paris. But don’t be too vain; let the people around you inspire you
Excited for Haute Couture Week? Don’t stress about your outfit too much. Wear something comfortable that impresses others and showcases your unique style with original pieces. If you see street-style photographers, be sure to show off your outfit – you might even end up in a magazine! Don’t forget to keep your phone and camera charged by bringing charger cords, power banks, and an additional SD card. Be prepared for anything and have fun. You never know whom you might run into!
Happy Haute Couture Week!
Ayleen Rachelly Jimenez Hernandez
MA student in Fashion Promotion Communication & Digital Media, Paris