Having spent the entire day in Paris, first shopping then attending the long-pondered fashion show, I sit down to write to you with my head full of the magic of haute couture.
I was fortunate to be invited to watch a show staged in the Paris Opera house, Le Palais Garnier. A huge building, ornate in and out, whose corridors were transformed into catwalks for today’s show.
Let’s be frank ….Haute couture has nothing to do with getting dressed. It is a world of magic, of dreams and ideals that are an industry in themselves. It is a world of mile-long legs, masterfully draped folds of stunning fabric and it is a world where you need to be brave.
Why brave? Because for a designer presenting his collection, besides the stress of having everything ready and perfect on time, he is also an artist who bares his soul with every new design. From the first outline on a drawing pad, to the dress walking down the runway there are months of hard work and soul searching.
The collection I was invited to was by the French designer, Jean Doucet. He doesn’t do everyday, he does exceptional clothing for exceptional occasions, and today he let us dream of another life.
The audience was made up of all ages and styles. Ambassador’s wives, faithful clients and VIPS were seated in the Rotonde with its huge chandelier and views over Paris, I was pleased to be on a front seat of the long catwalk, which made it easier for me to take pictures.
I’m showing just some of the dresses he created, and I’m bringing you some indiscreet people and feet watching. I hope you enjoy the ride!
Oh yes, and what did I wear in the end ….. well I followed your advice mostly…. I wore black pants and a black cachemire v-neck with a pretty silk scarf, high heels and a grey coat. I felt at ease, elegant and discreet, which is exactly what I aimed for. No, you don’t get a picture of me because I don’t really do that, but the outfit looked pretty much like this
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23 comments
Oh hooray! What a lovely start to my morning–one that will leave me dreaming all day long…*happy sigh*
I am sure that you looked stunning, Sharon. Your choice seems perfect. And oh, that the show was in the Palais Garnier! That is the cherry on the cake…
How special! I bet you looked lovely too. Your outfit sounds perfect. I totally agree with Heather above.
Oh Sharon! I know this was a truly wonderful experience! I can’t imagine actually BEING at a Paris Fashion Show…what a dream come true! I loved that it was in the Le Palais Garnier…a gorgeous venue to say the least! I’m loving, too, what you picked out for the event….so classic which is my favorite look. Thank you for sharing and letting me live vicariously through you! Hope you are having a wonderful day in Paradise!!
I love this post! And I have zero interest in haute couture. But the venue is so stunning, as are the clothes, both on the runway and on the spectators, and your pictures are wonderful. I really love your outfit too…perfect!
Classic and timeless — beautiful choice Sharon. I’m new to your blog but I’m really enjoying your posts. They are a good reminder of my heart’s desire — a sabbatical in Paris and the French countryside. One day and until then, thank you for the inspiration!
Ok I love Haute Couture, Even though I dare so many people will seriously step out and wear so m any of the things we witness on the runway. But You gotta love it. Channel being my favorite.
What a beautiful piece! I love your writing style. And the outfit you wore was tres chic!
I am impressed. What a great opportunity to get to see style at its finest. The yellow dresses are just fabulous. Your choice of clothing was impeccable. Now I want an outfit like yours.
I really want to thank you again for featuring me on your anniversary post. It was your anniversary, but I got the gift. I am at a loss for words to express the degree of your generosity. I also want to thank your lovely readers for coming to my site and not only reading me, but many signed up to follow me. I am so touched.
Madonna
Touts implement parfait!
Merci
What a fabulous place to be, to see and be seen. It’s always wonderful to live vicariously through you. Those gown are gaga-gorgeous and that wedding gown is over the top luxury! I must say though, your own life Sharon at home or in your countryside is what I for myself enjoy even more than the glitz and glamor. I love seeing the diversity of your life. Your outfit is stunning & oh so classy!
Oh my goodness! Fabulousity!!!! Is that a word? What great fun, I am sure you looked mahvelous darling!
https://blog.mrsjonesandco.com
Ah, tres’ elegante!
Beautiful venue. Foreign (unfamiliar) atmosphere.
Dresses beautiful.
You must have looked lovely. I am glad you were invited.
what treat for you + great photos + loved your choice of outfit. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Elegant venue, elegant clothes, and marvelous photos, thank you. I’m so glad you saw one of the beautiful ones, as some of the pictures of recent collections have been, um, distressing. I rather like the hairdos; they seems something of a cross between geishas and Belle Époque.
Hello Sharon,
What a fabulous glimpse of a Paris fashion show. The dresses were gorgeous! Hairdo’s elegant. Shoes stunning. And your outfit sounds perfect for the occasion. Thank you for giving us a look at something many of us will never be able to see.
Linda
What a marvelous opportunity to step into an elegant world! The people-watching must have been sublime. And your ensemble looks both comfy and chic. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! Just seeing what you chose to wear I’m sure you fit right in. Lucky lady!
and why do we not receive a pic of you? That would be so wonderful. Thanks for the Parisian experience. loved it
I loved reading of your beautiful trip Sharon, and to say that you have made my day with your exquisite pictures of the Paris show, is an understatement……..they are fabulous.
Your outfit is just elegant and lovely as well, you definitely had the ‘ zsazsa zhu’
I will now also dream of lemon silk couture- certainly one of my favourite colours for an evening gown…… thank youxx
There is still no where like Paris for fashion, cuisine, and history. Lovely photos, Sharon! Anita
That looks like a gorgeous Vivienne -inspired outfit to me! Thanks for sharing.
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