Paris Fashion Week, or ‘PFW’ as the cool kids refer to it, is the grand finale of a month long extravaganza of glamorous runways and fancy parties, where designers, editors, stylists, and the like, descend upon the City of Light to tell us what we’ll be coveting next season. So we asked some of the chicest jet-setters we know to tell us about their favorite Paris spots (restaurants, pharmacies, shopping, oh my!) and here’s what they said (ladies, get out your little black books, because these recommendations are the créme de la créme!).
Sarah Harris, Fashion Features Director, British Vogue
“Cafe de Flore! It’s so obvious but I love it—at any time of the day—there is nowhere better in Paris to sit and people watch. Plus, they serve the best croque monsieur that I’ve ever had. I also love browsing the alleys at Clignancourt Market—Paris’s largest flea market. The last time I was there I brought home a nest of mercury mirrored tables (on the Eurostar!), but there are all kinds of knick-knacks to discover.”
Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist
“Ladurée—No trip to Paris is complete with out it! I love their breakfast, but the fruit tarts and macarons don’t hurt either!! Plus they package everything in the cutest boxes when you get a treat to go.
Alaia—-OBVIOUSLY! A quick stop between shows and I always find something to die for.
Colette—A beauty and style HAVEN. I always find the coolest beauty brands, hair accessories, and books when I’m there. Plus it’s amazing for people watching and street style.
L’Avenue—You have to sit outside and get a bottle of rosé—it’s where all the fashion insiders go! I love this place for chic business lunches. The food is simple, fresh, and delicious and it’s across the street from Dior so you can grab a meal when you’re worn out from shopping.”
Elle Strauss, Fashion Director, Brides
“Chez Georges is one of my favourite restaurants in Paris. The classic Parisian bistro with its low lighting, close tables and giant mirrors—it’s like stepping back in time to 1946! The food is mouth-wateringly good but save room for dessert: Les Profiteroles au Chocolat are magnifique!”
Tata Harper, Founder, Tata Harper Skincare
“I love Paris, and there are so many places that I like to visit, but if I’m just there for one day, it would have to be Le Bon Marché. It’s really a must. I love to go there because it’s endlessly inspiring to me, with its amazing decor and the best selection of clothing. Just by walking around, you get an update on whatever’s happening in fashion around the world at that moment. Now our products are sold there, so I have a reason to always go back!”
Brenda Diaz de la Vega, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar, Mexico & Latin America
“One of my favorite things about Paris is the survival of small, independent merchants. In a world of globalization, there is underestimated pleasure in visiting the tiny, street-corner bookstore, flower shop, shoemaker or pâtisserie. So my favorite place in Paris is in one of these little nameless shops where time seems to stand still, and all that matters is what flavor to order my éclair in, and how to fit the one I ordered to go in my bag!”
Molly Sims, model
Anahi in the Marais district. It’s an amazing Argentinian restaurant that is a must!!!!! Small, unique and truly great food!
Lisa Perry, Designer
My favorite place in Paris is anywhere that I can see the Eiffel Tower from! Whether dining outside at Monsieur Bleu at the Palais de Tokyo, or sitting and having tea at L’Avenue, or driving in a taxi from the right bank to the left, the view of the Eiffel Tower takes my breath away. It’s a great reminder that I’m in Paris and it makes me very happy.
Kerry Pieri, Fashion Features Director, Harper’s Bazaar
The Musée Rodin is one of my favorite places, not only in Paris, but in life. It has gardens, a mansion, fountains, some of the most beautiful art and statues in the world, you can wander—and think, a la The Thinker—and feel completely transported. I like to imagine I live there.
Mirela Foric Srna, CEO Central & Eastern Europe, Büro 24/7
“My favourite place in Paris is Pharmacie Anglaise Des Champs Elysees where I buy all the beauty products you can find only in France. I always leave the place with full bags. My favourite products include Roge Cavailles bath gels, Christophe Robin hair products, CicaBiafine body balm, L52 homeopathic immune drops….and I can go on forever.
I also, love to spend my free time in the Palais Royal—it is my zen place in the city centre—browsing thru vintage shops and just chilling at a cafe makes my day.”
Amalia Spinardi, Founder + Designer, Jo de Mer Swimwear
“I love sitting at the L’Atelier Robouchon counter to eat the most amazing food and then walk back to the hotel to enjoy beautiful Paris and also to burn a few calories from my favorite restaurant.”
