Being in London over the last few days, it was a only a short hop over to one of my favourite cities in the world so I decided to make the trip to Paris with my sister-in-law, Hoda. You’re obviously constantly spoilt for choice as far as things to see and do in Paris, but on this particular day we decided to check out a gorgeous exhibition curated by Chaumet at the Beaux-Arts de Paris. Being a friend of the brand, I was excited to get up close and personal with some exquisite pieces from Chaumet’s archive. The theme of the exhibition was Botanical – Observing Beauty and features 400 works, including some plant themed pieces for Chaumet’s rich design history. Along with some 80 jewellery objects there were also paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs and furniture to check out, all in keeping with the nature theme.
After so many years of not being able to travel, I can’t tell you how lovely it was to be able to stroll through such an exhibition, and leisurely take it all in while being in one of the most amazing cities in the world. Hoda and I made sure to take our time, particularly entranced by the jewellery which was absolutely stunning. From a vast array of tiaras (of which Chaumet is renowned for crafting, including those for the Empress Josephine) to bracelets and earrings, it was such a wonderful exhibition to check out. If you’re a jewellery fan like me, it was like being a kid in a candy store. I would definitely recommend paying a visit it if you find yourself in Paris over the next few months.
The Botanical – Observing Beauty exhibition is on from now until September 4 at the Beaux-Arts de Paris. You can find more details here.
Photography: Ashleigh Larden
Stunning Chaumet pieces on display
This post was produced in collaboration with Chaumet
Usually packing to go overseas can be quite frantic as I try and get my entire family packed up for a holiday but my recent work trip to Paris was a different story. I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the global launch of the new Huawei P30 in the City of Light so it was the perfect excuse to pull together a few outfits incorporating some of my favourite new season pieces from my go-to Aussie designers.
Whenever I’m in Paris, everyone looks so chic so my packing was a little more considered, not to mention I had a few events in my schedule that I would be attending. Here’s a little breakdown of every outfit from my Parisian sojourn…
Look one:
I’m really into suits at the moment and I love the cut of this one by Rebecca Vallance. I opted to wear this as a two-piece set and dress it down and make it sightseeing appropriate by pairing it with baby pink Chanel sneakers. When it comes to suits I’m really into double breasted jackets as I find they’ve got a modern sensibility to them. The cropped trousers also add a more relaxed feel to the outfit. The great thing about this look is that I could easily dress it up by simple swapping sneakers for heels.
For breakfast at the insanely beautiful Peninsula Paris, I wanted a look that was casual yet polished. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with the classic pairing of a white shirt with jeans. These Camilla and Marc jeans have been so versatile and are just the perfect cut and as such I’ve been wearing them constantly. The white shirt with its slightly billowy sleeves made for a dressy companion for denim, and paired with my new go-to Chanel sneakers, it was an on trend look that still maintained a dressy feel. My new Prada bag was also great for the trip as I was able to pair it with virtually all of my outfits and I could carry it via the handle or strap, making it perfect for sightseeing.
Shop the look:
Shirt: by Camilla & Marc (currently not available)
Pants: Margot Cropped Straight Leg Jean by Camilla & Marc
For a trip to Versailles I wanted to dress up a bit but also wanted to remain comfortable so a dress seemed the perfect choice. I love the print and silhouette of this Camilla and Marc mini dress, but wanted to give it a little extra shape so I decided to cinch it in with one of my favourite belts by Isabel Marant. It was still slightly chilly during my time in Paris, so I decided to go for over the knee flat boots by Stuart Weitzman and a red faux fur coat to snuggle up in. My pink Bulgari bag allowed me to carry all my essentials but minus the fuss of actually having to carry a large bag. Also I was able to use the same bag when I was going out to dinner so it was a really versatile piece to take with me on my trip.
For one of my first strolls around Paris I opted for a great checked belted dress by Dion Lee. Given it was still a little chilly outside I layered it over a long sleeved white tee and paired it with my grey over the knee boots. When you’re travelling and have to dress for trans-seasonal weather I think boots are always a great option as they keep you warm but if it starts to get a little hotter you’re not left sweltering. My Prada bucket bag once again made an outing as it’s the perfect size for sightseeing and is easily converted into a slightly dressier option by carrying it as a top handle bag. I think one of the golden rules of packing for a trip is to ensure that whatever is in your suitcase can be worn in myriad ways so you don’t end up having to take your entire wardrobe with you.
We went out for dinner one night and I wanted to wear something dressy so it was the perfect opportunity to wear this chartreuse midi dress by Camilla and Marc. I love the simple and elegant silhouette of this particular dress but in such a striking colour it becomes a showstopper piece. It was a little cool to be wearing heels so black boots helped ground the look whilst still keeping me nice and toasty.
I brought this Rebecca Vallance suit along as I was able to wear it as separates with the jacket or pants paired with something else or as a set. Black suiting is always a classic option and it was the ideal outfit to wear out to dinner at a local restaurant. An all-black look when you’re travelling is a failsafe choice as it’s guaranteed to look chic and doesn’t require much fussing around. I kept my look quite simple, opting for black pumps and simple jewellery to channel a minimalist Parisian vibe.
It’s not often you get to spend your working week hanging out in Paris, but that’s what I was lucky enough to be able to do over the the last few days. I was in the City of Light to celebrate the launch of the new Huawei P30 and spent my week taking in the sights from a cruise on the River Seine to visiting the breathtaking Palace of Versailles along with being able to take it all in with the help of my new gadget.
I’m always so thankful to be able to travel for work and this week was absolutely incredible. Being able to spend time in one of my favourite cities, sightseeing and indulging in many a great meal along with being invited to attend such a huge launch was definitely a pinch-me moment. Now to get back to normal…
This week I was lucky enough to be invited to the Huawei P30 global launch in Paris. The three day event was filled with exciting activities and one of the standouts for me was visiting the Palace of Versailles. I haven’t been there since I was a child so it was amazing to go back and see it again.
It’s spring time in Paris so when the sun is shining the weather can be warm so I opted for this Camilla and Marc mini dress. However the mornings and afternoons are quite cool so I teamed it with my Stuart Weitzman suede over-the-knee boots and my DVF red faux fur coat—both great layering pieces. I wanted to add extra shape to this look so I cinched it in with my black Isabel Marant belt. To accentuate the pink florals in the print on my dress so I decided on taking my pink Bulgari bag with body strap out for the day. It’s the perfect style of bag when you’re on the go traveling and sightseeing as it keeps your hands free and takes out the hassle of having to carry a bag around.
Now that it’s officially the time of year in Australia where everyone’s in the mood to go out and enjoy a few cocktails and make the most of balmy summer nights I’m once again drawn to this Rebecca Vallance jumpsuit. I took it with me to Paris during my last holiday and loved that it felt so right for evenings out, making the most of the gorgeous weather. I’d usually associate gold lamé with more of a party look but the style of the jumpsuit, with its culotte style leg, square neckline and sweet waist tie keep it looking polished without losing any of its glam factor. The colour is so gorgeous that to continue the gilded theme I opted for my gold Gucci heels and favourite Eddie Borgo choker. To punctuate the head-to-toe metallic I went with a little black Dior bag with chain strap to carry all my essentials and leave my hands-free should I wish to enjoy a drink or two!
There’s no doubt that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The architecture, the food, the history… all the elements are there for a holiday to remember and a thoroughly enriching cultural experience. I’ve been to Paris a few times (one of them was on my honeymoon so it has a very special place in my heart) and returning a few months ago only served as a reminder of just how much I love it there. There’s so much to see and do, not to mention the insanely good shopping to be done, so Luke and I tried our best to fit everything in but there are some notable standouts that we definitely couldn’t miss…
This is my favourite place to stay in Paris. It’s a gorgeous 17th century building, covered in ivy and looks straight out of a movie. It’s located in the Marais in the 3rd arrondissement which is one of the most picturesque spots in the city.
A favourite of writers such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald this is the place to grab a drink if you’re after a warm, cosy atmosphere and a killer cocktail.
The beautiful outdoor setting is one of the major drawcards of this restaurant. It’s a lovely spot for a long lunch and is near the Louvré so it’s a great place to eat after a morning spent at the museum.
Luke and I stayed here for our honeymoon so it’s a special place for us. We just had to visit and have a drink there to reminisce. It’s located on the famous Avenue Montaigne which is heaven for any fashion lover.
Shopaholics will love this upmarket department store that stocks every designer brand you could think of. If that’s not your thing the building alone is worth a look. I particularly liked this spot for the kids shopping. The range is amazing and extensive (there’s even a Disney store that would put a smile on any child’s face) and it’s hard not to want to buy everything in sight.
This exclusive hotel has had a major refurbishment and is absolutely amazing. The big drawcard for any beauty lover would have to be the new Chanel au Ritz Paris. It’s a day spa that has everything you could possibly want in a pampering session such as massages and facials but is given the luxe touch that only those famous interlocking Cs can bring.
7. Browse Galerie de Valois
It’s a roll call of designer stores at this shopping locale including Acne Studios, Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang, Oliver Peoples and Christian Louboutin. If you’re in the mood to stroll combined with a little retail therapy this is the place to go.
If you want to enjoy some people watching (especially of the famous variety) this is the place to do it. The clientele is always impeccably dressed so as an added bonus it’s great for admiring the often lauded Parisian style as you enjoy lunch. I spotted Anna Wintour there during my trip so you know it gets the tick of approval from the fashion set.
This super exclusive department store is owned by luxury giant LVMH so the retail experience is next-level. The space is just so unbelievably chic that simply browsing is a joy in itself.
Home to one of the most famous sculptures in the world, The Thinker, a visit to this place is a must for any art lover. The gardens around the museum are also gorgeous and well worth a look.
Great ambience and impressive interiors make this one of my top Parisian spots for dinner and drinks. Just be sure to leave enough room for this meal as you’ll be tempted to taste everything.
We go here for dinner every time we visit Paris. It has great food and is a fashion industry/celebrity favourite so it’s also another excellent spot for people watching.
A replica of the atelier of the artist Constantin Brancusi was first produced in 1977 opposite Paris’ cultural centre, Centre Pompidou. It subsequently flooded and closed before being reconstructed in its current incarnation by famed Italian architect Renzo Piano. If you’ve got time, it’s well worth a visit for the immersive museum experience.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion such as an anniversary or milestone birthday whilst in Paris I’d highly recommend dinner at this restaurant. The food and dining room is on another level.
15. A day trip to Versailles
Escape the city and do a day trip to the Palace of Versailles. The architecture is spectacular and everywhere you turn is Insta-worthy.
If you’ve visited Paris what are your favourite spots or things to see and do?
When it comes to designing less is more for Australian designer Anna Hoang. A 2011 graduate of the Sydney Institute of Technology, her label Anna Quan is a perfect example of statement-making minimalism. Hoang has dressed international celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss and her range is stocked in Australia and internationally in Paris and Puerto Rico.
The label focuses on women’s ready-to-wear items and is about clean lines, functionality and attention to finishing details such as a strategically placed pocket or a perfectly finished lining. Each piece specialises in strong tailored silhouettes in luxe fabrications. Here I chat to Anna about her favourite trick for dressing well, where she gets her inspiration and how she gets ahead in the competitive world of fashion…
What influences your designs?
Streetwear. I love the way people style their clothes and how they wear common items everyday.
What is your favourite piece from your collection?
Fringed pants from Resort ’16. It adds a little bit of fun and playfulness into everyday dressing.
What is your most loved fashion item that you own?
Currently obsessing over Alighieri earrings from my friend who is a London-based designer. She makes these rough but elegant lost wax cast earrings in gold. They are just one-of-a-kind.
Who do you look up to ?
People who follow through and do what they say they will do.
When you need to escape where do you like to go?
Bed. Sleep is few and far between a lot of the time. I would love nothing more than a nap.
What do you think is the most important trick is to dressing well?
Definitely tailoring. Making sure your clothes are custom fit and taken in or up to your level. Never underestimate a great fit.
What has been your proudest moment so far in the fashion world?
Seeing my clothes snapped for best of street style for Paris, Milan, New York, Copenhagen fashion weeks for Vogue.com.
What is it like to compete in such a competitive industry as an emerging designer?
Like a marathon – it’s a long game – endurance and resilience is key. Sometimes it’s important to be reminded that you can get further with consistency rather than great big spurts and lags.
Which style icons do you look up to?
Pernille Teisbaek – she’s always putting together unlikely combinations that just work. She’s never boring
Anna in a snapshot:
Favourite colour: Red
Ideal comfort food: Hot chips
Most played song on playlist: “Killing Me Softly”, The Fugees
Ellery presented its Resort 2014 Vitreous collection in Paris. The collection has a Japanese influence with kimono references and was styled with modernised Geta sandals. The collection consisted of beautiful tailoring, cropped pants and oriental inspired prints.
