Cool City – Parisian Savoir faire

Between Haute Couture and Culture

From its creative studios to its prestigious fashion houses, Paris brings its cultural heritage to bear, mixing luxury and savoir faire in an exceptional way. La Galerie Dior preserves the heritage of the maison and stands as a testament to the free-thinking and visionary achievements of Christian Dior and his six successors. This is where the Dior collections were designed over the course of 70 years. For those interested in fashion history, there’s more to be found at the Palais Galliera, whose collection comprises an estimated 200,000 items of clothing reflecting French styles from the 18th century to today.

The Golden Axis of Elegance

Louis Vuitton, Prada, Saint Laurent: The Avenue Montaigne is where the major French fashion houses have their headquarters. The street also connects the Pont de l’Alma bridge with the famous and luxurious Avenue des Champs-Élysées, at the end of which the Arc de Triomphe rises in all its glory.

For exquisite jewelry and fine watches, pay a visit to the Place Vendôme, where high jewelry is at home. Characterized architecturally by classical French style and urban planning rigor, the representative square was commissioned in 1699 by Louis XIV and is the work of his court architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. The uniform façade design, newly stipulated at the time, gives the elegant square the appearance of an octagon.

How Chanel immortalized Paris

Not far away is the iconic Hôtel Ritz, which was the cherished home of Coco Chanel for over 30 years. Her studio and shop, ­dressmaking workshops, salons and ­apartment were ­located right around the corner on the Rue Cambon 31, where the Chanel boutique can be found to this day. When the fashion designer moved in, she took her own furniture and other things with her, so the suite at the Ritz ended up reflecting her style.

From her window, she looked directly on to the Place Vendôme, whose shape she eternalized in the octagonal cap of the Chanel Nº 5 bottle – a symbol of her devotion. The current Coco Chanel suite, decorated in her trademark black and beige, has stood as a tribute to the famous designer ever since the luxury hotel reopened some years ago.

Where history is being woven

To preserve and further develop artisanal knowledge, the le19M Cultural Center and Institute unites some 700 craftspeople and time-honored craft businesses under one roof. Among them is Maison Lesage, which has been cultivating a unique handcraft for more than a century and producing exquisite embroidery for haute couture, prêt-à-porter and accessories – a craft that requires many hours of meticulous work. The le19M is also a creative space with a gallery hosting exhibitions, workshops and events dedicated to art, fashion and craftsmanship.

Paris is a fascinating blend of history and craftsmanship infused with a creative spirit. Wandering through the city streets, you can’t help feel that this time-honored center of fashion and design is also a vibrant studio in which past and present merge into one.