Step Two: Paris

We arrived in Paris after a long day of traveling by train. Looked around for food and then were headed to see the most known landmark of Paris: The Eiffel Tower.

We were lucky enough to take pictures from a great view and to eat at a restaurant facing the Eiffel Tower. From the moment we went inside to leaving, the night darkness had arrived. So we were pleasantly surprised to see the Tower lighted with blue lights with the stars on the center(in honor of Bastille day).
That following weekend we visited Versailles. I was able to climb to the top of the tower and view all of Paris as well as visiting Notre Dame. Souvenirs were bought and pictures taken. It was a relaxing weekend in the city of love.

FASHION RELATED HIGHLIGHTS:

Valentino exhibit at the Louvre. This was one of the most beautiful exhibits I had ever seen. It showcased Valentino's dresses from the very start of his career. Dresses from Jackie Kennedy's wedding dress to the dress Julia Roberts wore on the red carpet. It was beautifully amazing and classic and timeless. He is the first designer to have an exhibit at the Louvre who has not passed away, though for those in the know, he did retire from the company as head designer after the Spring 2008 collection.
Yves Saint Laurent archive. This was an experience. The man himself had just passed away so it was an honor but also an unreal experience to be able to view an archive of all of his garments, since the beginning of his career. We toured how they maintained the garments as well as how they acquired them in order to continue the historic collection. The people in this office worked with the man himself so it was definitely a different experience.
Meeting the head creative designers for Swarovski headquarters in Paris was also an eye opening experience. They chatted with us about coming up with themes for new seasons. One of the most important things learned is that crystals are not just used for jewelry nowadays. They deal with designers(garments, furniture, perfume bottles, etc). Their influence is spread very far and it was delightful to be so near things that are worth more than I can possibly think of.
Overall, Paris is such a beautiful city. It is so historical and it looks the same that it probably did many many years ago. It is clear to see why it is a fashion capital. A Parisian woman just knows how to dress, from the day she is born. It was something great to see how beautiful the city was, the clothing, the people.

Then it was time to board the Eurostar to make our trip to London. From then I would be lucky enough to spend 4 weeks in one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world.