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Originally written for Fashion Week Online, 2019
Words and Photographs by Cassell A. Ferere
Upon my arrival, I noticed that this place has become one of the most familiar places in my life, even if I arrived for the first time through Orly airport, just south of the city center of Paris. About 4 weeks ago, I was here, in the city of lights, enjoying Couture week with the rest of the Parisian fashion scene. But this time was an “ah ha” moment for me. I realized that a lot of the time when we travel to places far enough; we never get to do all the things on our list. First time I’ve been back to Paris at such close dates from one another. But I’ve always had the affinity for Paris as some do for New York City. And I was elated, once again.
This time around, similar to the first, I had my itinerary planned out for the shows and presentations, showroom visits, as well as events and after parties. I even had some photo shoots lined up with IDAO showroom and their women’s wear brands. But, for women’s fashion week, there was much more to do, in addition to my stay being a couple of days longer. As soon as I landed I arranged a car to Hotel Duminy in Place Vendome, in the city center. I checked into my Hotel where I met with my Chris Lavish who also stayed in the same hotel. We drop our bags in our rooms, freshen up, and call an Uber, headed to our first show, Dawei.
Sarah Adelman in Wild and the Moon. PAGE magazine, Issue #1. Photo in print: Cassell Ferere.
We arrive at the venue, Palais de Tokyo. With a landscape view of the Eiffel Tower, this museum is dedicated to art from living artist with surreal perspectives. This is a place that has notoriously hosted some of the most interesting fashion shows, as well as art that is just as intriguing. For many reasons, fashion week is a beautiful experience for those who have a particular passion for fashion. It is an influx of the most interesting characters not only to meet but also just to see from a few feet away. Details that leave you in awe, and people that have shaped the taste of our favorite tastemakers, are reasons to be present. Everyone has their own style, whether they are a rhinestone cowboy like James Goldstein, a hoodie and a long skirt paired with a pair of unreleased Sacai Nike Blazers like Sarah Andelman, founder of Colette, minimal in muted tones, or even just going all black and dystopian-like.
Before each show, people arrive from about 15 minutes before until show time. At this point, a gang of photographers all synchronizes their movements so that each is allotted a fair – shot – at capturing the street style of the attendees who came to be seen as much as they are there to see what’s new from their favorite brands and designers. And even once inside, and the doors are closed, it is a casserole of fashion styles associated to each individual, making way to see friends they have been adoring for years as the likely are followers of one another on Instagram, likely. Inside each show, more intimate photography of people chatting, flirting, and discussing looks are taking place minutes before the last looks before models come careening down the runway. Right now is a good time to acknowledge a favor look worn by anyone of your liken, a great chance to break the ice that is Paris Fashion Week…
After the show, the race begins…