http://www.rhythmfoundation.com/2013/12/denisas-trip-to-fashion-week-paris/

As the fashion capital of the world, the City of Lights continues to proudly live up to its reputation as the host of the most exclusive fashion event of the year. The incredible energy of Paris sets the tone for the ultimate “it” week for international fashion connoiseurs. It is the climax of creative love affairs between designers and their imaginary muses, working endless hours, often tormented over how the next collection will be received – either a failure or triumphant success. It is the week of high adrenaline, unimaginable media attention, excessive celebrity presence and attendance of eccentric subculture of followers from all over the globe. The fashion pack showcases its best wardrobe pieces in the streets. Fans travel to Paris just for this occasion, congregating in different parts of the city on an hourly schedule to catch the different shows. The fashionable crowd yearns to spot their favorite celebrities transformed in the latest season trends, or seek the ready-to-adore newly discovered starlet during their arrivals outside the fashion tents, often stealing the scene from the action on the catwalk.

Paris Fashion Week is increasingly becoming a crossroad of numerous artistic disciplines where artists team up, building on the synergies, and pushing the envelope on how fashion is presented. Runway shows are no longer just a demonstration of the latest thinking in clothing, shoes, accessories, or hair and make-up styles. They became the venue where the visual artists, musicians, bands, singers, producers, DJs, sound and light specialists, along with interior designers, architects, choreographers and dancers, exhibit their best ideas to produce true multidisciplinary spectacles. Runway shows are morphing into theatrical venues with themes and storytelling. The catwalk becomes the stage. We have seen runway sets inspired by the movies “Night in the Museum” (Chanel), or “Cabaret” and the popular TV program “Dancing with the Stars” (Gaultier), sport arenas with a Hip-Hop dance set (Owens), or Garden of Eden (Dior). One could argue that the final impact of the collection, the overall mood and how the audience feels about the clothing is influenced by the level of mastery behind the poly-artistic productions.

But Fashion Week in Paris is also an exciting destination for those who don’t “make the cut” to see the runway shows. One can still create a Parisian experience of art and style. Here are few tips:
· Try ”people watching” Fashion Week attendees, who promenade around the tents in the most enviable ensembles.
· Follow your people watching experience with shopping in the vintage boutiques of Canal St. Martin neighborhood; acquire unique art pieces in antique stores of Mt. Martre.
· Pop into the art galleries and museums, and afterwards, savor the culinary pearls in brasseries of St. Germain district.
· When the sunset turns into night, visit the very cozy Harry’s New York Bar, known as a favorite hangout of Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sinclair Lewis, Rita Hayworth and Humphrey Bogart. This is where Gershwin composed “An American in Paris. Enjoy this comfort destination for the aperitif, before imbibing in the craft of cocktail-mixologists at Hotel Costes, known as the spot where the trendy crowd likes to meet.
· Let the Costes’ ambience set the mood for a night of good music. Afterwards, explore the live-jazz spots of the Bastille area, or dance the night away to old school disco in the underground locals as Djoon to complete the perfect Parisian night of fun.

One who comes to Paris during the Fashion Week the first time quickly learns that “au revoir” at the end of the stay won’t be an option…So, a bien-tot until the next season!