DRESSING UP WITH DIANE
Christian Dior once said “ Paris is the centre of good taste and as such, it dictates fashion to world”. Fast forward on some 70 years and there is still no dispute that the city is one of the best in the world to go shopping in. However, with so many choices, styles (and let´s not forget budgets), maximising your shopping time and making decisions can easily become hindered without professional advice from someone ´in-the-know.´
This was a problem which was succinctly addressed by Diane Lepicard, one of the city´s top shopping experts and mastermind of the ´Paris Shopping Tour´ concept. The aim of these shopping tours, which can last anything from half a day to a full day or days, is to unite some of the city’s top fashion experts with the international tourism market to uncover the best kept shopping secrets in the city, whilst attempting to crack the key to getting the world renowned ´Paris Look ´ to take back home with them. The unique selling point about this service is that each shopping tour is customised and tailor made specifically for your budget, style and lifestyle requirements.
¨ Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance, especially if you want to dress like a Parisian. My key tips would be to mix basic pieces with only one trendy piece and do not wear too much makeup: a natural and soft look with mascara and blush is enough. You should look as if you only spent a few minutes getting ready – even if it actually takes two hours to find the right outfit and look. And finally, wear a strong perfume as it can complete an outfit, lift up your mood and give you confidence throughout the day.¨ – Diane Lepicard
After completing lifestyle questionnaires, the in-house experts select different boutiques which can range from local Parisian boutiques and vintage shops – right up to the concept stores and the luxury lineages of Avenue Montaigne. Personal styling is also taken care of as well as Diane’s team know exactly the best stores to visit thanks to their tried and tested ´black book´ of hidden treasures which is constantly evolving every month thanks to new stores and designers. This is why the Paris Shopping Tour can provide guidance on everything from Haute Couture to children’s clothing to satisfy everyone in the family.
The Paris Shopping Tour services include 9 fashion experts with capacities in English, French and Chinese to undertake customised and private tours which span across a number of categories; Luxury Boutiques, Designer Brands, Paris Menswear, For Children, Personal Shopping, Parisian Chic, Vintage Look, Bobo Inspiration and Romantic Tours. Alongside this, there are also exclusive services that you can subscribe to such as Meet a Designer and have the chance to attend the world class Paris Fashion Week shows.
You can visit the website or contact their travel design team to book your personal shopping experience during your stay. Now with all this in mind, who said that looking chic was difficult?
Article: Charles Daniel McDonald
Photography: Diane Lepicard / Paris Shopping Tour
