When was the last time you left? Packed up and just went. Better yet, when was the last time you went to a new country, experienced Fashion Week there for the first time, by yourself and ended up wanting to move there?
I’ve visited Paris plenty of times. Did I like it? Yes, ofcourse. But I can’t say I loved it. Tour Eiffel, Arc de Triomphe, your typical Louvre photobombed experience, sure. But this one was different. I was booked in a tiny little walk up. Convenient, quaint, slightly luxe, but not the Ritz. This time it felt more like I was coming down from my 7th floor walk up, on my way to the nearest boulangerie to pick up a few baguettes, then stroll across the street to sip on a caffe before heading to my meetings.
It felt like home.
Plus people actually knew how to pronounce my name the proper way, [ j-Ahnn] : Soft ‘j’ like in French, Jacques ,Ahnn like on but more awn. You get the point.
First few days were incredibly lonely. I went grocery shopping and like we do in New York City, I walked everywhere, got lost here, got lost there. I stacked my fridge with all the brie and hams for all my late night cravings. Then ventured out on table for one dates because, hey, you’re in the most romantic city on Earth, about to be engaged, why not go back to yourself and give yourself back that love you’ve been denying her for some time now?
The first show I attended during the visit was Rochas’ collection. MIND.BLOWN. It almost brought me to tears ( almost because I was acting too tough to let it out. It’s not chic nor is it Parisan to full on cry at a runway show, duh). I sat there amongst the craze of the entire situation pre show , trying to look like I had it together, when in reality I was breaking down internally.
It was all once a dream. To be in the heart of Fashion, sitting and watching next season’s trends come to life right in front of my own eyes, live and not in some cropped square box I’m scrolling through on social media. I felt. I cried. I internalized. It was then that I realized that literally, nothing is impossible.
A few of the other shows that I loved were Carven, Aquazzura and Marimmeko. This I can’t wait to share all the upcoming Fall Winter 2017 trends with you guys. Though we’re saving that for another conversation.
My heart was too happy. Happy to absorb all of the upcoming trends. Happy to find a home away from home. Happy to feel a sense of belonging in another continent. Happy to be doing what I love which constantly gives back to me non-stop. I came home intelligently aware of the new Fall and Winter trends, paired with so much strength of knowing I am the strongest when I am by myself.