Shopping won’t solve all your problems. But a trip to Paris Fashion Week? Definitely the escape I needed from LA for some much-needed fashion respite.
So when Balmain called with a front row invite to its FW25 show and an exclusive global very important client (VIC) dinner at Opéra Garnier, it was a solid yes.
With all four of my extra-large glossy Rimowa bags in tow, I could feel the pulsating energy of the city as I strutted through the red-carpeted entrance — nonchalantly brushing past Leonie Hanne — at the iconic Plaza Athenee, my forever home away from home and the ultimate Paris Fashion Week hub.
“Bonjour Madame Mehta, welcome home” was all I needed to hear as I was escorted to my fourth-floor abode and greeted by a red mini Kelly made of chocolate for late-night cravings.
First things first, I flung open the balcony doors to soak in the best view in town — the hustle and bustle of Avenue Montaigne and an unobstructed view of the Parisian Grande Dame, the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Pia Mehta/Warrior Network Agency
Within hours, my suitcases were unpacked and looks were perfectly hung on clothing racks by hotel staff while I rushed to Schiaparelli at Place Vendome to pick out my look for their upcoming post-show resee and cocktail party.
I can’t figure out what’s harder, getting a front-row seat at a fashion week show or snagging a dinner reservation at Hotel Costes — preferably a table on its iconic terrace during Paris’ busiest week. And on the eve of fashion week chaos, the red-hued corridors of this fashion elite’s haunt were abuzz with all the exclusive glitz and the people-watching glam you could expect.
Dior kicked off day one of PFW with a stellar show at Jardin des Tuileries. A last-minute plus-one opportunity from a friend meant I had to come up with a look within 24 hours. Not an unusual scenario during fashion week madness, as I learned things can change by the minute.
A quick expedition to the Montaigne Avenue store to meet my local sales associate resulted in my trench dress, boots and hat final look. The show didn’t disappoint. The corseted blazers were a standout feature of the collection and conversations centered on Maria Grazia Chiuri’s looming departure. I especially loved her spin on Galliano’s classic J’adore Dior t-shirt.
Pia Mehta/Warrior Network Agency
On Day 2, I fought the jet lag with an early wake-up call by Fran Freire, a celebrity Brazilian lymphatic massage specialist who depuffed my face and body to prep me for my Balmain show look.
Styled by the Los Angeles team in a classic full leather and gold look, I headed to Grande Halle de la Villette for my front-row experience along with the likes of Doja Cat, Kim Cattrall, Delilah Belle and Barbara Palvin.
Olivier Rousteing’s collection garnered attention as a key turning point in the evolution of the brand’s legacy, with sculptural knitwear and luxurious textures, while staying true to its core DNA of unabashed opulence and extravagance. He certainly had me at burgundy leather and matching thigh-high slouchy boots!
An after-party followed at Coco, located beneath the vaults of Opéra Garnier, where champagne flowed and the beautiful people mingled.
Day 3 began at Unesco House with a much-coveted front-row seat at Rabanne with fashion’s it girls — from Chappell Roan to Charlotte Lawrence. The mob wife aesthetics were obvious in Julien Dossena’s much-anticipated collection with lots of play on faux fur and metallic textures.
Day 4 started bright and early with glam for the Giambattista Valli show — courtesy of the Saks Beverly Hills Limitless Club — at the Hotel Pozzo di Borgo. Valli has a way of masterfully blending romanticism and contemporary design.
Standout pieces were a pink mini ruffled dress and a fluid-draped gold lurex gown with a hint of burgundy. Spotted at the show: Olivia Palermo, Heart Evangelista and Morgan Stewart, amongst others.
Navigating one’s way in and out of shows at PFW is an art in itself. Any fashion week veteran will tell you that having your driver on standby is the only way to go, and luckily, mine was ready to swoop me quickly to get me back to the hotel for a full makeover as I got ready for the Schiaparelli cocktail party and a sneak peek at the latest collection by Daniel Roseberry where couture opulence met the American West — a fitting theme given the designer’s Texan roots.
Pia Mehta/Warrior Network Agency
Schiaparelli is the most-talked-about brand at the moment in the crowded luxury market. In Roseberry’s own words, the women he admires don’t dress for men. And his collection is a testament to fashion as a means of self-expression and individuality. My favorite look was tanks or jackets adorned with layers of belts with oversized buckles.
The next stop was probably the most glamorous event of my week — Balmain’s global VIC dinner, held at the iconic Opéra Garnier. No time to spare between events meant I had to quickly change into my full look in the car.
I am still in awe as I look back at memories of walking into a historic, 1979-seat opera house in Paris for one of the most decadent, unforgettable dinners and topped with a spectacular opera performance. A night at the Opéra with Balmain was definitely one for the books.
Pia Mehta/Warrior Network Agency
Day 5 and 6 were packed ones. First stop, fittings at Balmain Showroom to preorder my favorite pieces for fall, turned into a glamorous photoshoot with our photographer for the week, Victor Telles.
Next up, a front-row experience at Vivienne Westwood, where Andreas Kronthaler staged a flamboyant return to British tailoring. The show was an ode to London, the very city that inspired the brand’s evolution for 30 years. Spotted at the show were Paris Jackson, Ice Spice and Chappell Roan.
Back at the hotel, I swapped British punk for Lebanese elegance and headed to the Palais de Tokyo for my coveted front-row seat at Elie Saab, where a focus on apres ski glam transported us to an alpine fairy tale.
With the who’s who of Paris Fashion Week in attendance from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kelly Rutherford and Leighton Meester — this was hands down one of the most seductive shows, with an abundance of fur and breathtaking silk gowns.
I left the Saab show dreaming of my next alpine getaway and hopped over to the Georges Hobeika show at the same venue. As with their Lebanese counterpart, Elie Saab, the father and son duo at Hobeika are masters of meticulous craftsmanship, blending luxurious textures and bold silhouettes. The sheer gowns with intricate embroidery were my favorites.
And with that, it’s a wrap. Paris, you were a dream. Back to L.A. I go, inspired by the creativity of the various fashion houses but above all, energized by the meaningful human connections I made.
