I developed this Fashion Experience Tour to showcase the incredible skill and care that goes into a hand-made garment or object. I’ve been writing about these specialized ateliers for Major Magazines for 10 years, once I became obsessed with learning their secrets. These small workshops are the lifeblood of Haute Couture, bringing designers’ dreams to life. We delve past the glamour of the runway to meet actual working haute couture artisans to learn what it’s like to be one of the “petit mains,” the little hands that do all the intricate and surprising work of French high fashion. Our atelier partners work with true Haute Couture houses like Schiaparelli, Dior, Gaultier, Valentino, Chanel, etc., as well as smaller designers and even the general public (maybe even you!). These connections have taken years to build, and I am excited to introduce them.

Paris has some of the most incredible fashion museums in the world, and my first time visiting one (Palais Galliera), I became hooked. Some museums are fully dedicated to the work of a particular designer, like Yves Saint Laurent, Azzedine Alaïa, and Dior. Some, like the Musée des Arts Décoratifs or the Palais Galliera, curate exhibitions with rotating shows of their archives and pieces on loan from collections worldwide in retrospectives or a themed program. In addition to your museum entrance fees, I will add guided tours for my groups wherever possible to get deeper insights and an understanding of the history of fashion. Only licensed tour guides with a professional card can guide tours in museums in Paris (or I would guide you myself). These guides are accredited by the official tourism boards of Paris or France, requiring a 2-year course, and I have some great ones on standby.

While this isn’t exactly a shopping tour, we visit some extremely shop-able neighbourhoods. You can peel off the group at any time and either continue on your own (with my help if you like) or meet up with the group later. We will spend the day with a semi-independent tour at the giant flea market in the North of Paris. I will show you around to my favourite markets first, then take you back to where you want to start, and I always point out the bathrooms and places to stop for a break. I’ll be available to meet up with you if you need help with a haggle or just a stylist’s opinion. Les Puces never disappoints!

I will always try to ensure you get where you need to be with time to enjoy it, be it a museum, a neighbourhood, or a monument. If you are particularly interested in shopping for materials and supplies for your own creative projects, please let me know. If vintage shopping is your thing, you are spoiled for choice in almost any area of town and for every budget. I love a sound rabbit hole and will gladly find something to suit your interests. My task is to fit together the puzzle pieces to fit in as much as possible while still creating space for some relaxation and downtime for you to make your own discoveries. Part of being in Paris is to slow down and enjoy the city with a glass of wine on a terrace or a pastry eaten in a beautiful garden.

Travelling with a group means we can do things and access opportunities you could never do alone, and sharing it with like-minded people makes the experience even better. My favourite part is when we start to make connections between all our stops: the skilled artisans crafting an incredible garment, the flea market where we can see these haute couture creations up close, and the incredible museums where we can understand the context of the garment in history. The history of fashion is the history of ourselves, and I am proud to offer you this unique opportunity to delve deeper into the world of fashion.

Thank you so much for your interest, and I can’t wait to welcome you to Paris!