There’s a magic in beginning something new, and on PFW Day 1, I felt that magic in every heartbeat. Returning to Paris is always an exhilarating escape—a reunion with the City of Light, a place where every street whispers secrets of style and every moment teems with possibility. This year, I decided to capture every second in real time, sharing the highs, the hustle, and even the little indulgences that make life in Paris so unforgettable.
Morning Inspiration & a City That Steals Your Breath
The day began early with a revitalizing 9 AM stroll. There’s nothing quite like a brisk morning walk or jog along the Parisian boulevards. As the city awoke, its soft light and timeless charm filled me with energy. I felt an instant reminder of why Paris remains a perennial muse—its streets have the power to leave you weak in the knees and hungry for more.
Artistry Unfolds at Maison Margiela
At 11 AM, the first show of the season unfolded at Maison Margiela. Stepping into the Margiela universe is like entering an art gallery where each collection is a daring experiment in creativity. Reuniting with old friends made the experience even sweeter; while we may share our lives on social media, there’s an incomparable joy in meeting face-to-face. The collection itself was a blend of classic silhouettes with ingenious twists—think technical organza gracing a Victorian blouse—each piece a testament to innovation and artistic vision.
Effortless Street Style: The Perfect Layering
By noon, I switched gears into pure street style mode. I paired a chic black off-the-shoulder dress from Cinq à Sept with one of my favorite turtlenecks from Theory—my go-to layering trick in the fall. Simple yet striking, my outfit was elevated by two constant accessories: a bold red structured purse from Jimmy Choo and my ever-reliable sheer mesh booties, which have been my trusted companions for over three years. With a pair of Vedi Vero sunnies and shoes by Reed Krakoff, the look was a seamless fusion of casual sophistication and personal flair—a perfect nod to Parisian chic.
Balmain Dreams & A Flurry of Fittings
The afternoon buzz continued with an exciting Balmain fitting at 1 PM. It was my first taste of Balmain’s signature style, and the prospect of walking their runway sent shivers down my spine. But the day didn’t slow there—within a span of two hours, I found myself darting between fittings with Karla Otto, KCD, and finally reuniting with my Elie Saab family alongside my dear friend Nathalie. The flurry of appointments was a whirlwind, yet each fitting offered a glimpse of potential looks that might define the night’s narrative.
A Hauntingly Beautiful Rochas Show
At 3 PM, I rushed to the Rochas show—a moment that felt like stepping into a dream. It was a true celebration of art and fashion, with the collection reimagining Rochas’s iconic oversized silhouettes in fresh, unexpected ways. The venue buzzed with energy as I caught up with followers, fans, and even Bryan Boy, with whom I had an impromptu chat about everything from politics to pop culture. The show was eerie, romantic, and playfully surreal—a perfect blend that left an indelible mark on my creative soul.
Taking a Moment for the Iconic
No Parisian day is complete without pausing for a tourist moment. At 4 PM, I couldn’t resist snapping a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower. Even after countless visits, that iconic view never fails to stir a sense of wonder—an unspoken promise that beauty, in all its forms, is always worth celebrating.
Savoring Paris: A Meal to Remember
By 5 PM, it was time for the day’s first real meal. During fashion week, breakfast often feels more like a quick refueling than a proper sit-down ritual. Today, however, my team and I finally sat down together at 6 PM for a nourishing, hearty meal. In the midst of a jam-packed schedule, this shared moment of calm was a reminder of the deep bonds we forge on the road—a celebration of friendship and a collective love for what we do.
Evening Elegance with a Classic Twist
At 6 PM, the day’s energy found its echo in my street style choices. I embraced timeless pieces, adding a playful twist with a gorgeous brooch and a unique clutch that set my outfit apart. Styled with a sleek top and skirt from Rochas, complemented by heels from Derek Lam, the look was a perfect representation of my personal style: classic, refined, and yet daringly fresh.
Fenty by Puma: RiRi Takes the Stage
The night’s crescendo arrived at 8:30 PM with the Fenty by Puma show—a show that epitomized bold innovation. Wearing a risqué, backless dress with daring cutouts from Mugler, I stepped into the spotlight as the collection made its debut in Paris. With influences as audacious as Rihanna’s “Marie Antoinette at the gym,” the collection played with sumptuous silk pinks and commanding army greens. It was a heady mix of strength and allure, with unexpected layering—like a corset paired with a hoodie—that was unmistakably RiRi. Every detail screamed confidence and reinvention, and as I watched the runway, I couldn’t help but be swept up in the energy of it all.
Homeward Bound and a Quiet Night’s End
Finally, by 10 PM, I returned home, where the simple comfort of my bed felt like a true haven after an exhilarating day. Even in exhaustion, I managed to indulge in a detox mask from Caudalie—a small act of self-care that ended the day on a gentle, soothing note. In a moment of humorous irony, I fell asleep with the mask still on—at least it was better than going to bed with my makeup on!
Throughout the day, the energy of Paris, the thrill of new beginnings, and the warmth of friendships shone through every moment. Whether it was a morning stroll that set my spirit alight, a series of shows that challenged and inspired me, or the intimate moments shared with my team, PFW Day 1 was a vibrant tapestry of experiences. It was a day of champagne toasts and RiRi moments—a day that reminded me why I fall in love with fashion, and with Paris, over and over again.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my Parisian debut as much as I did living it. Your encouragement and curiosity keep me inspired every single day. Let me know in the comments if you’d like more behind-the-scenes details—from makeup must-haves to secret food spots. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s diary, and cheers to the adventure that is Paris Fashion Week!
