The carefully constructed wardrobe of neutral-coloured
staples that always look so chic, the styled hair that looks undone but is
always done, Parisian style always looks so effortless yet is polished. It is
something that the women of Paris have ingrained into their psyche from birth.
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| Les-Parisiennes-©--Gérade-Géry_Paris-Match |
They love fashion but are not a slave to it. It is all about
buying well-cut clothes that fit properly and fabrics that look expensive even
if they are not. Accessories are kept to the minimum. It is all in the detail.
Coco Chanel said: “Dress shabbily and they remember the
dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”
So when I heard that the Sofitel London St James was showing
La Parisienne by Sofitel, an exhibition that pays homage to the
everlasting supremacy of the Parisian sense of style, I had to go and see it.
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| Sophie-Loren-©-Jack-Garofalo-_-Paris-Match |
Featuring photographs taken from the archives of the
highly-respected magazine Paris Match, it shows fascinating images of
the likes of Coco Chanel, Catherine Deneuve and Sophia Loren in Paris looking,
obviously immaculate.
Guests of the 5-star Sofitel St James have the opportunity
to choose from a menu of La Parisienne style experiences including having a
session with a personal shopper and stylist as well as a visit from one of the
team from the highly-acclaimed Paul Edmonds hair salon in Knightsbridge.
The women of Paris know their style and and rarely ask for a
second opinion but what even they need is a good hairdresser. It does not
matter what you wear or how you do your make-up, if your hair is a mess you
will not look or feel good. In other words, it is all about hair.
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| Parisian glamour |
To create that Parisian glamour in London, the Sofitel St
James arranged for Siobhan from Paul Edmonds to visit me at the hotel “French
pleats, chignons or super sleek are the choices of the Parisian woman,” said
Siobhan. “She wants well-groomed polished hair that shines like glass.”
We went for the sleek look. After washing my hair with
Hèrmes Eau d'orange verte Shampoo, which smelt divine, she used the matching
conditioner on the ends and then sprayed my hair with Kérastase Discipline
Fluidissime Spray to help combat frizz.
The secret of having good hair is not really the products
you use but in the blow-dry itself. Siobhan had never met me before but she instantly
got me. She styled my locks exquisitely. I felt very glam. Furthermore, despite
the damp weather, my hair kept for days. She is a true pro.
If you are not staying at the Sofitel St James, make time to
go and see the exhibition as you can pick up some good style tips. It is also a
good excuse to enjoy La Parisienne afternoon tea or linger over a glass
of champagne, all served with a special French touch.
By Daralyn Danns
For more information about the Sofitel St James visit sofitelstjames.com
For more information about Paul Edmonds visit pauledmonds.com
