Wednesday 12 October 2016

La Parisienne by Sofitel



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.



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.



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.



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