Our recent trip to Paris was blessed with beautiful sunshine. While curating AW25, we strolled through the charming streets of the Marais and Saint Germain, soaking in the glorious weather, dashing from designer to designer.

 

Here are some of our trip highlights…

PASCALE MONVOISIN

Our first stop was a visit to jewellery designer Pascale Monvoisin. Her head office is nestled on Rue Saint-Denis, one of the oldest streets in Paris. Walking through the cobbled courtyard, so quintessentially French, we were tracing the steps of Louis XVI. 

After several seasons working with the jewellery label, we had the pleasure of meeting the designer, Pascale, for the first time.  It was a true delight to hear her talk about her love of the Cross. Pascale reminisced about her first visit 20 years ago, when she had kept a magazine clipping about us and came to buy one of our iconic Chinese lanterns. It is always a joy to hear anecdotes and memories of the Cross’ early days.

The Cross' iconic Chinese lanterns

 CHEZ OMAR

This place is an institution, serving up Moroccan fare, in the setting of a classic French brasserie. It’s a welcoming spot after a day of travel and work for some much-needed comfort food. We highly recommend the vegetables with couscous and merguez sausage.

PALAIS ROYALE

This spot is always busy and bustling during Paris Fashion Week. We had a saunter through in between appointments, people-watching and gazing at the old antique shop windows.

SEBASTIEN GAUDARD 

This is your go-to for perfectly packaged madeleines and delicious chocalat-chaud. Just across the road from Jardin des Tuileries, a hidden gem to escape from the madness of the fashion trade show!

 PERO  

We can always expect a little bit of playfulness at Pero, who delight us every season with a hilarious installation. The collection for autumn will not disappoint, with gorgeous checks, tie-dyes and shades of blue and green. Watch this space.

 

SUZUSAN

 It’s always a delight to catch up with Hiro, the talented creative behind Suzusan. Hiro was regaling us with his recent showcase at Biffi in Milan. Here is Hiro and Sam together, Sam modelling a glimpse of the new AW25 collection, stay tuned for burgundy beauty!

CAFÉ DE FLORE

An oldie but a goodie, our spot for a pre-dinner aperitif. If this place is busy, Les Deux Magots and Brasserie Lipp next door and across the road respectively, are equally inviting.

 

RESTAURANT ALLARD

One of Sam’s favourite restaurants from back in the day, it was treat to return and see it is still equally as splendid as it was.  It is self-proclaimed as one of the last authentic French gourmet bistros, and part of the Alain Ducasse family of restaurants. We had an iconic meal, bringing the second day of buying to a close.

 

BY WALID

A visit to Walid’s showroom always brightens our day, not only to revere over his collection and the breath-taking textiles, but to be around Walid’s infectiously entertaining character.

 

ÉGLISE SAINT-PAUL-SAINT-LOUIS

This wonderful church was a stone’s throw from our hotel so we had to have a peak. This 17^th century baroque-style building is a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of the Marais.