No matter how much we love New York, Paris is inarguably the fashion capital of the world. This exclusive version of Fashion on Fifth based at Parsons Paris highlights the international student fashion scene in the style capital of the world.
This week for Fashion on Fifth, I am simultaneously crying and celebrating. This issue will be published on my last day in Paris, which means the most romantic four months of my life have come to an end. On the bright side, New York and I have been in a long-distance relationship since May, and now it’s finally over. While starting to pack all the clothes I brought with me to Paris, I realized I’ve accumulated a substantial amount of new items for both my closet and my bookshelf. I can measure how much I’ve grown and changed by comparing what I packed to come here and what I’m packing to go home. A new cashmere sweater makes my old Champion hoodie look juvenile. However, my freshly unwrapped Prada Archive book by Norbert Schoerner sits pretty next to my tried-and-true teddy bear that I’ve been cuddling for five years. There is a delicate balance between leaving old things behind and making space for new ones. This week, I asked Parsons Paris students how this city has changed or influenced their personal style.
Valentina Galli she/her — @vlntgll
Second-year Strategic Design & Management student
Valentina grew up between Dubai and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, where the norms of dressing veer towards modest and conservative. “I’ve always known I had an alternative style, but I couldn’t develop it or explore it there,” she tells me. Moving to Paris gave her the opportunity to dress however she wants. “I’ve transformed and feel more comfortable. I love getting dressed up and doing makeup. It feels like freedom.” Even on a freezing day, Valentina confidently struts in a tank top, bloomers, lace tights, boots, and a fur jacket for warmth. I also complimented the gorgeous Moroccan silver necklace around her neck. She is always consistent in her personal expression and if it weren’t for Paris, she may never have blossomed into who she is today.
Luci Duchêne she/her — @lucieduchenee
Third-year Art, Media, and Technology student
Luci, oh how I will miss Luci. She gives me great graphic design and publishing advice, and always has her Yves Saint Laurent Mombasa bag slung over her shoulder. Liana Satenstein would be proud. Let’s just say that Luci’s style has changed significantly in the three years since she’s lived in Paris. She grew up in Belgium, but spent her high school years living with her mother in Florida. “Miami is very much beach attire with no styling whatsoever. Paris has seasons and you can start layering and having fun with your clothes,” she says. Every fashion enthusiast can relate to the excitement of wearing the first sweater and jacket of the season. It’s a rush to be able to layer as many textures as possible. And Paris is the best place to find these luxurious pieces for your wardrobe. “The vintage stores here are amazing,” Luci tells me, adding that her proximity to the Marais neighborhood fuels her designer shopping habit. Can’t relate to something more, Luci. It’s a habit I don’t care to quit.
Vadim Charlot he/him — @vadimcharlot_
Second-year Strategic Design & Management student
Vadim is the only born-and-raised Parisian that I’ve met at Parsons Paris, so I felt that it was important to ask how living here for his whole life (minus British boarding school) has shaped how he thinks about getting dressed. When he spent a semester at our Parsons campus in New York, Vadim first realized how differently Americans express themselves compared to his home country. “New York is more extravagant so you see many different styles. Here it’s more chic, more Parisian. Everyone in the streets is looking good,” he explains. “In New York, it’s a more diverse range of styles and expressions. People don’t always look good.” Something I admire about Vadim is his brutal Parisian honesty, which I think is very similar to a New Yorker’s. I also appreciate that he wears great jeans every day to class. Today, they are a blue/gray wash that pools perfectly on top of his Timberland boots. (Looks like New York has influenced him!) And his Moncler puffer and gray T-shirt are a satisfying combo for the cold.
Ceylin Su she/her — @ceylhn
Fourth-year Art, Media, and Technology student
Ceylin feels like the city has given her the bravery to experiment with her daily wardrobe. “Paris has made me more tapped into what I actually want to look like rather than fit in with other people,” she says. She wears a Barcelona baseball cap, gray knit turtleneck, oversized black jeans, and white sneakers. The star of Ceylin’s outfit is this quilted orange jacket with a fur-trimmed hood that gives her the look of a lion, which directly correlates to the courage that Paris has instilled in her personal style. She mixes Parisian chic with streetwear silhouettes and it works perfectly.
Mariam Natroshvili she/her — @mariammnatroshvili
Fourth-year Strategic Design & Management student
Mariam has mastered the art of throwing a decadent jacket over a simple outfit to achieve a chic, casual look. “I try to implement elegance in my style. Even when I go out,” she says. In New York, jeans are acceptable to wear to dinner and drinks. In Paris, Mariam doesn’t think that will fly. “Here I feel like I can’t wear jeans, I have to dress up.” And showing up to work in leggings and a crewneck? No way. “I work for a luxury brand, and there it’s such an elegant style. Even for work outfits, it’s a higher level than average.” It’s not just working at a luxury brand that demands a more luxurious style. Everyone in Paris is beautiful and I believe it’s because they use style to accentuate their inherent beauty. Mariam has done just that, achieving an upscale outfit for an early morning class.
Paris has changed me more mentally than physically. Yes, I have fabulous new coats and sweaters and jeans and heels and books and candles and jewelry. Did I miss anything? … But really, this city has taught me to take a moment for myself everyday. I sit and drink my coffee. I don’t rush. I cook breakfast in the mornings and eat lunch for an hour. The people here are kind. Last night when I got drinks with my friend, a beautiful man wordlessly lit my cigarette when I struggled to find my lighter. No words needed, just a selfless act that he expected nothing in return for. I’ve been learning French, though semi-unsuccessfully, and I find myself wrapped up in listening to the local’s conversations, desperately clinging to the few words that I understand. Paris draws out intention in its residents. Everyone sits outside all year round. Everyone takes the metro (which actually runs consistently). Some people say that the 3rd arrondissement is like The Village in New York. Or that the 16th is similar to the Upper East Side. In reality, you can’t compare the two cities. They each have their own beauties and smells and tastes. Granted, Paris is cleaner and could teach New York a thing or two about cheap coffee and boulangeries. But I won’t declare a favorite, because New York is who I come home to every night. My friends, my apartment, my language. It’s been an incredibly transformative semester and I intend on returning to this wonderful city for a longer time in the future. Thank you for accompanying me in the sartorial exploration of the students at Parsons Paris, and I will see you next semester back in New York.