Getting ready to leave!

Arrived, checked in The Hilton in Opera , typically disappointing, but it is hard to get a good hotel in Paris so if anyone ever has any recommendations please let me know. Walked across the road for some dinner, a really cute french pub/restaurant, jammed with excitable french enjoying a glass of wine after work. Tucked into a huge bowl mussels and a glass of red.

Before heading to the famous Galleries Lafayette for a spot of shopping. Purchased a fab but practical pair of work-boots! Whatever it is about Paris I always buy a bottle of Perfume. This time I went for a classic, Aqua di Gioia Eua de Parfum. Love it. If you haven’t been to Galleries Lafayette and Paris, then it is one for the “places to see before I die” list Ispans for blocks with internal connecting bridges. You could get lost in this spectacular building. There is nothing you won’t find in here.

Our first appointment was at 8am with a new brand we have not stocked before. The showrooms were jammed to capacity and with a french fashion television station outside filming what was the beginning of Paris’ most hectic week for fashion buyers. People travel from every corner of the world for this week and the excitement was mounting as we commenced our journey to find something new and exciting for OD. Arriving at Who’s Next the exhibition the crowds were insane. Security was high but moved swiftly. There are about 8 halls, 5 of which we were anxious to get into so a fast pace was needed.

The first hall was fame which is a hall for ready to wear. It has 250 brands and features young designers, as well as a selection of the most couture designers under the label ATELIER.

We went through range after range looking for something to jump out at us but nothing really screamed at us.

When in Paris….decided it would be rude not to accept a glass of champagne even though it is only 11.30am! You have to love the french. Ill send you on this pic. You would often see a Bugaboo being pushed around this and all the exhibition, buyers taking there little ones to the fair! Personally I do not know how they concentrate. I couldn’t do it. But when I spotted this French lady, with her hair in a chignon, I was shocked to see two little dogs in the buggy. Never seen anything like this before so for all your dog lovers, do you think there is a market for them?

Found an amazing brand of shoes with interchangeable heels which we are super excited about! These are going to take the world by storm and we are the first to have them in Ireland.

We took an evening stroll down to Notre Dame. I love the architecture of the Cathedral..no wonder it is highly considered as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture.

Paris bridges…don’t they look so good at night..

Some of the trend forecasts we spotted…Good way to start getting ready for AW15. I know I know it’s still only Feb but well…there’s no harm in getting excited!

Time to go home…until next season Paris..