This Summer after much dreaming of visiting Paris, I finally packed my suitcase and jetted off to one of the fashion capitals of the world.
Home to some of the most well-known designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Lacroix, Jean Paul Gaultier and Yves Saint Laurent I expected nothing less than what I saw in the street style pages about Paris fashion week. I was not disappointed. Walking along the Avenue Montaigne staring into the ever so carefully thought out window displays of each designer store I was in awe of the fantastic ball gowns at Christian Dior and immaculately cut diamonds at Harry Winston. But nothing took my breath away like looking in the small wooden framed window of Didier Ludot.
After watching an episode of Rachel Zoe’s TV series and seeing her waltz into the small boutique and force her assistant to buy a vintage designer coat I knew I too had to visit.
So, on the last day of my trip, I hunted out Didier Ludot hidden behind the Palais Royal. It is quite simply the home of the most magnificent haute couture pieces you will ever set eyes on.
Looking in the first part of the store, the window displays designs from more than 40 years ago. Above you can see a stunning strapless silver dress from Christian Dior’s 1959 collection with pretty bow detailing. Next to it is a floor length white Balmain gown from 1967 that features heavily embellished neck detailing. I cannot even begin to imagine the time and effort that went into hand stitching each of these dresses. The level of skill and creativity of each design was as faultless as it is today showing designers still take pride in their trade.
Inside the store I didn’t want to touch any of the pieces for fear of damaging anything but the store assistant was very kind and didn’t mind my friend and I browsing through the full rack of ball gowns.
This was the same for the store next door where the room and window were brimming with Didier’s vintage accessories. From Chanel clutches to Hermes handbags, the variety was spectacular and all in immaculate condition while belts and shoes filled in the gaps.
The next and final window display was quite literally dripping with jewels. The widest vintage jewellery collection I have seen was staring back at me. Clear cut diamonds for earrings, bright emeralds embedded in amulets and chunky gold chain bracelets were scattered everywhere. It was like you’d just opened a treasure chest.
If you ever take a trip to Paris, whether or not you like fashion, I highly suggest taking some time to admire Didier Ludot’s vintage collection…it’s almost as impressive as seeing the Mona Lisa!