These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: Paris Edition
From restaurants, to landmarks, to accessories, to exhibitions... here are 10 of Alina Cho's Paris obsessions...
If you’ve been following me here on Cho & Tell, you know that I just got back from Paris.
Truth be told, I’m already planning a return trip… in my mind.
Late at night, when most people are in bed, I’m on Kayak looking for flights.
Christmas in Paris sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
Paris has a way of staying with you… long after you leave.
These are the things I’m still thinking about… obsessing over, really… two weeks after coming home...
Here are my TOP 10 PARIS OBSESSIONS:
1. LA PAGODE DE COS at LA RÉSERVE, 42 Av Gabriel, 75008 – One thing I love about going to Paris during Fashion Week is that I get to see my friends... who also live in NY. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. One night, I had dinner at La Pagode de Cos at La Réserve, the luxury hotel, with James Aguiar and Linda Fargo. I’m still thinking about the fig tart dessert we had. Sublime.
(Left to right) James Aguiar, Alina Cho, Linda Fargo at La Pagode de Cos at La Réserve
Fig Tart at La Pagode de Cos
2. L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE, WRAPPED, Pl Charles de Gaulle, 75008 – I know, I know, you’ve seen this a million times on Instagram, but I will tell you that seeing the Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped (by the late Christo and Jeanne-Claude) in person was something else. I walked up the Champs-Élysées so I could get an up-close look. And I’m so glad I did because they took it all down the next day.
L’Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped, Christo and Jeanne-Claude
3. DRIES VAN NOTEN COAT IN HONOR OF ALBER ELBAZ – This crimson coat featuring a familiar likeness of Alber Elbaz (Elbaz used to draw himself frequently) was part of a special show honoring the late fashion designer, a dear friend who died earlier this year from COVID-19. This coat has somehow stayed with me. Sadly, it’ll never be produced. Alber would’ve loved the show.
Dries Van Noten coat in honor of Alber Elbaz
4. ISABELLE LANGLOIS RING, 12 Rue de la Paix, 75002 – When a close friend of mine found out I was going to Paris, she told me not to miss the Isabelle Langlois boutique near Place Vendôme. It’s a jewel box (pardon the pun) of a store. This ring — around €6000 — is a showstopper.
Isabelle Langlois Ring
5. THIERRY MUGLER, COUTURISSIME, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 – If you are planning a trip to Paris – and you love fashion – spend an hour at the Thierry Mugler exhibition. Worth learning about the man who designed the famous black dress Demi Moore wore in Indecent Proposal… more recently, he dressed Cardi B. I remember when Mugler had his boutique on Avenue Montaigne. Though he doesn’t actively design anymore, Mugler is one of the most influential designers of our time.
6. PALAIS ROYAL, 8 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 – It may not be among the most famous sites in Paris, but the Palais Royal is one of the most Instagram worthy spots in the City of Light. Especially on a beautiful day.
7. PRADA BRUSHED LEATHER SLINGBACK PUMPS, $950. – I know I’m not alone when I say that COVID has definitely affected my shoe buying. Low heels, all the rage. I tried these on in Paris and – frankly – should’ve bought them. European goods, without the import duties, are cheaper in Europe.
8. PIERRE-LOUIS MASCIA SCARF, $1476. – I discovered Pierre-Louis Mascia at the chic multi-brand boutique, L’Éclaireur. This isn’t the exact scarf I tried on, but it’s close and the only one of its kind I could find online. I love how there’s just a touch of fur around the neck. Once again, something I should’ve bought while I had the chance.
9. SONIA RYKIEL MULTICOLORED STRIPED SWEATER, €240 – I am so happy — after a brief hiatus — Sonia Rykiel is back! I tried on this sweater at Le Bon Marché and loved it. I ended up buying it for my mom, who is obsessed with Rykiel striped sweaters.
10. WHERE I STAYED IN PARIS – Let me just take this opportunity to thank my dear friend once again (she’s a subscriber, so hopefully she’ll see this) for so graciously letting me stay at her fabulous Paris apartment. This was the view from my bedroom window. Wow. Just wow. Thank you, J. x
Are you planning a trip to Paris? Let me know in the comments!
x A