PARIS FASHION WEEK SURVIVAL GUIDE
The Ultimate Insider Handbook to Navigating PFW Like a Pro
1. Understanding Paris Fashion Week
Paris Fashion Week (PFW) happens twice a year for Womenswear (March & September) and Menswear (January & June), plus Haute Couture (January & July).
🔹 Main Locations: Grand Palais, Palais de Tokyo, Carrousel du Louvre, and private venues.
🔹 Who Attends? Designers, editors, influencers, buyers, celebrities, and PR teams.
🔹 Types of Events: Runway shows, showrooms, private presentations, networking events, and after-parties.
2. How to Get Invites to Fashion Shows
a) Apply as Press or Buyer
If you’re a journalist, blogger, or stylist, contact PR agencies like:
📩 KCD, Bureau Betak, PR Consulting, Karla Otto, Lucien Pagès.
🔹 Email Format:
• Introduce yourself + media credentials
• Explain why you want to attend
• Request an invitation to a specific show
🔹 Pro Tip: Smaller brands are easier to access than major houses like Chanel or Dior.
b) Use Showroom & Event Invitations from PFW Insider Plan
Your membership includes open showroom invites and links to RSVP-only events.
c) Try Standby Entries & Fashion Week Hotspots
• Le Bristol Hotel & Hôtel Costes → Celebrities & fashion elites.
• Palais de Tokyo → Many off-schedule shows happen here.
• Ralph’s Café & Café de Flore → Street-style photographers & influencers.
🔹 Pro Tip: Arrive early to venues like Carrousel du Louvre—sometimes there’s last-minute public access.
3. What to Wear to Paris Fashion Week
📸 Street Style Rules:
✔️ Wear statement pieces (bold accessories, unique silhouettes).
✔️ Mix high & low fashion (vintage Chanel bag + emerging designer outfit).
✔️ Stick to chic but comfortable footwear—there’s a lot of walking!
🔥 Fashion Insider Hotspots for Shopping:
• Concept Stores: L’Exception, Merci, The Broken Arm.
• Luxury Vintage: Didier Ludot, Kiliwatch Paris, La Mode Vintage.
• Emerging Designers: 24S, Montaigne Market, Leclaireur.
4. Best Networking Spots During PFW
🤝 Where to Meet Fashion Industry Insiders
• Hotels: Hôtel Costes, Le Meurice, Bvlgari Hotel Paris.
• Cafés: Café Kitsuné, La Palette, Ralph’s Café.
• Co-Working: Soho House Paris, La Caserne (sustainable fashion hub).
• Showrooms & Pop-Ups: Check your PFW Insider Plan for access!
🔹 Pro Tip: Always have a digital business card ready (use apps like HiHello).
5. The PFW Essentials Checklist
✅ Must-Have Apps
📍 Citymapper – Best transport app for navigating Paris.
📸 UNUM – Perfect for planning Instagram posts.
📅 The Official PFW Schedule – Available on Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode’s website.
✅ Packing List for PFW
✔️ Stylish outfits & comfortable shoes.
✔️ Portable charger & mini ring light.
✔️ Notebook for contacts & event notes.
✔️ Business cards or LinkedIn QR code.
✔️ PFW Insider Plan Access for last-minute invites!
6. Secret Tips for Maximizing Your PFW Experience
💡 Get Showroom Access Even Without Invitations
• Many showrooms allow walk-ins for buyers and stylists—be confident, dress the part, and ask!
• Look for public fashion exhibitions at Le Bon Marché or Galeries Lafayette.
💡 Best Places to Spot Celebrities
👀 Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton shows → Huge celeb presence.
🍸 Hôtel Costes, Girafe, Caviar Kaspia → VIP dinners & after-parties.
💡 How to Get Invited to Exclusive Parties
• Follow PR agency pages & brand Instagram Stories for last-minute event announcements.
• Network at showrooms & cafés—people often have extra +1 invitations!
🎟 Want More Exclusive Access?
🔑 Upgrade to the Full PFW Insider Plan for access to exclusive events, showroom invites, and VIP fashion networking!
