Dear Friends of French Affaires
My associate and friend over the past 3 years, Maud Hacker, planned a very special Paris Fashion trip. We are just back. What a rich experience!
Fashion is Maud’s heart-beat. She and I have gone down many lanes all over France: Normandy, Burgundy, the Perigord, Provence, Cote d’Azur, and of course Paris and the Isle de France. At last, the time arrived for her to put her hand to her true love: Paris and Fashion History. We have just wrapped up the inaugural visit and it will be one of my very best memories. My late wife, Elizabeth, and Maud shopped side by side on the Place Vendome. As we looked into the Charvet shirt-maker window, on a pause during the program, I sensed her side-by-side on this trip as well.
Maud is the historian at la Samaritaine, the flagship store closed for 16 years, beloved by Parisians, renovated to high standard by LVMH magnate Bernard Arnault. But her fashion horizons stretch far beyond that one venue. She runs www.lesvisitesdemaud.fr and there is unlikely any street in Paris she has not taken clients down. She has been alongside French Affaires for the Paris offerings we have organized during these past years. She has served as a guide to our clients for private trips there as well.
So, it was natural to set her free to develop this special six-day Fashion History week for French Affaires travelers. And of course, when you are studying history, you also will want to buy some! Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Bon Marche, Hermes and the list goes on.
But the real passion of Maud is access to her secret venues: ateliers of widely diverse interest, including embroidery, the re-launching of hand fans, time with a famous haute couture designer, in his showrooms and workshop, a private visit to the famed, historical Chaumet store on Place Vendome (perhaps you’d like them to design a tiara – Princess Diana need not be the only client!).
At this point in the Newsletter I must let the screen go dark, as secret visits are special just to the degree they are secrets. You will need to let Maud be the one to put the key in these charmed locks.
From my standpoint—my wife was the Fashionista, not me—another real highlight was the food! Each day we dined over a long lunch at five very special restaurants, chosen with an eye to our visits that day and their location. I have traditionally been the one to find restaurants for Paris guests, and this time, Maud and I worked together to locate just the right places. It was a pleasure to discover all new venues and to dive into a special meal together with excited guests, wine and dessert completing the joy.
The French Affaires popular Hotel Duc de Saint Simon was our residence for the Fashion experience. Our transportation is always handled professionally. This area of Paris, as many of you know, is replete with nice evening dining spots, for those who want all Paris can give – including a few extra pounds! The trip begins with an introductory evening meal close by in the 7th arrondissement, so we can meet Maud, review the program, and get to know our fellow travelers on the fun week ahead.
We would like to offer a Paris Fashion History trip in the Spring. I know that I have put several people on a waiting list due to the popularity of the October 2024 offering. Please can you get back to me? I want to assure your spots. As usual, we prefer to cap the trip at twelve.
The trip is planned for 11 May start in Paris, to be confirmed shortly. This is the arrival date in Paris, dinner that evening, and then the following five days of fashion visits. Departure 17 May.
You can contact me at christopherseitz@frenchaffaires.com for a program and more information.
With all best wishes,
Chris