Sneakers

Phil Chavanne

sneakers a barely acceptable 'dress-down' accessories in Paris, or a fashion statement that the American tourist can use to their advantage? The chief editor of web magazine Paris Eiffel Tower News, Phil Chavanne, discusses the topic from all angles.

As the senior editor of Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News.com, visitors' e-mail has a tendency to find the magic way to my desk. The good side of it is I am allowed to pause vainly as an expert on everything in Paris, and impart my thin knowledge of the French capital to studious travelers. Among the many questions offered, one keeps coming back: 'It considered bad taste to wear sneakers in Paris? "Ah-ha! This is a problem P.G. Wodehouse's Bertie Wooster would be happy to jump on. Following in the footsteps of this worthy role model, I need to bring an answer to this existential torment once and for all with thundering authority.

Paris, French fashion, sneakers

Paris-bound tourists are often of the opinion that French women are victims die fashion is difficult. This statement is undoubtedly exaggerated, though access to stylish clothing is heavily subsidized in Paris, where women's magazines like 'Elle' and 'Madame Figaro dictate' what is fashion and what is not.

In my humble opinion , perennial tastes very similar to Paris and New York City. Globalization tends to homogenize fashion, making work-a-day wear as great cities.

No matter, the concern remains valid sneaker. Sneakers have become a commodity in the United States, as in Paris?

dress code generally accepted business in France bars usually come from gymnastics in a corporate environment, except for low-level positions. Thus the Parisian woman wears beautiful city, shoes for work, unless the company cultivates an image that takes its sport in which sneakers find a natural home.

Still, sneakers have become design icons turn. Adidas, Puma and Nike each have their own Parisian stores, and churn out models in a convincing way-victim could easily shake credit cards. Adidas has recently collaborated with the icon fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto to create Y-3, a new clothing line-up sneakers. Stella McCartney Adidas also has its line.

What shoes can identify important difference in attitude between the French and American consumers? The latter will wear sneakers as design items, not like the shoes every day. Trainers will not be bought for comfort, but will find an easy way for an escort when compliment dress-down the tight pants and their owner look good. The She-Parisian loves sneakers which make her feet look thin, small and classy.

A mere glance the types of shoes most commonly seen in women's feet in Paris is saying you will not see all levels, comfortable, convenient – looking plain vanilla sneakers. You'll see small, thin, beautiful, single dish, designer sneakers.

For the same reasons, a pair of Stephane Kelian or Robert Clergerie shoes will almost always be favored over a couple of good-looking Pumas. The shoes are a fashion statement, and the most underestimated is the best.

This is another big difference between French and American women. Understatement is a cardinal rule of French fashion. All that is visible is considered too flashy. Is why the little black dress is a fashion icon, and why Audrey Hepburn will always be remembered as the quintessential American fashion Woman.

Tourism in sneakers

This does not mean you can not wear sneakers when you travel to Paris!

first shoes, usually comfortable walking shoes. As the best way to discover Paris is to stroll through its streets with the shoes that feel comfortable covering five miles a day at a slow rate is an important decision. It will affect your general mood during your stay in the French capital.

relegation wearing sneakers if these are the best hiking boots.

The second point refers to 'look problem'. He looked good on the streets, or I will be the laughing stock of all these snobs, dressed-up, fashion conscious women in Paris?

Frankly, I would ask this question. Because who cares about your looks in the street? Never be self-conscious, comfortable shoes. 're A tourist, this is the right time in Paris! Jeans and sneakers are international. People will not be offended by your attire. Unless you dress in 80 disco dress with polka dot shoes, no one around you will mind your looks.

And if you ever notice your jeans, LL Bean trekking shoes, and Patagonia jacket, and pushed forward to push, you might think you're American. So? In all likelihood, we thank you for visiting
Paris.
lunch in sneakers

means you can wear tennis shoes all over the world, on any and every occasion? Not so.

For example, you can dine in a restaurant shoed with your brand-new white sneakers?

For the sake of it, imagine you're walking in your Levi's jeans and Lands End boots. It 'now time for dinner, you are hungry, and scanning the landscape looking for a restaurant promising. There is! The menu displayed outside is appetizing, prices are in your comfort zone, the place is not so crowded … Ah, but guests are dressed smartly. Left in? Will you fit in?

I have yet to see a sign indicating port 'prohibited Sneakers' in Paris. Some places you can leave forehead wisely at bay: "You have a reservation? Sorry, we are full tonight ". But beside those rare snobbish places, no restaurant will refuse to seat because casual dress sneakers.

So the right question is not 'will I be allowed in?' But 'I feel comfortable entering a dressy place in sneakers? 'I probably would not be a business. And the problem is that being self-conscious is a surefire way to kill your meal. The focus should be on your plate and on the food, without shoes and garb.

My rule of thumb is 'Dress according to the lieu'. If you plan to dine at expensive, dressy restaurants when you're in Paris, just bring your Pradas. Better yet, a visit to Robert Clergerie and Stephane Kelian boutique in Paris, and bought these great looking shoes designers.

Paris One night in one sneakers Opera

There are other places where sneakers just will not cut it.

L 'Opera House is one of them. But I know that nobody would be so foolish as to dress in jeans and sneakers for a night at the Opera. Therefore, the question is considered sneaker moot.

And the cabaret? I say it's much better to dress when you are going to spend the night in 'Moulin Rouge', 'Lido', and 'Paradis Latin'. Although the stage is the only place well lit in these places, the people around you usually dress for the occasion. There will be more comfortable in some formal wear.

How about the boats on the Seine? If you are on board a boat for a cruise with dinner, do not wear sneakers. This is a romantic experience, you want to make the most of it. An evening dress is 'de rigueur'. On the other hand, if you simply want to cruise up and down the stream, sneakers are fine.

museums? Forget style, wear very comfortable shoes. Nobody looks at the shoes, the art on the walls. But walk through the galleries of the Louvre is a tiring experience: see also the many galleries, so slow down the pace. The good doctor's advice: go with cushion and an art gallery comfort.

'vernissage'? Style is your cue. Art galleries are small, vernissage evenings are short. Evening dress, black preferably, nothing flashy, and good-looking design shoes. N. sneakers.

Wrapping up

Dress for the place to go. If you are not sure about the dress code, you can call in advance to have it evaluated. Pack a dressy pair of shoes, or buy one when you're in Paris. Bring a discreet, understated evening dress.

But not back away from sneakers, not to others, so formal occasions. Take them shamelessly in the street. Mixes well if I wear a pair of jeans and a pair of sneakers. Nike is an American brand, and is very popular in France. Levi's, Diesel, Calvin Klein and American brands, and that rule the French jeans scene too. In fact, I can not think of any domain in France where American culture did not leave a mark – except maybe cuisine.

I feel good in your shoes, and enjoy vista.