Hello everyone, checking in. I was in Paris last week but it was hot like a sauna so there's not much to report on the people in the street fashion front, did pick up some nice things in the sale. But I'm in a different sauna so can't even wear them...
Saw some great exhibits, Charles Worth (the original haute couturier) at the Petit Palais and Alaia and Thierry Mugler at the Alaia foundation, would thoroughly recommend both. Loic Prigent's youtube channel has a special on the Worth exhibit that I need to go watch now that I've been but assume it would be good for anyone not able to travel to see it.
I stupidly did not reserve tickets for the Haute Couture exhibit at the Louvre in advance. I was kind of okay with missing it (busy enough in the heat as it was) but I've been informed it's unmissable 😑 so I'm going to try and fit in a day trip again somewhere this summer, there's also a big Rick Owens exhibit at the Palais Galliera that opened just when we were leaving Paris which I'd also really like to see.
Also saw some non fashion exhibits, would very much recommend the one about Jeju island in the Korean Cultural Center, left inspired and energised. Inside there's also one of those multimedia immersive experiences showcasing Korean nature without the frightening price tag (it's all free) that'll keep children happily entertained.
On the fashion front, those mesh ballerinas were ridiculously popular though, even tried on some bright orange ones by Dear Frances out of curiosity which are more of a really fine nylon mesh and I sort of get the appeal when you're wearing them, they really change things up in a ooh newness with sudden new possibilities way. I just can't get over the material and how it feels like weird stiffer socks and I still think they look kind of odd on other people. Also, will hold my hands up, when Dear Frances first emerged on the scene I was aghast at the poor quality for the price and probably moaned about it on here. Quality has definitely improved a lot, but value for money is still questionable, but no longer outrageous.
Didier Ludot (the famous vintage dealer in the palace gardens with the rare pieces) was suddenly gone and I had a bit of a shock. Going to peer into the windows is like a Paris ritual to me. He was getting on in years and the shop was always randomly closed whenever I passed by so it was to be expected a bit but it looks like they've just moved to the 5th. I suspect under new or rejuvenated ownership.
Did not see many new brands of interest, one that did catch my eye was Ruohan which is probably going to struggle a bit to overcome it being Chinese. The thing is, my criticism of Chinese brands is that they're often varying degrees of imitation. This, although the references feel familiar, felt original. Though not overt, it definitely has something of a tradition of Chinese garments in it. Admittedly better to perceive in person than online, the styling there could do with finessing. The quality of the items also felt in line with the price point and is much higher than what you associate with 'Made in China' (rightly or wrongly, I'm not a fan of labeling everything out of China as deplorable crap but not enough to sidestep the ethics around Chinese manufacturing and supply lines).
I hate to burst your privilege bubble Flo but despite never having bought a thing online at MH I got all the special access emails too. They do often end up in my spam though. If it makes you feel better, seems to be a lot less available on the EU website.
I missed all the Palome chat, if you're still around Taybert, welcome. Must admit I'm always a bit hesitant about brands that are presented as French and then they only sell in the UK 
Also, spotted in The Guardian this morning, looks like Bella Freud's sister Esther has come out with a sequel to Hideous Kinky.