American designer Joseph Altuzarra is one of the most Parisian New Yorkers we know. He’s existed between the Big Apple and the City of Light for most of his life, and is equally comfortable in both cities—as we documented when we asked him to narrow in on the best things in each spot.
All images by Jessa Carter
So who better to turn to today as Paris Fashion Week begins. We asked Joseph to give us his three favorite neighborhoods—excusez-moi, arrondissements—and an Altuzarra look to go with each.
The Palais-Royal area is Joseph’s pick for gallery hopping. You’d probably want to hit the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens while you’re there, and many of us would get caught up in the art of people watching too. The weather is perfect in Paris right now, so slip on some lightweight jeans, a pair of sandals and the designer’s leather-trim wool-and-mohair-blend sweater for the day.
Altuzarra Caravan wool and mohair sweater
Now, how about something to eat? There’s a dizzying array of choices when it comes to dining in Paris, but Joseph says the Marais is perfect for culinary exploration. On one hand, the neighborhood is known for its pre-revolutionary buildings and tiny streets (it’s one of the few survivors of the Napoleonic era, when almost everywhere else was widened and grand squares were implanted), but on the other, it’s a hangout for artists and hipsters. And people who love modern as well as traditional cuisine.
Joseph recommends his fringed jacquard knit sweater—maybe with a flared pencil skirt?
For evening cocktails, it’s all about Saint-Germain-des-Prés—also known as the Latin Quarter—where the wide tree-lined boulevards, historic landmarks and famous cafés evoke a grand and quintessential charm. What to wear? The designer’s handkerchief-hem silk dress and the barest heels.
Altuzarra handkerchief hem silk dress
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—Laura Cassidy