RGTraveler

We'll be in Paris the third week of May and I've been reading about the free fashion shows at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. Do you think this is something 3 youthful 50 year olds from California would enjoy as a unique Parisian experience or is it mostly a waste of time attended by busloads of tourists? If they're worth doing, which is the better one to attend?

Fodorite018

Primtemps does not have the fashion shows anymore. So that narrows it down for you a bit.

brioche

Last spring, my (tolerant & sweet) husband and I went to a fashion show at Galeries Lafayette and I really enjoyed it. We took photos of the latest French fashions to send to our daughter, (lots of people were taking photos).

Fashions, (including the perfect & appropriate accessories), were featured for every occasion, and men's fashions, also. A bridal gown ended the show for a gorgeous finale. It seemed professional enough to us, but this was the only fashion show we've ever attended.

There seemed to be a lot of tourists there, all nationalities & all ages, (and enough other husbands & boyfriends so mine didn't feel out of place), but there may have been Parisians there, too. There was a young French speaking couple sitting next to us, but they may have been tourists.

Personally, I wouldn't take the time to go to a fashion show on my first trip to Paris, but I do think it's a fun thing to do if you can spare the time. The only downside for me was realizing I'll never be able to wear clothes as well as those skinny models!

GoPlanB

Hello Brioche,
We will be in Paris for 9 days in May, we may have time for a fashion show especially I have two daughters. Can you tell me where I can get those free fashion show tichets?

Many thanks

Christina

There are not a unique Parisian experience, so don't count on that. They are for tourists, that's all. They are not real fashion shows, exactly. I think they might be fun for a break if you have plenty of time, why not -- they are free. But only you would likely know if it's a waste of time. It's not a real fashion show, of course, where new lines are presented to buyers, etc.

YOu can get reservations online on their website, I think -- if not, drop in at the visitors welcome center in the store when you get there.

brioche

We were lucky enough to get our tickets about a week and a half in advance of the next available show right at Galeries Lafayette, but I think I've read that you can email the store to arrange it. The show was packed when we were there, so I think it's a popular thing to do - it might be a good idea to contact the store well in advance to make sure you can get tickets for the time you'll be in Paris. Or, perhaps your hotel concierge might be able to arrange it. Your daughters will love it!

AnthonyGA

If you're at a nice hotel with a good concierge, and you're in Paris at just the right times, your concierge may be able to find invitations to the real fashion shows, which are held in separate venues (such as the auditoria at the Louvre) and not in department stores.

stormbird

Hi RG,
We did the Galleries La Fayette fashion show in November last year. We thoroughly enjoyed it. I booked good and early online and had front row seats.

We also had a lot of fun with some of the models after the show, with photos etc. All in all we were glad we did it - I can certainly see it wouldn't be for everyone - but it was just one more element in our Parisienne experience.

SeaUrchin

I agree, it was a nice experience. If you are an outgoing person with the right attitude you can make almost any experience a good one. The room it is held in is a little disappointing though.

The clothes shown are from the store itself, this is why people are taking notes, you can go downstairs and select what you have just seen on the model. This is what we did, it is a nice afternoon.

Rhea58

Yes, it is 1/2 hr presentation & while I had an e-mail confirmation,
I noticed that people could also just walk in.
e-mail [email protected],
print out confirmation & bring w/you.

Seeing the domed ceiling alone is worth the trip. Also, there is a number of eating offerings & a
mini-market type operation & an outside rooftop view of Paris.
Go - enjoy!