For ages now I have wondered exactly where ( I need street number or building) are the numerous fashion shows held? I am talking about the haute couture shows with the world's top designers - and where you have to be extremely important/rich/famous or all three just to get an invite!

I like a detective puzzle - but a quick Google on "Semaine de la mode" produced this:
http://www.modeaparis.com/vf/collections/index.html

which appears to be from the official trade body, and lists where the main exhibitors held their shows last year ("Calendrier de la saison passée".

or perhaps more useful:

http://www.modeaparis.com/va/index.html

Thanks Patrick! I will use that link for info.

They try to find new and innovative spots every time, from abandoned metro stations to dinosaur exhibits to bowling alleys. I know that the latest big shows were in the Grand Palais a few weeks ago.

Had a look but could only find address to the design school at 42 Rue St Roche.

Now that you mention it, TOD, I've always wondered that, too. Here's a good link:

http://paris.angloinfo.com/information/6/fashion.asp

Well at last I am informed - I have always thought there was one specific building dedicated to the shows! Thanks!

...and if you hadn't asked, WE wouldn't have known!

They are mentioned in all the articles describing them in the newspaper, I read them all the time (when they occur, of course). I think they usually had them in an underground area below the Louvre (the Carrousel du Louvre) until this year. That is where they will be again this July, also, I believe (the Carrousel). I don't think they are all in the same place, of course, during any particular period. Those were pret-a-porter shows. They constructed areas down there specifically for them since the early 19902, as they used to be out in tents before that, I think, on the grounds aroudn the Louvre.

I wonder who Pepper_von_Snoot is? She/He/It just registered to give all us plebes a tongue lashing for our deplorable lack of knowledge and taste. I'll bet it is one of the regulars signing in under a nom de plume.

Consider us all properly chastened.

I can guess who Pepper is, the Countess de Billy reference helps. Welcome back!

Your first sentence was a tell all. Welcome back Pepper.
Its been pretty dull around here without you.

Is Suzy Menkes still kicking around at the IHT, puffy pompadour and all ? Wow, she's been around forever. I sometimes read Hilary Alexander. She has a nice way of saying unlikeable things.

I see that Pepper's post has disappeared. I was hoping HE/SHE could explain how Gretchen could POSSIBLY have won on Project Runway.

Hi Tod,

I have enjoyed the Tea/Fashion shows held at the hotel Bristol. They are not all year round and only about onece a month when they do have them. You can look online and send them an email to get on their list. They send me one for each one.

Joan

Thanks all! I think it would be fun to attend one at the Bristol if I was in Paris with a few girl friends. You never know, maybe oneday it could happen! Thank you Joan for that input - looking forward to your Paris updates.