Among the highlights on The Paris Tour with Susan Khalje were several visits to fashion exhibitions, shopping excursions to three fabric stores, and one to a fabulous scarf store.
The first exhibit we visited was at the Yves Saint Laurent Foundation.
In addition to the selections on display in the current “Sheer: the diaphanous creations of Yves Saint Laurent,” we had the opportunity to see his studio where he worked.
Later that same day, we went to the Musee des Arts Decoratifs where the current exhibit of the works of Iris Van Herpen were on display. Some of the members of our group were quite taken with her designs. I was not one of them. I much preferred our visit to the Alaia Foundation to see the newly-opened exhibit featuring works by Azzedine Alaia and Madame Gres. I have long been a fan of the design aesthetic of Madame Gres. Her works served as a point of great inspiration for Alaia. To see so many of her designs on display, many alongside the more contemporary works of Alaia, was captivating.
The crème de la crème was our visit to La Galerie Dior, newly reopened and quite spectacular. Having seen the Dior Exhibit when it was at the Denver Museum of Art five years ago, I wondered how similar the two presentations might be. There were obviously some repeats of the iconic dresses and ensembles of Christian Dior before his untimely death in 1957, but somehow everything seemed fresh and newly considered. The building is beautiful, masterfully lit, with a logical, but innovative floorplan. Entrance to the Galerie is by timed tickets, and at no time did the galleries seem crowded or uncomfortable.
I could have spent hours studying the walls and walls of accessories and miniature clothing which lined the stairwell.
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After all this inspiration, it was fun to go to three fabric stores. The first one on the agenda was Tissus Edre.
This store sells end cuts from the couture houses, and there is a lot to see. There is not much order to the “presentation” which meant we had to dig our way through the piles of offerings. I admit to having some problems with this type of fabric store.
It was only after a fellow member of our group found this silk charmeuse shown below, that I noticed it.
The second fabric store we visited was the world renowned Janssens + Janssens.
This store was the antithesis of the prior one in its ordered rows of bolts of fabrics both upstairs and downstairs. I spent much of my time with the silk charmeuses and twills although this store is probably known best for its exquisite laces.
Finally, we went to a fabric store in the garment district by the name of General Diff. It, too, features end cuts from the couture houses among other selections. Again, it was a jumble, with fabric piled high on large tables. They had some lovely lightweight wool, but I declined to be tempted, as my suitcases were reaching capacity at this point.
Finally, here are some photos from Wolffe et Descourtis, the wonderful scarf store which captivated us all. This business has remained in the same family for many decades , and indeed the proprietress is Victoria Wolffe, of the original founding family.
What fun to come home with my beautiful scarf!
This ends my monologue on the Paris Tour, despite there having been additional places we visited, people we met and things we did. Summer sewing has already cranked up, with my attention back here in the States. Happy Sewing June to all of you!
fiftydresses 
What a great experience and description…I too saw the Dior exhibit in Denver…I will not forget it…thanks for sharing and allowing me to remember
You are so very welcome, Debra!
Thanks for this post. I’ve literally taken notes. You picked some great items for purchase. Beautiful.
Thank you, Linda. Now I just have to live with those fabrics for a bit to figure out what I want to make!
Thank you for sharing.It must have been so interesting to see the Dior and YSL and the fa ric and scarf store. I’ve seen a small Dior exhibit at the ROM – amazing creations.
There is nothing quite like a Dior Exhibit, large or small!
Thank you for sharing, nice pictures.
I’m so glad you liked them, Brigitte.
Thanks for taking us all along on this adventure. Beautiful fabric is the best travel souvenir. You’ll think of your time in Paris every time you look at it.
I agree!
Thank you for sharing all of these photos of your beautiful trip. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these. All the best and happy sewing to you too!
Thank you, Susan!
Your adventures in Paris are what dreams are made of and I’m so jealous (but in a good way). I had never heard of Alaia and I had to find out more about him. What a talented designer he was. I thank you for bringing him to my attention. You must have reached your “overload” point in those divine fabric shops. I agree with you about that sublime silk that didn’t get to go in your suitcase. I have one non sewing question – – did you drink any good wine while in the City of Lights?
I got a good laugh from from your closing question. As a matter of fact, I probably drank more champagne in Paris than “regular” wine. And I love champagne, so I was happy. Before I got to Paris, my husband and I spent a week in Normandy and Brittany, and yes, we had some wonderful red wine on those travels. According to Susan Khalje, Parisians do not save champagne for special occasions – they drink it any time for any reason! Sounds good to me. I’m still trying to convince my husband we should be doing that!
Just want to thank you for this little peak into a fabulous Pariasian trip.
You’re welcome, Sheila. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
As with the others, I really appreciated you “taking us along” on this trip. I will never get to Paris but have taken note of the shops you mentioned to Google and see more. Can’t believe the tiny shoes and purses along with House of Dior display. Absolutely lovely! I mentally was touching all the fabrics along with you. Love your sewing and outfits you make with detail on technique and fabric choices. I have a stash of patterns I have kept from some 50 years. Just started back into sewing clothing and “shocked” that I am no longer a perfect size 10. Learning how to now adjust patterns.
Well, sewing is definitely a process, right? Fitting is the biggest challenge, but when you get it right, it’s worth all the time it takes. Smart you for keeping all those patterns! I wish I had kept more of mine.
Thankyou for sharing your wonderful Paris adventures….Paris seems so mystical, hope to travel there in two years and see some of the places you have mentioned. Love your sewing.
Thank you for your comment! I hope you DO get to Paris!