Net-a-Porter's President Alison Loehnis Shares Her Favorite Paris Tips
Scenario: You're one of the most important women in the fashion industry and are knee-deep in work. You have six fashion shows, eight meetings, and also have to find time to FaceTime your kids back at home. Oh, and you should probably eat lunch and dinner somehow in between. This is the situation Net-a-Porter's president, Alison Loehnis, finds herself in during fashion month.
From New York to London, Milan to Paris, Loehnis is constantly juggling a million (very chic) things at once. How does she relax? By having her go-to spots in all the cities she travels to. Here, she takes us through her favorite places in Paris: the last stop on her fashion month tour.
VIDEO: Runway Remix: Watch Our Recap of Paris Fashion Week
Where to Grab Coffee
“I have been staying at the Mandarin Oriental on rue Saint-Honoré for ages. They do the best breakfasts, so I’ll have a bite to eat in the room first thing while I do some work, and then get a coffee when I’m out. I love a strong double espresso at Telescope Café, a cute hidden spot in the 1st, so I’ll usually make that stop my first of the day–and then I’m up and running.”
Where to Eat Lunch in Under 30 Minutes
"Another restaurant reminiscent of my favorite organic spots in New York is Maisie Café. Very central, gluten-free and surprisingly fast for a Paris gourmet-vegan bite. I’m not a big pressed juice fan, so I steel clear of their assortment, but I love the raw energy bars to take on the go.”
Best Place to Go to Ensure You Won’t Run Into Anyone
“A mad dash, but always for years I have gone to Cafe Mode in the 8th where they are lovely and can get you out the door swiftly. It’s not swarming with the fashion crowd (who tend to be around the corner at L'Avenue), which creates a change of pace but it's super close to Ave Montaigne and many of my meetings."
Where to Buy a Book
“Without question, the Librairie Galignani takes the cake. It’s the first English bookshop in all of Europe and is still family-run. They have an incredible selection of art history books. If I can manage to get there during fashion week, it’s a slice of heaven.”
Best Place to Get a Souvenir
"Always Pierre Herme macarons (there is a location in London but I like to get them from the source). Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and exotic specials like: Olive Oil with Mandarin Orange, often come home with me.”
