All things Paris
As I continue to navigate the impossible job market, I’m forced almost daily to think about the future I want for myself. I started out applying to only jobs in New York, but after being met with a dose of reality (and desperation), I’ve expanded my search to other major cities that I think I could live in for a few years. That’s always the caveat- wherever I land, it will be a temporary position until I’ve saved enough and learned enough French to justify my move to Paris because as much as I love New York, Paris is my future.
My plan is to be fluent in French and living in Paris by the time I’m 26. My 22nd birthday is this August, so I’m just shy of four years of turning my dream into reality. But as the summer has worn on, I’m now faced with the desire to take the leap early. I’ve told people that if I don’t have a job in the US by September/October, I’m going to apply for au pair programs in Paris and move. I’ve said it enough times that I should trust it will happen but I’m terrified. There’s a possibility it does work out and a possibility it doesn’t- both of which come with their own unique set of challenges.
I read this article where the author discusses how she feels her personality and routine, among other things, is heavily shaped by her location. She compares her more community-oriented lifestyle in Delhi to her more independent-centered lifestyle in Frankfurt. I think I have paralleled feelings around New York versus Paris. Not to say that Paris isn’t community oriented- it’s one of the reasons I love the city so much- but living in Europe in a country whose primary language isn’t English requires a level of hyper-independence that while I think I posses, I’m not sure I currently want to rely on. The past month and a half, I’ve realized that my first-born, eldest daughter hyper-independence can only carry my sanity so far until the massive part of me that craves my friends in proximity kicks in. They’re only cities away now, but if I were to take the leap, how would I cope when they are an ocean away with a 7-hour time difference? How would I be able to get into the groove of finding my new routine in Paris, seeking out friendships in a different language, all while trying to successfully maintain the relationships I have at home? It’s frustrating to constantly deal with these questions surrounding my future and have no answers.
Paris things I just learned about:
Fete de la musique: It’s basically a massive, street music festival happening around Paris from 6pm-2am. It happened on June 21st, which was towards the end of men’s fashion week. From the videos I saw on Tiktok and French influencers I watch… My FOMO was through the roof. There were DJs, live bands and individual musicians- and of course, because they’re French, people were actually dancing! Not just like head bop, but fully dancing in the streets.
Vogue World: I don’t know where I’ve been, but I didn’t even know that Vogue World was a thing. There have been two in the past, one in London and the other in New York. It was held in Paris this year at the Place Vendome which, fun fact, is the square where Elsa Schiaparelli set up shop in 1935. This year’s show looked back over the decades at the last century of French fashion and how it relates to sports history, including cycling, swimming, and fencing. Cara Delevingne did a fantastic job of narrating the show and overall, it was just such a stunning, breathtaking display of French fashion. I also loved that they included little facts on the screen which made it informational alongside the entertainment aspect.
Jeremy Pope getting out of his seat in the audience to start his walk in the show and Emma Chamberlain being so shocked was a golden moment
Alex Consani’s walk does it for me every time
The string version of Tyla’s “Water” was unnecessarily beautiful
Sabrina in Jacquemus and Joe Burrow in the backless suit were perfect
Serena and Venus Williams in the 2000s segment devoured
The choreography of the 60s fencing segment was so great. Teyana Taylor was mesmerizing
The Saint Laurent looks from the 80s segment were stunning
Wasn’t expecting Wemby to be in the show but he looked great. I love when athletes branch out into fashion and do it well
