City Guide: Australian stylist and luxury shopping specialist Isabel Bazzani’s favourite spots in Paris
IMAGE VIA @ISABELBAZZANI/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“I adore the seamless blend of history, culture, art and fashion that surrounds the city, plus the iconic landmarks never get tiring.”
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to. We also want to sniff out the best spots people find overseas.
For more content like this, tap through to our Life section.
This week, we’re hearing about stylist and luxury shopping specialist Isabel Bazzani’s favourite spots in Paris. Originally from Melbourne, Isabel has lived between Paris and London for the last few years. She specialises in luxury shopping for global clientele, arranging private appointments and working to secure the most exclusive, one-of-a-kind styles.
“Paris has been such a great contrast to my life growing up in Australia. I adore the seamless blend of history, culture, art and fashion that surrounds the city, plus the iconic landmarks never get tiring,” Isabel says. “Paris is uniquely rich with detailed architecture which I find forever inspiring. The fashion scene is unparalleled… [it] allows me to stay at the forefront of global collections and trends for my clients all over the world.” Below, Isabel shares some of her favourite places to visit in her city.
Drink
Cravan, 165 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006
The building of the four-level cocktail bar, situated in the 6th arrondissement, traces its origins to the 17th century. Featuring three distinctly adorned bars and a Rivolli library, this place is a fusion of diversely decorated bars representing aesthetics from different eras. My favourite is the bar on floor three – dimly lit candles and intimate fireplaces perfect for date night.
Chez Nous, 10 Rue Dauphine, 75006
Chez Nous on the Rive Gauche is a great spot to meet with friends and enjoy delicious charcuterie or cheese boards and natural wines. It has a super social vibe where friends come and go throughout the day to night.
Five-star hotels
Ritz Bar Hemingway, La Reserve, Costes, Crillon – these five-star hotels of Paris with their opulent décor, unique charm and stories from the ages serve as the perfect places for a mid-day Champagne stop or a pre-dinner martini.
Eat
Langosteria, Cheval Blanc Paris, 8 Quai du Louvre, 75001
With the most spectacular view, positioned on the 7th floor of the Cheval Blanc Paris hotel and overlooking the Seine, this Italian menu pays tribute to the sea, teamed with the most exceptional wine the city has to offer.
Le Petit Celestin
Best place to be for Sunday lunch, out in the sunshine and by the banks of the Seine. The food will be just as good as your company and only gets better as the afternoon gets late.
Ferdi, 32 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001
This is my favourite go-to for a hangover cure – burgers, mac and cheese, chiros and more. It’s cosy and decorated in nostalgic child memorabilia, so you can really feel like a kid again with all your favourite foods.
Petit Lutetia, 107 Rue de Sèvres, 75006
If you’re in the mood for a typical Parisian brasserie feel and a fun weekend vibe, you’ll find all the French comfort food here amongst the antique, nostalgic interiors and energetic, chic ambience.
Lafayettes, 8 Rue d’Anjou, 75008
One of the more recent restaurants to open in the city of lights. Is the freely French and neo-bourgeois Lafayettes with Mory Sacko’s cuisine, bridging the gap between the American and African cuisines within the unique 19th-century decor.
Shop
Palace Callas and Your Garmentz
Since most of my work is focused on luxury brands and the latest season items, sometimes I love to look outside what’s new and scope out unique, archival and one-of-a-kind vintage treasures for myself.
Two of my favourite spots are Palace Callas and Your Garmentz. These incredible showrooms have access to an impressive array of runway pieces spanning throughout the years, sourcing super rare and exceptional items. It’s like wearing a piece of history and art, encapsulated into a single garment.
An ideal day
For me, ideal means being busy. Paris might feel like a big city but really, it’s fairly small so I’m often bouncing between different arrondissements throughout the day. I always start it off with an early morning workout (still holding onto some Aussie habits)! Once at the office, I’m responding to emails and WhatsApps from clients and catching up with my team. If I’ve got clients in town I’ll host them for styling appointments usually at the Maisons along Avenue Montaigne or Rue Saint-Honore, followed by a catch-up over late lunch.
More often than not, there’s usually a pre-launch viewing for upcoming collections that I’ll check out to procure pre-orders. If I have time I love to explore any new exhibitions showing in the city. Then by late afternoon, I’m back in the office waiting on order collections and/or getting ready for a brand event or an evening with friends.
R&R
Biologique Recherche, 32 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008
My favourite place for R&R is Biologique Recherche. The facials are one of the best and their products are a must.
ambassade-biologique-recherche-paris.com
Coffee spot
Partisan Café Artisanal, 36 R. de Turbigo, 75003
Living in the Marais, I’m fortunate for so many great cafe options, but my favourite has always been Partisan Cafe with the best coffee. With a New York vibe and wide windows opening in the summer, it’s the perfect atmosphere for a meeting or catch-up.
You can follow Isabel here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
