The bad taste West

As I write this, I am at Café de Flore Café de Flore on Boulevard Saint Germain. The place where Japanese tourists are busy photographing their croissant and the menu for breakfast. Much to the annoyance of the waiters. Café de Flore stands for Parisian chic, the place where the rive gauche ladies order an oeuf dur and a café crème in the morning. No matter how much Paris is drowned in tourism, the Parisiennes refuse to be chased away. Next to the Japanese man glued to his camera sits Inez de la Fressange, or Isabel Marant. During my Marie Claire period, I regularly met with the international editor-in-chief of Marie Claire International, Sèverine. Inside, of course, because une vraie Parisienne does not sit in the greenhouse. Jamais.

From my French colleagues, I learned about their style. They are full of contrasts, the French girls. They spend bags of money on their health (ever met a Parisienne who doesn't take pills or dietary supplements?) and smoke like crazy. Oceans of time go into finding the right ensemble, but it must look completely effortless. Of course, labels are important, but showing them, mais non. Subdued and classy are the keywords of the Parisienne.

Kim Kardashian has also been captivated by the charm of Paris. No wonder she chose this place, out of all the possibilities in the world, as wedding location. And during Paris Fashion Week, the entire West family travels to the City of Light to see the shows. They have lunch at l’Avenue, sleep at le Meurice. Kim knows her regulars by now. She feels like Liesbeth in the shoe heaven of Harrod’s in the front row of almost all the shows and wraps herself in her prettiest outfits.

Little North can also go with ‘papa’ and ‘maman’ to the shows, and even for the little one, the best outfit is chosen. Preferably in mini-me style. Everything to please the French. Because Paris, that is the pinnacle of taste; if they approve of you, you’re set.

Dear, lovely, colorful, entertaining Kim. May I give you a tiny tip? Given to me by my real Parisian friends?

Money talks, but style whispers.

photo credits: instagram.com/kimkardashian