The Paris of Peggy Weijergang
Peggy Weijergang was ELLE's first fashion chief in the Netherlands, worked in fashion for years and also had a relationship with a celebrity chef. There must have been times when you were on Boulevard Saint Germain more often than on P.C. Hooftstraat. For this reason, and because you are the most tasteful and charming in the country, you should be in our Paris section.
Diana Vreeland said that if you wanted to become like her, you would first have to be born in Paris. Agreed?
‘I am convinced that the environment you grow up in is of mega significance on the development of your taste. Living or being born in Paris - capital of style and elegance - obviously helps enormously. But a girl (or man) with a fashion desire outside the city of lights is definitely not without a chance. I am convinced that when you are surrounded by people (parents) at a young age or come from an environment where lifestyle-related issues like fashion, among others, are important, this has a great influence on your own taste development and awareness. So indeed, Diana, it helps, but motivation, talent and passion are just as important.’
When was the last time you were there? And were you aware then that it might be a while before you were there again?
‘Last February I was in Paris for the last time, just before the pandemic broke out. No idea, of course, that that would be the last time for now. I normally go to Paris at least four times a year. Formerly for work, these days mainly for shopping, good food and the museums. I get pretty wistful when I think of Paris now. I smell the fallen autumn leaves, that typical smell of the metro and the roasted chestnuts on the streets.’
Do you remember your first time in Paris? Has it changed over the years?
‘The first time in Paris was about half a century ago. I was there visiting my then sweetheart. Everything at that time was exciting and new. We had chosen a hotel in Rue des Mauvais-Garçons, just because we thought that name was funny.
Back then, the Hallen were authentic wholesalers for the catering industry where the very best and tastiest products were sold and exported. Quite a busy and bustling place. The Picasso Museum and Centre Pompidou had yet to open and the Louvre was nowhere near as busy as it is today. Café de Flore was exclusively for Parisians and a few intimates. Metre-long queues of tourists like today were still very far away.
I enjoyed the smells, the architecture, the Seine and the parks and would continue to do so for the rest of my life. In addition, what made a huge impression on me was the phenomenon of clochards. Never had I seen so many poor often drunk men hanging and lying on the street. I remember finding that very confronting and in such stark contrast to all the beauty Paris had to offer. I never wanted to and could never get used to the sadness of that image.’
You probably can't count the number of times you've been to Paris, but there's probably one visit you won't soon forget, tell....
‘Oh dear, so many special memories. The moment my then sweetheart conjured up a red Cartier box in the middle of the Pont Neuf with an engagement ring (ring still in possession, fiancé no more). Of course the shows. Top-notch entertainment twice a year and often of touching beauty. But I also have so many special memories in the culinary field. Just up and down from the Netherlands to Paris by car to visit a new restaurant or test (Michelin) stars was no exception. Feast! My love G (then a two-star restaurateur) and I could really enjoy some special taste experience with tears in our eyes. As for the shows, I will never forget the Jean Paul Gaultier parade where the venue was simultaneously used as the backdrop for Robert Altman's film Prêt-à-Porter. At the time, I was a big fan of Gaultier but I only had eyes and attention for the lead actors: the dazzling Sophia Loren and the sexiest man on earth Marcello Mastroianni, who were seated front row among the fashion audience. (The film is obviously about the fashion world, the shows, designers, models and photographers but ended up being very disappointing, too bad).
If time, company, everything could be freely filled in and even dead people could be resurrected, with whom and how would you fill your day in Paris?
‘I would want to get drunk in Café de Flore with Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre. As a would be existentialist, I would dress in black clothes, wear a black turtleneck and my black shoulder-length hair parted down the middle.’
Which book, film or artist brings you back to Paris?
‘The film Les Amants du Pont-Neuf, a passionate love story set around one of Paris’ most iconic bridges.'
On days like this when we can't go to Paris, how do you bring the French feeling to Amsterdam?
‘Oh god, I believe this is called a guilty pleasure. It's a lacklustre script full of clichés laid on too thick but boy boy did I enjoy the Netflix series Emily in Paris. Delicious and above all very recognisable, those images of croissants, baguettes and cafes in Paris. That it is full of stereotyping like Alpine dolls, nuffy female and adulterous colleagues I take for granted.’
Where do you prefer to sleep, eat and shop?
‘My favourite hotel is Hôtel Récamier in the 6th arrondissement. It is on Place Saint-Sulpice, so in the heart of Saint-Germain. It is a small stylish and tastefully decorated boutique hotel.
Last August, I tried out the renovated Hôtel Lutetia. Not a punishment, but for the price of an overnight stay, I still prefer to buy a pair of new shoes (or two pairs).
Shopping I also do in that neighbourhood. Starting at the department store Le Bon Marché, where you basically find everything worthwhile under one roof.’
Are you team underground, taxi, bike or the old-fashioned pram?
‘Walk, walk, walk and if it is really far or late I take a taxi. Although I am excellent at finding my way around the metro, I prefer to opt for convenience.’
What can we learn from the Parisians?
‘Good taste, style, elegance and that je ne sais quoi feeling. Being aware of your body and enjoying beauty.’
And what can they learn from us?
‘Maybe they could try to be a little more accessible from time to time?’
Are you a left banker or a right banker?
‘Still a left bank type.’
What are Parisian women you like to lavish yourself on?
‘Style icons like Carine Roitfeld and Ines de la Fressange.’
Most beautiful square in Paris:
‘Place des Vosges. By far the most beautiful. Although more park than square?’
Ever drink un tasse de thé with... in Paris:
‘Jean Paul Gaultier. He was the first designer to embrace diversity in his shows: white, black, fat, thin, big, small, old, young... I appreciate him very much for that reason, also because there was always a lot of humour and creativity in his presentations. In short, he seems like a surprising, cheerful and interesting personality.’
Out of Paris with pitch and feathers:
‘Just like here in Amsterdam: all those horribly disfiguring and unsavoury, unhealthy fast food chains.’
Favourite restaurant:‘Difficult because it changes so quickly. But once in Paris, I find all restaurants where it is nice people-watching worthwhile. In my opinion, the best place to do this is at lunch time in and around the Avenue
Montaigne (at L'Avenue) and in the evening at Monsieur Bleu at the Palais de Tokyo. Other than that, I prefer to be surprised by some new promising young chef on every visit.
Oh yes, and of course a visit to a classic brasserie must be made at least once (Lipp on Boulevard Saint-Germain or Bofinger in Rue de la Bastille 5-7).’
Never do Paris again:
‘Celebrating New Year's Eve in Paris I found little exuberance. Around a quarter past twelve, everyone threatens to rush to their baskets.’
Standard along as a souvenir:
‘My favourite eau de toilette J.L. Scherrer (only available online in the Netherlands) and the beautiful teas by Mariage Frères (especially visit the shop in Le Marais - Rue du Bourg Tibourg 30).’
Required reading if you are in Paris:
‘The Picasso Museum never bores. And the somewhat lesser-known Musée du quai Branly, designed by my favourite architect Jean Nouvel, is worth seeing for the building's facades with its hanging gardens alone.’
Fondest memory of Paris:
‘Too much...’
I miss this when I'm not there:
‘The energy, the smell, the restaurants, the pavement cafes, the Seine, the wide avenues and the lights late at night.‘
If corona is a thing of the past again, when and with whom will you go to Paris and what will you do?
‘With whom I love (husband, girlfriend, doesn't matter) I rush to Paris and the first thing I do is have a very sumptuous lunch at Bar de la Croix Rouge on Place Michel Debré, where they serve the most delicious sandwiches (toasted pain Poilâne) with the most delicious toppings. Le Bon Marché is just a few minutes away.’
