Escarpins Rouge

In this article, the editor of Paris-Eiffel Tower News, Phil Chavanne, discusses the role of sneakers as fashion accessories in Paris.

I can not count the number of times travelers who asked me: "Should I wear sneakers in Paris? and other variants of the same issue. American tourists especially are concerned about "not appropriate" with inappropriate shoes.

This attitude is truly remarkable. Dressing so as not to offend the sensibility of the locals: how much more considerate can you get? I can only give praise to everyone who has ever asked or thought about it!

Parisians and sneakers

Many visitors for the first time in France and Paris are convinced that all French women are fashionistas perfect image. It is very exaggerated, even though access to stylish clothes and fashion everything is easy in Paris, where the magazine 'Elle' continues to dictate what is inside and outside.

However, I do not find such a difference in perennial tastes in the streets of Paris and the streets of New York. Although variations exist, leading brands are international in nature, and they are imitated everywhere. Globalization and imitations tend to homogenize fashion, everyday wear are similar in major cities like Paris, London, Milan and New York.

But the question remains valid sneakers. Sneakers have become a commodity in the United States, how it is in Paris?

At first glance, I would venture there is little that many women wearing sneakers in Paris as in New York during the work week. The code generally accepted business attire in France looks down on sneakers. Therefore, unless his employer cultivates a young, sporty image, the Parisian discreet door looking dress shoes to work.

However, sneakers are the 'it' shoe when they become design icons. Adidas, Puma and Nike each have their own stores in Paris, where dozens of different models are exposed. Judging by the crowd of those stores attract, none of these brands suffer from popularity deficit disorder in Paris.

So what is the major difference in shoe-attitude between the American consumer and feminine French female consumer? This will sneakers as design elements, not just shoes every day. She does not buy sneakers for comfort. She will buy sneakers if they compliment dress pants down and make them appear more intelligent. She will buy sneakers which make her feet Look for thin, small and elegant.

A glance at the types of sport shoes most commonly seen on women's feet in Paris is telling: you will not see wide, soft, comfortable-looking, plain vanilla sneakers. You will see small, thin-looking, flat sole sneakers designer.

For similar reasons, a pair of "shoes" by Stephane Kedlian or Prada will always be preferred to a pair of Puma. The shoes are a fashion statement, and it is discreet, the better.

And that's another major difference between French and American women. Understatement is a cardinal rule of French fashion. Anything that is too visible is considered garish. This is why the French little black dress is a fashion icon, and why Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly will always be remembered as "the" American fashionable ladies.

Tourists and sneakers

Does that mean you can not wear sneakers when you travel to Paris? Of course not!

First, sneakers can be comfortable walking shoes. And walk you in Paris. The best way to discover the city is to walk its streets. Wearing shoes in which you feel walking 10 miles a day at a leisurely pace is a majorly important decision for the overall mood of your stay in the French capital.

Do not shrink from wearing sneakers if these are your best walking shoes. And if you have even better walking shoes, pack them, although they make you look like you on a trekking t.