Marcy Carmack

The Americanization of Paris

Parisians have slowly adopted American fashion. It started more than 20 years ago with Ralph Lauren and when I visited the newly opened store on Saint Germain I noted they are the only store in Europe other than London to have RRL, Ralph's cowboy inspired line. I can't believe how many Converse sneakers I saw in Paris. I would say the mood is much more casual. Paris now has American Apparel, The Gap, Nike and Abercrombie & Fitch.

I chose Pauline (above) to represent the Parisian Converse craze. I think more Parisians than Americans wear Converse. Anyway, I discussed this phenomenon with Pauline who it turns out works for Balenciaga in ecommerce. She said, "I only wear Converse on Sundays". Since she works for Balenciaga that makes sense but I think she is the exception rather than the rule.

Even with the apparent dressing down of Paris, I will show you a few effortlessly stylish Parisians in my next post.