Lifestyle Mirror

Sally Perrin, the creative director of French leather goods company Perrin Paris splits her time between her homes in Beverly Hills and Paris. She headed to Paris this past week for the haute couture shows attending Christian Dior and Giambattista Valli before stopping into visit the Perrin Paris showroom on rue des Petits Champs. Here, Perrin shares some of her personal snapshots with Lifestyle Mirror.
—As told to Nandita Khanna

Saturday, June 30:
“I’m hosting a small dinner party on Saturday at my apartment so I’ve stopped into Cécile (14, rue des Saints-Pères) in my quarter at the seventh arrondissement. It’s a small yet magical space that feels like an enchanted forest the moment you enter.”

Sunday, July 1:
“It’s a gorgeous day in Paris—I walked across the bridge from my apartment to the Jardin des Tuileries to join my friends Yvette, Liana, and Mehran for dinner at Saut du Loup. We shared laughts and a bottle—or two!—of rosé.

Monday, July 2:
 “I ran to the bureau to do some work before hitting the shows in the afternoon. Then I did a quick change from a navy Jil Sander dress into a navy Prada silk shift and turban and white-and-navy striped pumps from Manolo Blahnik. Of course I’m carrying a white Perrin Paris le Carre wristlet purse. My husband Michel was acting as my chauffeur kindly driving me to the shows in my vintage white Fiat 500.

At Christian Dior I ran into my friends Sutton and Cameron from Los Angeles looking bright and becoming in citrus orange and yellow. I joined my dear friend Timothy Pope for a glass of Ruinart champagne before heading into the much-anticipated show with new designer Raf Simons. The walls of the salon were covered from floor to ceiling in fresh flowers—it was just incredible! The clothes were fresh with strong lines but softened by the pretty details like layered pearls and tulle. Later, the Alexis Mabille show was beautiful and the sumptuous fabrics were just breathtaking. The glamorous gowns were for a very special evening—and a very special woman

Then it was onto Giambattista Valli at the Crillon. It was nice to have a drink there before the show, knowing that they’ll be closing in November for renovations. Valli took us to an otherworldly place as the girls were dressed in layers of organza in bright jewel tones of red and emerald green. Their chignons were adorned with butterflies. It was a feast for the eyes and a perfect ending to a long day.”

Tuesday, July 3: 
Today I went to the Hôtel de Crillon to check out Worth Couture. I was pleasantly surprised! It was smart, elegant, and very well-edited. I saw a “smoking” with train lined in plumes that was right up my alley. I think this house has a real future.

At 2:30 Michel arrived in the Fiat at the bustling Trocadéro. The Stéphane Rolland show seems to grow in importance every year. It started 45 minutes late but was well worth it! The first ensemble was my favorite—a camel dress with matching cape.

Then I rushed home to prepare for a dinner party. We hosted Tatiana and Serge Sorokko, Glenda Bailey and Stephen Sumner, Timothy Pope and Marie Seznec. It was a wonderful evening filled with conversation not exclusive to fashion!  

Wednesday, July 4:
We had lunch at our favorite neighborhood spot Le Voltaire. It’s so chic and charming and the staff always welcomes us with open arms. 

The final show of the day was Jean Paul Gaultier—it’s always exciting and there’s great people watching. I spotted Inès de la Fressange chatting with Bette Midler and Vogue’s Hamish Bowles looking dapper as ever. The show started over an hour late. I would sum it up as Tim Burton goes to India with embellished silk capes and robes. I was thrilled when JP came out in a blue-and-white striped turban at the end!