Unique Guided Walking Tour of Parisian Women in Fashion

Discover the untold stories of iconic Parisian women who revolutionized the fashion industry. This unique guided walking tour immerses you in the rich history and lasting impact of celebrated and emerging female designers. From the legendary Coco Chanel to the innovative Elsa Schiaparelli, explore the trailblazing legacies that have shaped the world of haute couture. Meander through the historic "triangle d’or" and uncover the influential contributions of women from the African diaspora. Let this captivating experience transport you through the stylish streets of the City of Light.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview and Details

2 Itinerary Highlights

3 Female Designers in Focus

4 Schiaparelli, Lanvin, and Reboux

5 Paquin and Chanel

6 Emerging Créatrices From the African Diaspora

7 Women of Paris Tours (WoP)

8 What to Bring and Important Information

9 Ask Away

10 Final Words

Key Points

A 2-hour guided walking tour exploring the "golden triangle" of Parisian haute couture and the legacy of influential female fashion designers.
Tour highlights iconic landmarks like the first Schiaparelli and Chanel stores, the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, and the Madeleine Church.
Features a 10-minute introduction on influential female designers who challenged societal norms and revolutionized the fashion industry.
Emphasizes the backgrounds and values of designers like Schiaparelli, Lanvin, and Reboux, and their impact on Parisian haute couture.
Showcases emerging créatrices from the African diaspora, such as Thebe Magugu, Imane Ayissi, and Fe Noel, and their innovative contributions to modern fashion.

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Tour Overview and Details

The "Guided Walking Tour of Parisian Women in Fashion" offers a unique opportunity to explore the fashion legacy of influential Parisian women.

Priced from $45.68 per person, the 2-hour English-language tour lets visitors discover the city’s "golden triangle" of haute couture.

Starting at the Bulgari boutique on Place Vendôme, the itinerary includes iconic fashion landmarks like the first Schiaparelli and Chanel stores.

Participants will also visit the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, and Madeleine Church.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour provides a flexible, refundable option.

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paris.

Itinerary Highlights

The Parisian Women in Fashion walking tour begins at the BVLGARI boutique on the iconic Place Vendôme.

From there, it explores the "triangle d’or" of Parisian haute couture, with stops at the first Schiaparelli and Chanel stores, the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, and the Madeleine Church.

The guided tour includes a 10-minute introduction before delving into the stories of five influential female designers – Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Reboux, Paquin, and Chanel.

The tour begins with an introduction before exploring the stories of five influential female fashion designers.

It also spotlights emerging créatrices from the African diaspora, highlighting how their backgrounds and values shaped modern women’s fashion.

Female Designers in Focus

Five influential female designers take center stage on this captivating walking tour. Guests will learn about Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Reboux, Paquin, and Chanel – trailblazers who shaped modern women’s fashion.

Their backgrounds and values are spotlighted, revealing how they challenged societal norms and revolutionized the industry. The tour also highlights emerging créatrices from the African diaspora, shining a light on their contributions.

This unique experience goes beyond the typical fashion tour, empowering visitors to appreciate the profound impact of these visionary women on the world of Parisian haute couture.

Schiaparelli, Lanvin, and Reboux

As visitors embark on this captivating walking tour, they’ll first explore the legacy of three pioneering female fashion designers – Elsa Schiaparelli, Jeanne Lanvin, and Caroline Reboux.

Schiaparelli, known for her innovative and surreal designs, challenged traditional notions of femininity.

Lanvin, the oldest couture house in France, was one of the first women to build a fashion empire.

Reboux, a milliner, rose to fame by creating innovative hat designs that became a symbol of high Parisian style.

These trailblazing women paved the way for future generations of designers and continue to inspire the fashion industry.

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Paquin and Chanel

Next, the tour turns its focus to two other pioneering female fashion designers – Jeanne Paquin and Coco Chanel.

Paquin founded her eponymous fashion house in 1891, becoming one of the first women to lead a major couture brand. She championed a more feminine, elegant style that empowered women.

Meanwhile, Coco Chanel revolutionized fashion in the early 20th century, liberating women from restrictive corsets. Her iconic designs, including the Chanel suit and little black dress, reflected her relaxed, sporty aesthetic.

Both Paquin and Chanel left indelible marks, paving the way for future generations of female fashion innovators.

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Emerging Créatrices From the African Diaspora

While the tour has so far highlighted pioneering female designers like Schiaparelli, Lanvin, and Chanel, it also shines a spotlight on emerging créatrices from the African diaspora. These talented designers are making their mark, infusing Parisian fashion with a unique cultural perspective. The tour explores the contributions of these up-and-coming artists, showcasing their innovative designs and the ways in which they are challenging traditional norms. Their stories inspire and empower, offering a glimpse into the dynamic future of the fashion industry.

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Women of Paris Tours (WoP)

The Women of Paris Tours (WoP) are the first Paris tours dedicated to exploring women’s history and influence. Established in 2016, the tours offer unique experiences that challenge the status quo by centering women’s contributions.

The WoP tours aim to spotlight emerging créatrices from the African diaspora and highlight five influential female designers: Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Reboux, Paquin, and Chanel.

Guests can discover how these women’s backgrounds and values shaped modern women’s fashion as they explore the "triangle d’or" (golden triangle) of Parisian Haute Couture.

The tours provide an insightful and empowering perspective on the legacy of Parisian fashion.

What to Bring and Important Information

Comfortable shoes are recommended for the Guided Walking Tour of Parisian Women in Fashion, as the tour covers a fair amount of ground through the city’s iconic landmarks.

Participants should also bring water to stay hydrated. Weather-appropriate clothing is advised, as the tour operates rain or shine.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, catering to all guests. While the guided tour fee is included, gratuity for the guide is not.

Visitors should check tour availability and secure their spot in advance, as group sizes are limited.

With these simple preparations, guests can fully enjoy the fashion history of Paris.

Ask Away

Can I Bring a Pet on the Tour?

Pets are generally not allowed on the tour for safety and comfort reasons. The tour is focused on exploring the history and influence of Parisian fashion, so bringing a pet would not be appropriate. Check with the tour provider if you have any special needs.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer discounts for students or seniors. However, it provides a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for all visitors. The tour is priced at $45.68 per person.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour includes a 10-minute introduction at the starting location, BVLGARI in Place Vendôme. Visitors then spend approximately 15-20 minutes exploring each of the main stops along the route, which takes around 2 hours to complete.

Can the Tour Be Customized for My Interests?

The tour can be customized to focus on your specific interests. You can discuss your preferences with the tour guide, who’ll tailor the experience to highlight areas that resonate most. There’s flexibility to accommodate your needs.

Is the Tour Guide Available for Private Questions?

Yes, the tour guide is available for private questions. They can provide additional insights and tailor the experience to your specific interests during the 2-hour walking tour. Feel free to ask questions throughout the guided experience.

Final Words

This guided walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the influential legacies of iconic female fashion designers in Paris. From celebrated trailblazers like Chanel and Schiaparelli to emerging creatives from the African diaspora, the tour highlights the revolutionary impact of women in the industry. With a focus on key landmarks and immersive experiences, it provides an engaging and enlightening glimpse into the city’s rich fashion history.