What’s on in Paris this September

3 September 2015

Visit Inspiring Exhibitions and Exclusive Events during a Stay at Amarante Beau Manoir

With such an awe-inspiring selection of world-famous museums, galleries and venues, Paris can boast an exciting calendar of events and exhibitions throughout the year. This September, the city will become a key destination for both fashionistas eager to see next season’s new styles and photography fans, who’ll be able to view two fascinating exhibitions under one roof.

Paris Fashion Week

Various Locations

29th September – 7th October 2015

Towards the end September, the doors of some of the most magnificent and admired venues in the French capital will open to welcome fashion’s elite for Paris Fashion Week. Over 90 of the world’s most sought-after labels will be showcasing their ready-to-wear S/S 2016 collections across the city, including the likes of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Lanvin and Alexander McQueen. As the leading event of its kind in the world in terms of attracting the most international editors and buyers, as well as boasting the highest number of shows, tickets are unsurprisingly hard to come by. However for those who are not a member of the press or lucky enough to have received a personal invitation, a visit to the capital can still offer an array of exciting fashion focussed events.

Located in Paris’ grand neo-renaissance city hall, ‘Paris Rendez-Vous’ will be hosting a free exhibition dedicated to 50 of the capital’s newest fashion houses. Hand-picked by L’Exception founder Régis Pennel and shoe designer Philippe Zorzetto, these new generation of designers will be introduced to the public via iconic clothing, jewellery and accessory pieces, providing the perfect opportunity to see cutting-edge trends by the hottest new brands. It’ll also be offering free events including book signings and nail art, alongside workshops from sewing machine manufacturer Singer, with the chance to create items such as a Peter Pan collar and tablet cover. While, with a whole host of bloggers, stylists and celebrities descending on the city, there’ll also be the chance to gain plenty of street-style inspiration while browsing the many Parisian designer boutiques.

Germaine Krull & Valérie Jouve Exhibitions

Jeu de Paume

Until 27th September 2015

Art centre Jeu de Paume is offering two outstanding photography exhibitions this September. Though the two collections of work were created decades apart, they both showcase each artist’s passion for using innovative techniques to capture urban life, ensuring a fascinating visit for any photography fan.

Germaine Krull played a prominent role in advancing photojournalism and pioneering modernism, and is regarded as one of the most famous photographers of the inter-war period. Born in 1897 in East Prussia (Poland), she studied in Munich before working in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s. Focussing on her time in the capital, the exhibition features 130 vintage prints that showcase both commissioned work for clients including Peugeot 201 and Sonia Delaunay, alongside inclusions from her 10 photography books, which were the very first of their kind. From modernist shots of the Eiffel Tower in her book ‘Métal’ to her many contributions to Vu magazine, the exhibition will take each visitor on a journey through the city through Krull’s unique viewpoints, and highlight her innovative approach to angles, equipment, subject matter and exhibiting.

In contrast to capturing urban life as it exists, Valérie Jouve chooses to choreograph her human subject matters in order to highlight the relationship between the city and its people. Born in Saint Etienne in 1964, she studied both anthropology and photography, and this display showcases her photography and cinematographic works since the 1980s. Titled ‘Bodies, Resisting’, the collection features both vast landscapes, many of which offer a juxtaposition between the natural and manmade, alongside lone portraits for which the subject matters performed gestures that Jouve stated ‘…were in tune with their surroundings’. From a woman on the top of a building appearing to shout out, to a child hunched over against a backdrop featuring high rise flats, her works remain open to interpretation to intrigued visitors, each ambiguously named ‘Untitled’.

Tea, Coffee or Chocolate? Exhibition

Musée Cognacq-Jay

Until 27th September 2015

Hot drinks are now part of everyday life in Europe, an automatic choice to accompany breakfast or for a much needed mid-afternoon pick-up, however this hasn’t always been the case. Rewind back to the 17th century and tea, coffee and cocoa plants had only just been introduced to the continent. High import costs and classification as luxury items meant that they were initially exclusive to aristocracy and upper middle classes, who drank them while socialising or used them as remedies for ailments including headaches and digestion. With rising popularity, these three delicious drinks went on to inspire a wealth of goods and rituals, from cup and saucer designs for afternoon tea to the cafe culture enjoyed in many cities.

This unique exhibition explores their influence through artworks and artefacts, with decorative coffee tables sitting alongside delicate porcelain sets depicting beautiful scenery and portraits. Design sketches for tea pots, illustrations of plantations and paintings of elegantly dressed ladies toasting their new favourite pastime line the wall, including pieces by Rococo painter François Boucher and still-life compositions by Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin. With such a charming history, the three section display will not only inform but also undoubtedly inspire you to seek a hot cup of your favourite beverage.

Offering such a variety of insightful events and exhibitions, every interest can be catered for during a late summer break in Paris.