Style's Week #15: All Eyes On Paris
Anna Wintour and Pharrell hosted an Olympics kick-off party, Coco Gauff, Lady Gaga, and Céline Dion star at the Opening Ceremony in Paris
Hello, I hope you’ve had a good week. Are you excited for the Olympics?
I decided to stay in town to witness what is being sold as a historic event. I did not get one of the overpriced $2000 spectator tickets, so I’ll be watching the opening parade from my living room with friends. Some bars will air the Olympic ceremony. I might venture out at some point to vibe.
Right now the city feels… quiet and a light rain has started. I am writing this newsletter 2 hours before the parade starts.
I’ve been talking to business owners around my neighborhood this week and they all report dismal sales. While we are all excited that the Olympics are taking place in Paris, business owners have struggled to generate profits since May when the preparations started ramping up.
The Olympics are happening right in the center of the city, on the river Seine. My neighborhood boulangerie (french for bakery), told me, “I hope more tourists come and that traffic can pick up again”.
The safety measures are extensive. The airspace over Paris has been closed since this morning (including CDG and ORLY airports). Military and civil aeroplanes can still fly. The scale of the logistics are pretty insane. So safety first.
I’ll be writing about Paris in the coming weeks as the Olympics move forward. If you are visiting, don’t miss out on my packing for Paris travel and locals only shopping story: here. And the best terraces to grab a drink, or a café au lait: here.
If you’re following the elections, you can read about the Bratification of Kamala: here. And take a look at the veep’s style and find out the latest gossip on designer musical chairs: here.
Before the Olympics begin… Let’s get down to business.
NEWS:
Guests included Snoop Dog, Zendaya, Rosalia—the current face of Dior, Pier Paolo Piccioli—former creative director of Valentino, Ib Kamara—designer at Off-White, WNBA star Angel Reese, and tennis Star Naomi Osaka, to name a few. The dress code was “Medal Worthy” (not quite sure how that differs from saying “hey, look good and maybe wear an LVMH brand”). The red carpet was green and was running track-themed.
I liked Pier Paolo’s white suit with silk bowling shirt and necklaces.
Coco Gauff and LeBron James are named flag bearers for the US team. (Forbes)
She’s only 20! She was informed in a press conference and handed a white jacket made by Ralph Lauren when the news was announced. Coco Gauff has been the up-and-coming tennis star to follow. Aside from being excited she’s said:
“I am a little bit concerned about the height difference. Like, is my arm going to be up here while he's holding it?” the 1.77-metre Gauff said of her 2.06-metre co-flagbearer. “I thought it was two separate flags but I was looking at pictures, they hold it together.
“I just hope I don't drop it. That's the only thing. And I hope it's not too hot.”
You go Glen Coco.
Lady Gaga and Celine Dion to perform at the opening ceremony. (The Cut)
Speculation has been running rampant that the two might pair up tonight to perform Edith Piaf’s ‘La Vie En Rose’ at the event. The paparazzi has been photographing them in Paris, but really, there are a lot of celebrities flocking around. The first lady, Jill Biden, stopped by the Élysée Palace for what appeared to be a pre-Olympic cocktail.
‘La Vie En Rose’, when it’s sung, can make even the snarkiest Parisian shed a tear. As I finish this letter off, the excitement in the air is starting to settle. Let the games begin!
Have a great weekend. I hope you enjoy the floats whether on TV, or from the stands. If you’re in Paris, don’t forget an umbrella! See you next week.
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I'll be following your reports from Paris closely. I can't even imagine the logistical nightmare for the opening ceremony but excited to see it! BTW Pier Paolo looked great, not a care in the world!
Yeah it’s a very moving display of the French spirit and the world at large. I can tell you the feeling in Paris is jovial.
And I know! He looked great!