The Australian Fashion Chamber recently hosted its latest international designer showroom.
The Australian Designers Abroad Showroom in Paris, staged as part of the city's spring/summer Fashion Week, presented a curated selection of new and established brands.
Here, Christopher Esber, Megan Park and the founders of P.E Nation share their experience.
P.E Nation: Pip Edwards + Claire Tregoning
What was the first thing you did when you arrived in Paris?
REST - head to our hotel - we arrived from a super quick sourcing trip, travelling from Sydney to Paris via London and Milan!
Describe your favourite place/boutique/restaurant in Paris?
Colette.
What was the inspiration for your Paris showroom collection?
P.E Nation is built on 80’s and 90’s street style and while we build on this each season, at the heart of everything, we're very retro-inspired. It's the same for our All Stars Collection which we showed in Paris.
Any good travel tips you have been given?
We don’t know if it is any good as we are yet to try it but 'The Humidifier', a face/breathing mask. It apparently stops you from getting jet lag.
What do you miss most about home when you are travelling?
Family and the beach.
Christopher Esber
What was the first thing you did when you arrived in Paris?
The first thing I did when I arrived in Paris, after setting up our showroom in Place des Vosges, was head to Paul Bert bistro for a classic steak and frites.
Describe your favourite place/boutique/restaurant in Paris?
The quintessential French bistro, Paul Bert or Holly Belly for a delicious breakfast.
What was the inspiration for your Paris showroom collection?
The SS16 collection has been inspired by the interlocking of curved shapes and linking panels, often ornamented by heavy-duty metal buttons.
Any good travel tips you have been given?
Over the last few Paris trips it’s safe to say reservations for breakfast or dinner is essential.
What do you miss most about home when you are travelling?
I generally like to travel but it’s always a welcoming feeling coming home to Australia, really is the best place to live!
Megan Park
What was the first thing you did when you arrived in Paris?
I met up with my dear and eccentric Parisian friend Guillaume Bouvyer, who took me out at night to explore the city on the back of his bike. I love riding around the city at night when all of its beauty is lit up.
Describe your favourite place/boutique/restaurant in Paris?
It is always essential for me to have a day at the flea market – Porte du Clignancourt. Nothing beats this market for inspirational treasures. I have literally bought everything from a bathroom sink to the chandelier that hangs in our bedroom from this market over the years of my visits to Paris.
What was the inspiration for your Paris showroom collection?
My muse for the season listens to Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks. She is free spirited and embraces the bohemian. She is well travelled and embraces the crafts and heritage of different cultures.
Any good travel tips you have been given?
Don’t overpack. It is terrible to be deprived of free baggage space for the sake of lotions and potions that even at home I do not use let alone when travelling.
What do you miss most about home when you are travelling?
My children and husband of course. Fortunately, with Facetime and Skype they are will be there to say hi and bye at each end of my day.