Today, in that order. Killing time before the Laroche show I took in Niki at the Grand Palais. A rare opportunity to see all her work assembled and presented chronologically with videos and narratives. A real WOW.

At noon the Laroche show blasted down the runway also at the Grand Palais. I had a front row seat entering with the photographer brigade. Inspired by Claire McCardell, the mid 20th century American designer and master of luxurious sportswear, the collection opted for streamlined graphic shapes. Following the house’s trademark, duality between male and female, light silk overalls were worn as tuxedos and paired with simple bikini tops. I’ve always found the Laroche staff most cordial and welcoming at PFW. Again they didn’t disappoint.

With metro line no. 1 steps away and two hours before the next show, I thought a photo shoot at Le Grand Arche would fill in some time. Popping up from the metro I was met with dark grey menacing skies and scurrying business folk. One gets the feeling of being miniature in the stark geometric cement landscape.

The Rochas show started at 5 with stuffy personnel turning everyone without an invitation away. Luckily there was an opening in the sound booth above so I crept in and shot the grand finale. The most enertaining spectacle was post-show with Anna Della Russo kicking up her fringed heels for the freelance photogs. Bill Cunningham and Scott Shuman discretely clicking away, Vogue’s Grace Coddington a standout and French personality and models from the show posing and walking the walk.

The day was exciting and full but what I took away was something unexpected. Yes the photographers are seasoned pros and jostle, careen and sometimes crash getting their shots (it is their living) BUT as I was standing in the Palais de Tokyo cavern with beautiful light hitting the enormous pillars, the pro standing next to me was clicking away aimed at a figure below. I asked him who the person was and he said, no one special, he was just enjoying photgraphing the moment, obiously loving what he does. He showed me the shot, sublime.