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Every season during Couture Week in Paris, you’ll find Fredrik Robertsson sitting front row at all of the big shows—and the Fashion Week regular always brings a statement look. Back in 2019, the Swedish street style star even went viral when he stole the show at Valentino in an iridescent gown. (He’s also rocked the red carpet at the Met Gala too.) Turns out Robertsson has been attending the couture shows for more than 10 years—so you could say he’s perfected the art of dressing up. “I always look forward to seeing the best fashion in the world—the most exclusive fashion in the world,” says Robertsson. “To enter a world that sometimes almost feels like make-believe.”
This Couture Week, with the fall 2023 collections currently underway in the City of Light, Robertsson has already made a stylish splash. Just this morning, for one, he attended Balenciaga wearing a voluminous, multicolored coat with futuristic shield sunglasses. “I am bringing some fun looks,” says Robertsson. “One of the first Gaultier looks I bought is coming out of the closet to play this time and some new pieces. I am also going to wear a few Swedish designers; I love promoting talent from Sweden during Fashion Week in Paris.”
While Robertsson’s couture wardrobe will surely be a delight to watch unfold over the next few days, Vogue consulted him for a different kind of expertise this week. Ever wonder where couture regulars stay, shop, and eat during the exciting fashion-filled week? Below, Robertsson shares his personal guide to Paris—including all the hot spots to see and be seen at.
Where to Stay
I always love the Ritz. It’s just so fabulous. From the service to the spa—the slippers, bathtub, closet space—there is no better hotel. And there are always so many fun people staying there. It feels like the center of couture. But there are other fun places too. I love Hotel Amour in Pigalle: It’s not fancy but just feels so Paris to me. This season I am also crashing a night or two at my couture BFF Sylvia Mantella’s suite at the Hotel Plaza Athénée, because we do the shows together and it makes it all easier for coordinating between the shows. We have the best time together. No one does couture better than Sylvia.
Where to Eat
I never come to Paris without having dinner at Le Voltaire on Quai Voltaire. It is my favorite restaurant in Paris, and I have done my birthday party there as well. Thierry, who works there, is just the best, and the food is great. And of course I always have to do Caviar Kaspia with Alexis Mabille. And for lunch L’Avenue is perfect for people-watching in between shows. But I have had great nights at Gigi on Avenue Montaigne. Last time I was there with Amber Sakai and Jennifer Tilly, and we partied like there was no tomorrow.
Where to Drink
I am not a big drinker, but I do like the bar at the Ritz. It’s quiet, has great cocktails, and you can just take the lift home. And the other hotel bars are fun during Fashion Week because you see everyone dressed up, leaving and coming back. And it’s usually where we end up—at someone’s hotel bar. If you like cocktails, however, I do recommend Candelaria as well. It’s a really cool place and considered one of the top bars in the world.
Where to Shop
During couture, it’s about shopping couture, right? So my favorite places to shop are the showrooms—with the designers, directrice of haute couture, and client-relation managers. It does not get better than shopping for haute couture. To see something on the runway, then try it on and discuss how to adapt it for me since I am a guy (it is usually made for a woman’s body)—it is the ultimate shopping experience. I also like to pop by a few stores on Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. And I don’t ever miss visiting Rick Owens at the Palais Royal. A coffee at Café Kitsuné and then shopping at Rick is a must!
Where to Rest
To be honest, I never have time for that kind of thing during Fashion Week—especially couture. Usually I change for every show. I like to be creative with my looks, and it can get very complicated sometimes, with the glam and wigs and dresses. I always ask myself, Why am I doing this? But it is just so much fun. I do like to walk in the Jardin de Tuileries if I have time. It can be very relaxing if you walk in the morning or late at night, when the Louvre is closed and the tourists are sleeping. I also like Palais Royal, to just sit by the fountain and people-watch.
