The Travel Diary of a Fashion Buyer

Jetting to Milan, Paris and London twice a year to peruse new season collections is all in the nature of a luxury fashion buyer. Working alongside the world’s finest to decide upon the most covetable pieces and perfectly curate a seasonal collection to clothe the walls of Le Louvre. As a buyer for a boutique housing the world’s most insanely beautiful brands, an impeccable eye for finery is inherent. We’ve taken a peek inside the buying trip of one of Melbourne’s most iconic names, for an exclusive insight on the fashion capital hot spots.

Researching upcoming trends, scouring through runway shots and examining garments piece by piece (taking note of every minute detail) to then curate a harmoniously balanced range, with visual merchandising guidelines already set. Showroom appointments with the likes of Balmain, Stella McCartney, Lanvin, Victoria Beckham and Gucci, viewing dress after dress, gown after gown – embellished, tiered, ruffled, ruched – all the while intuitively forecasting the needs of the Le Louvre woman. An exhausting yet exhilarating practice, infallibly presented to us after months of planning in an enticing display of garments draped perfectly for our viewing pleasure.

Trusting these ladies collectively to refine our wardrobes and bring us the most exquisitely crafted garments from around the globe, we were curious to hear their expertise on a little more than what to wear. We recently caught up with Georgina, Anastasia and Amelia to discover the secret hideaways and hot spots the Le Louvre team frequent while globe- trotting.

Paris

Highlight Piece

Chloé white flocked tulle dress with cascading ruffle neck and dropped waist detailing – the perfectly cropped statement gown for the non-traditional bride.

Must visit

Buly 1803. A step back in time, with its décor – gnarled-wood paneling and crest-marked stone tiled floors – yet the house’s beauty innovations are new and innovative. Jar upon jar of oils, clays and incense pebbles sourced from around the world.

Must sip

The SERENDIPITY cocktail – The barman fittingly trophies this cocktail ‘France in a glass’: Calvados with fresh mint, white sugar, crystal clear apple juice, and Brut champagne on top, heavenly! Served exclusively in the bar of Palace Vendôme – one of the dreamy new spaces housed in the exquisitely refurbished Ritz Hotel. This one is on the very top of our hit list!

Must dine

Monsieur Bleu at the Palais de Tokyo. Chic yet relaxed, the ambiance is warm and inviting. The vast ceilings and colossal pillars are something to behold, yet the space maintains an intimate feel. The courtyard is bliss in summer with direct views across the river of the Eiffel Tower.

Milan

Highlight Piece

Gucci’s floral sundress from the 2017 Resort Collection (LOOK 39). As one of Italy’s most iconic exports, the perfect look for high summer days either on honeymoon or the recovery breakfast.

Must visit

We always start our workday frolicking the streets of Milan. The Sforza Castle – one of our favorite sites to visit – An enchanting 14^th century fort turned home to various museums and lush landscapes. The thousands of tiny holes in the brickwork used to hold the hooks for the marble paneling. Would have been an incredible sight to see as a marble fort!

Must sip

A Milano Mule at the sleek and chic Bamboo Bar at the Armani Hotel. Bitter Campari, Ginger Beer, Lime Juice.

Must dine

Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone. Set in an ancient Palazzo, this is a restaurant worth going to. Dinner goes without saying, but lunch is great for people watching (The Four Seasons is a few doors down).

London

Highlight Piece

Stella McCartney duchess cotton blush mini dress. From Resort 2017 collection. Available now at Le Louvre!

Must sip

PIC PICASSO – highball tumbler with fresh juniper notes, citrus and herbs, Tanqueray 10, cucumber, spicy mint lemon curd, Pimm’s and soda at The Blue Bar– newly refurbished bar at The Berkeley Hotel.  The historic bar retains the iconic Lutyens Blue panelling originally conceived by David Collins studio, and its original Edwin Lutyens lighting

Must dine

The River Café, London. The food is as simple and unpretentious as Italian should be, with great kicks of lemon, parmesan, tomato or chili. The ingredients are ethically and thoughtfully sourced, and their sheer quality shines through in every mouthful.

To view more of the unrivalled edit of ready-to-wear at Le Louvre, and to make your appointment at the boutique, see here.