I just got back from the most incredible trip to Paris, and I have to share some moments with youβespecially if youβve ever dreamed of shooting in the City of Light. ππΈ
I have had the honor of collaborating with βSugar Cookies Lingerieβ for over 4 years now, and this was our third trip to the City of Light together. It had always been my dream to capture stunning boudoir imagery in some of the most breathtaking Parisian locationsβthink golden balconies, moody hotel rooms, and yesβ¦ the Eiffel Tower in the background. And I am thrilled to have made that dream happen once again this year. β₯οΈ
But these epic boudoir photoshoots were just the beginningβ¦
Here are some other highlights from our unforgettable trip:
β¨ Cocktail party & fashion presentation with Maison Close β Their wonderful team even created a signature cocktail in Maison Close Purple in honor of our event! I always thought Maison Close was too sexy for a woman "my age" but I was proven wrong - their new ready-to-wear collection is everything, and youβll soon find it at Sugar Cookies! I purchased the black tuxedo pants with lace - something I had been thinking about ever since I saw them in person at the August trade show!
β¨ A history & atelier visit with couture corset makers Cadolle β This was our attendee's favorite event last year so we went back to the beautiful jewel box of a shop and learned about the importance of a properly fitting bra and the differences between French and American Styles when it comes to the feminine ideal. Seeing their craftsmanship up close was a masterclass in lingerie artistry.
β¨ A showroom tour + sneak peek of Aubadeβs Fall/Winter collection β We even got to visit the team of seamstresses working on prototypes. Aubade is a staple of everyday luxury, and their new designs are going to be stunning.
β¨ A tour of the Dior Museum β These highly coveted tickets are tough to come by but we had to visit for the fashion, as well as the Peter Lindbergh exhibit (my favorite photographer!) So many instagramable moments here!
β¨ A personal chat with designer Paloma Casile β This was a new brand discovery for me. Paloma's passion for lingerie as both fashion and empowerment was beyond inspiring, as was her tenacity as a young, female business owner. I even made a bold purchase for myself (see above)!
β¨ An epic evening of burlesque & champagne at Crazy Horse Cabaret β Because no trip to Paris is complete without a little Parisian glamour and tease. π
And then there was this momentβ¦
During a breathtaking hotel balcony shoot, my client and I had a surprise encounter with two chic Parisian women who spotted us from their apartment across the way. At first, I thought they were upset by our shootβonly to later find out they lovedwhat we were doing! They even offered us their own apartment for a new angle (which resulted in one of my favorite behind the scenes shots of all time). π
A Lesson in French Confidence π«π·
In the U.S., boudoir is often seen as something just for a partnerβbut in France, itβs truly an art form, a celebration of self. A moment to honor your own beauty, at any age, just because you deserve to. And thatβs something I want all of us to embrace. β€οΈ
I canβt wait to share more from this tripβincluding behind-the-scenes, my top Paris hotel picks for boudoir shoots, and of course, how you can create this magic in your own work. Stay tuned!
Γ bientΓ΄t, Stephanie
P.S. If you want a sneak peek of the images, keep an eye on my βInstagramββIβll be sharing soon! π #ParisBoudoir #SugarCookiesLingerie #ConfidenceAtEveryAge