Sonya Boissard, fashion stylist to the stars, gives us the skinny on her fashion/shopping services company Wardrobe Solutions Network, Parisian fashion trends and her must have accessories for Spring!

Before starting your own company you had a great deal of experience working as stylist in the states. What was your most memorable project?

Yes, I was stylist for 10 years before landing in Paris in 2002. My most memorable moment would have to be shopping for Beyoncé in Paris. I never dreamed that I would shop for Beyoncé! Iit was for Essence magazine and she was being photographed for the cover in Rotterdam, Holland. Essence wanted to show another side of her, a more spiritual side, so they wanted a bohemian look. I went to various showrooms like Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Tsumori Chisato just to name a few. I arrived in Rotterdam for the shoot where I met the team from Essence and Beyoncé. I have to say that she is just as beautiful in person, both inside & out. It was great fun and afterwards we were all invited to their concert. What a blast we had!

Give us the scoop on your company Wardrobe Solutions Network. What is it and when did it start?

I started Wardrobe Solutions Network in 2005, I have always wanted to create this sort of service where I would give women and men advice on how to get the most from their wardrobe. I was especially interested in the concept of shopping in your closet. I think that we really never take stock of what we actually have in our closets. How many times do we say that we have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? In fact you probably have great pieces in your closet that need to be updated by adding beautiful accessories or just learning how to put together pieces that you never imagined would work as an outfit.

Why did you decide to base your company in Paris? Was it difficult getting your company up and running abroad?

I really never set out to start a business or base a business in Paris, it was basically conceived from trying for a couple years to establish myself as a fashion stylist in Paris. I was met with many challenges, first of all arriving in Paris with very few contacts as well as not having a command of the language it was extremely hard to break into the fashion world here, however I used all of those obstacles to create something positive and that’s how WSN was born.

From a fashion perspective, what are/have been the benefits of being based in Paris?

What has been rewarding for me being based in Paris is that you are constantly inspired by Parisian street fashion. Being in the fashion capital of world allows you to see first hand what is happening in terms of emerging trends and new talent.

What are the current fashion trends in Paris right now?

At the moment everyone is coming down from Winter and looking forward to Spring. This Spring you can expect to see lot of shine, metallics, patent leathers in bold and bright colors. The skinny pant is carried over from this winter, sporty chic will be making it’s appearance again, leggings or jogging pants paired with not your basic tees, but tee with sequins, tees that are draped as well as many other styles. The A-line dress is front and center, which is well- suited for many body types. Day dresses will be very popular as well.

What is on your list of must haves this fashion season?

My wish list for this season would have to be Miu Miu skinny black pant, Matthew Williamson sequined tee, and Lanvin’s canary yellow t-shirt dress.

What difference have you noticed between fashion trends in Europe and those in the States?

The differences that I have noticed between Europe and the States is that there is a huge turnover in the States, we have laws that allows us to mark down merchandise that is not moving or to have sales at any given moment therefore this lets the consumer experiment with more fashion trends . Most Europeans cities outside of England have their sales two to three times a year, and I think because of that, they are not taking as many risk as the Americans who like to follow the trends closely.

Most of the fashions capitals like Paris, Milan and London people are well put together but that does not always mean edgy. For example, a Parisian would prefer to purchase something classic and of good quality that they can get a lot of mileage out of as opposed to buying something trendy. In London they pride themselves on being creative and avant-garde; it is better have your own individual style. In Milan they take fashion very serious its all about the quality and the craftsmanship of the garment. However in Paris, while they do follow the trends, I would say they are more conformist and even a bit conservative at times. In conclusion i would say that the Europeans are not following trends as close as Americans mainly because they believe that to have great style does not always mean relying on the trends.

The cafe often receives emails regarding what to wear in Paris, in order to blend in with the Parisians, any tips for our readers on how to best achieve “le look Parisien”?

My best advice would be to any one who is looking to blend in or achieve “le look Parisien”: keep it simple, the French like to dress elegantly. I can always tell Americans a mile away wearing shorts and long t-shirts! I would strongly advise against shorts and long t-shirts. When organizing your trip to Paris think of clothes that can be mixed & matched, start with a nice pair of black pants or any color that has a good fit , a crisp clean button down white shirt, solid color v-neck/crew neck sweaters or tees; jeans are always fun with ballerina flats; for night go little bit funkier with sexy stilettos and a pair jeans, great top or beaded earrings. Have fun with your wardrobe. You are in Paris!

In addition to fashion consulting I understand you also offer shopping tours. How much much are they and what do they include?

Yes, the tours specializing in the following:

Designer & Luxury - Start this tour at Fauchon the celebrated food emporium for a café creme. Afterwards stroll down rue du Fauboug Saint-Honoré where there are such designers as Chanel, Christan Dior, Prada, just to name to few. Discover some of the most prestigious names in fashion in this historic quarter. Ending the tour at the renowned department stores Galeries Lafayette & Printemps known for their outstanding perfume & beauty selections.

Moderate Price Design - Discover the left bank, wander around on small charming streets, Where you will find a wave of ultra chic shops like Emporio Armani, Agnes B, and Diptyque, the famous perfume candle shop. A stop at the Café Flore, this left bank landmark is recommended where you will find actors, writers, great place for people watching. Finish the tour at Bon Marché the oldest department store in Paris, with a excellent selection of a excellent selection of Men’s & Women’s clothing.

Trendy/Lower Price -This tour you find a variety or trendy discount shops like H&M, C&A, Kookai , Zara, as well as other small novelty shops situated in the fashionable Chatelet and Les Halles. The tour ends by having a drink at the art center Georges Pompidou on their inside terrace where you have a breathtaking view of all of Paris.

Shopping tours are 75 euros per person for the day (special note: lunch and refreshments are not included in the price of the tours) Lunches are optional. Tours usually start at 11:30 to 4:30, however, times are flexible according to your needs.

Can you tailor a shopping tour to an individual?

Yes tours can be tailored to meet your needs. For example is someone wants to just shop for shoes or if you looking to shop for children’s clothes or beauty products. WSN can create a tailor made agenda to meet all of your shopping needs while in Paris.

What other services does Wardrobe Solutions Network offer?

We offer personal shopping for individuals and groups. WSN can help you to select items tailored to your size, shape and lifestyle. We offer a fashion reporting services for boutiques, fashion designers, manufacturing companies, & magazines.

Sonya, it has been a pleasre chatting with you and I wish you and WSN all the BEST! Happy Shopping!

**SONYA’S FAVORITES**

Accessories for Spring: Jimmy Choo’s printed flats; sun glasses by Marc Jacobs; any necklace that makes a statement; platform sandals by Diesel as well as Marc Jacobs; Vanessa Bruno Spring sac.

Places to shop: Bon Marché - because of its great shoe department & Colette - to browse emerging trends

Restaurant: L’Ebauchoir in the 12th arrondissement - it is a great little restaurant serving French cuisine with a twist, very good wine list and nice atmosphere.

For more information:

WEB: visit Sonya’s Blog at: http://wardrobesolutions.blogspot.com/

EMAIL: sonya.studio-boissard@wanadoo.fr