Parisian Chic

Lara Chedikian moved from Paris to LA about 3 months ago and we met with her at Chateau Marmont to talk about Paris, style, her favorite places and nightlife.

Back in Paris Lara was working at L’Officel as the fashion accessories editor for over two years. She also worked before that as an assistant and coordinator for fashion producer Alexandre de Betak, “Fellini of Fashion” who has become famous for his installations and fashion shows.

Alexandre de Betak is the superstar behind the most elaborate shows that the international fashion world has ever seen. His work has included installations of Rodarte: State of Matter at MOCA, Victoria’s secret shows, Jason Wu, Diane von Furstenberg, Viktor & Rolf, Dior, Michael Kors shows and many others.

Lara’s first visit to the US was during her internship at American Vogue years ago and naturally she has loved NYC ever since. However, West Hollywood is where she has moved from Paris to continue her already impressive career.

Q: What is your take on LA fashion style?

Lara: LA style is sporty and casual. Nice weather permits us to wear James Perse or Alexander Wang t-shirts all year round.

Q: Which American designers do you admire?

Lara: I like young, but already successful designers: Rodarte, Alexander Wang, Derek Lam, Narciso Rodriguez, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Preen, The Row.

Q: Please share with us which young brands are currently hot in Paris.

Lara: Maje, IRO, SANDRO, The Kooples . I also love IRFE Paris- by Olga Sorokina, a talented Russian designer.

Q: Who are your favorite designers?

Lara: Azzedine Alaia, Isabel Marant, Lanvin, Balenciaga, Givenchy, YSL, Celine, Chloe, Giambatista Valli, Stella McCartney, Vanessa Bruno, Jay Ahr by Jonathan Riss.

Nicholas Kirkwood and Charlotte Olympia for shoes.

Q: Whose style do you like the most?

Lara: I admire Inès de la Fressange’s chic Parisian style. She’s the former face of Chanel, Legion of Honor winner, designer, brand ambassador for Roger Vivier and author of the best seller, “Parisian Chic: A Style Guide.”

Q: Since you’ve mentioned it. What is the Parisian Look?

Lara: An effortless look, chic with an attitude, natural hair and make-up. T-shirts with a pair of jeans, a Chanel bag and jacket. Lanvin ballerina flats for the day are perfect. Young girls are mixing Topshop, H&M and Zara with more expensive accessories. I like a Louis Vuitton bag exclusively designed by Sofia Coppola; it’s the epitome of timeless glamour.

photos of Lara by Alexandra Nataf www.alexandranataf.com

Q: Favorite jewelries?

Lara: I like the designer Aurelie Bidermann, Ere by Repossi, Harpo, Dary’s, Elise Dray, Elodie K.

Q: What are “the must haves” this season?

Lara: Electric colors as shown by Jil Sander or Haider Ackermann. The romantic look with transparent beige, silk and lace is still strong. Tailored trousers, lots of prints as seen on Prada, Marni and Givenchy runways and three-quarter- length skirts. Portfolio clutches and evening mianudieres are still very “in” this season- Matthew Williamson for Bulgari had some great bright ones.

Q: What do you like in sunglasses?

Lara: Ray Ban makes classic ones, Persol aviators, great vintage round Chanel and YSL’s.

Q: What stores do you like to shop at in LA?

Lara: My favorite store in LA is Maxfield for their high end and unique designers. I also like shopping at Curve, Church, H Lorenzo and Diavolina.

Q: Your favorite hangouts and restaurants in LA?

Lara: For lunch- Cecconi’s, the Little Next Door, le Pain Quotidien, Urth Caffe and Gjelina in Venice. At night I prefer Soho House, Eveleigh on Sunset, Fig & Olive and Madeo. For a drink: Chateau Marmont, Hemingway, Paul and Andre Lounge in Hollywood.

Q: What are the best spots in Paris?

Lara: To shop: Montaigne Market, Bon Marche, the Marais area, Colette, Scarlett (one of the best vintage boutique if you like Chanel or Hermes) and the faubourg st Honore district. Restaurants: Café Flore, Le Stresa, Le Germain, Hotel du Nord, le Bar de la Croix Rouge, Ferdi, L’ami Louis, Toraya- Japanese tea room, Le cafe Marly, Le Georges, Caviar Kaspia, Le Voltaire

Q: What are some exciting plans for the near future?

Lara: I would love to dress several French actresses for the Cannes Film Festival but no revelations for now…And I’m busy planning a summer trip to Cambodia as a part of the program “Toutes a l’ecole”, which translates to “everyone at school.” The «Toutes à l’école» association has a mission to develop a high level of education for underprivileged young girls, and to help them become independent women and educated mothers. The Happy Chandara School currently teaches 530 young girls. You can make a difference with a donation as small as 20 euros, or volunteer at their school at http://www.toutesalecole.org

There is still so much to talk about, so we hope we can catch up with Lara after her exciting trips.

Bisous.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011 at 10:03 am and is filed under Interviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed or trackback from your own site. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.