“I’ve been traveling to Paris for over 25 years,” model Molly Sims tells us, “and my love affair started way back in junior high when my mom—Big Momma—chaperoned a school trip. We both fell hard for the city, and honestly, I never recovered. Every time I land, the same thing happens: Time slows down, my creativity skyrockets, and suddenly everything feels a little more chic.”
The last time Molly traveled to the City of Light was just last week for the ultimate Parisian experience: fashion week. The YSE Beauty founder brought ITG in tow as she bounced around from the Chanel runway to Zimmerman’s (and with a little Louis Vuitton in between). Ahead, the most fabulous three-days-in-a-life you can get, packed with lots of shopping (including hard-to-get Chanel), a quick catch-up with actor Naomi Watts, and Betty, Molly’s Birkin.
Sunday, March 8
3PM: First order of business: The obligatory airport selfie. Call me old school, but you will rarely catch me flying in a sweatsuit. I wore a Toteme trench (obsessed with the camel color, but it's no longer available), a Jenni Kayne striped pullover, a pair of Chanel ballet flats, and of course, my Birkin I named Betty—because if I’m going to Paris, Betty’s coming with.
Twelve hours later—and a very necessary cappuccino later—we arrived at the Mandarin Oriental. It’s located in the 1st arrondissement and always gives the warmest welcome after a long flight. Naturally, we popped open the champagne.
The first thing I do when I arrive is unpack. Immediately. Every outfit hung, shoes lined up, skincare and makeup perfectly placed on the vanity. It’s a non-negotiable. I also brought along a little sneak peek from my beauty line YSE Beauty that is launching at the end of March. I can’t say too much yet… but I’ll leave you with its dewy, pink, and plumping goodness. I also packed the Rouge Noir Confidence XXL eyeshadow and blush palette from Chanel that I cannot stop using. It’s sold out everywhere, which obviously means it’s that good.
Once settled, my fashionista bestie (and incredible stylist) Andrea Lubin and I went for a little stroll which, in Paris, is basically code for accidental shopping. I got these amazing fisherman sandals from Miu Miu. I haven’t shut up about them since I bought them. If my husband is reading this… I love you, I’m sorry—but it’s Paris.
7PM: We headed to the Chanel welcome dinner at Cassaro’s. It was, of course, fabulous, effortlessly chic and filled with the most incredible crowd. At my table, I sat next to Andrea and Kelly Sawyer, the co-president Baby2Baby Love these women.
I was back at the hotel by 11 because long dinners are my love language. I could sit and chat for hours, especially if accompanied by a good bottle of wine and a table full of fun conversations.
Monday, March 9
7:30AM: Now the real fun begins. Honestly, this is the best kind of Monday because it involves two very important words: Zimmermann and Chanel. I woke up feeling a bit tired from the night before and all the travel, so I immediately put on my YSE Overachiever eye masks for instant depuffing, followed by a generous layer of Like A Gloss lip mask while my glam team—Owen Gould and Benjamin Puckey (the best of the best)—set up. I must say, not having to wake up, pack school lunches, and do drop-off? It’s a very nice change of pace.
10AM: First stop: Zimmermann. I wore an incredible deep plum trouser-and-jacket moment with my hair half tucked in the back. Nothing puts me into a flow state faster than a monochromatic look. The show was effortless and romantic with a little bohemian flair. I had a quick chat with the stunning and endlessly talented Naomi Watts, who looked incredible in fuchsia. That color was absolutely made for her.
1PM: After Zimmermann we grabbed lunch at L’Avenue, followed by a quick dash back to the hotel to change for Chanel. Truthfully, I thrive in the chaos that fashion week brings. The outfit changes, the running around, the last-minute glam tweaks? It’s basically my Super Bowl.
For the Chanel show, I wore a vintage Chanel jacket and vintage Chanel earrings that were to die for. I mixed in a few newer Chanel pieces, including my bag, to finish the look. My stylist Sonja Christensen absolutely nailed this one.
7PM: The Chanel show… pure magic. The set, the clothes, the energy. Matthieu Blazy has truly breathed life back into Chanel. The spring collection dropped last Thursday, and it was basically The Hunger Games in every store. I may have secured a few pieces myself…
The whole world was there! It felt surreal. Fashion lovers everywhere, cameras flashing, and Margot Robbie looking effortlessly chic as always. Safe to say: I was completely obsessed.
8:30PM: We went to the iconic Bar Vendôme at The Ritz Paris for much-needed drinks (and a little fashion week decompression), followed by dinner at Gigi Paris, which is absolutely non-negotiable whenever I’m in the city. If I come to Paris and don’t go to Gigi, something has gone very wrong.
I won’t mention what time I got home, but I’m pretty sure it was technically already the next day... Paris Fashion Week will do that to you.
Tuesday, March 10
9AM: Glam for the Louis Vuitton show. I wanted sleek and chic pin-straight hair—no waves in sight—and Bosco Montesinos absolutely delivered. The hair was paired with an all-black LV ensemble with gold hardware accents. I was living for it.
11:30AM: Made it to the Louis Vuitton show and sat next to my PFW partner-in-crime, Andrea, where we spent the entire time marveling (and whisper-commentating) on the looks. The collection leaned into nature and a nomadic spirit, shearling caps, fuzzy coats, layers of texture everywhere. And the bags! Let’s just say my self-control was hanging by a thread.
3PM: No Paris trip is complete without a stop at Le Bon Marché, what Andrea and I lovingly call our second home. More shoes to obsess over, more damage done to my wallet. Retail therapy but make it French.
And of course, I’d be in BIG trouble back home if I didn’t swing by Ladurée for the biggest macaron they had for my daughter Scarlett. Anything for my girl.
9:30PM: Ended the night with a reservation at La Renommée. Yes, I ordered the burger. No regrets. It was fabulous.
—as told to Daise Bedolla
Photographs by Elizaveta Leonchenko and Molly Sims / Courtesy of YSE Beauty