It’s every fashionista’s dream to revel in the chic Parisian culture, have her outfits inspired by the City of Lights and may be even be a part of the momentous Paris Fashion Week. It was a dream come true for Bengaluru-based blogger Nilu Yuleena Thapa as she not only won an all expense paid trip to Paris, but was the only Indian blogger to attend the Paris Fashion Week 2015, attend Elie Saab’s preview and be adjudged for the Best Fashion Look of the Day!
“It all felt like a dream,” recalls the 27-year-old about her six-day trip to the City of Love, still pinching herself to ensure it’s all real. “It all began when I won Max Fashions India’s National Blogger Styling contest to travel to Paris, all expenses paid. Being a style blogger, going to the fashion capital had always been my dream – to experience the Parisian culture, to become influenced by the people who make Paris known for the fashion capital that it is,” she says, stepping out for the fifth day of the PFW in a Kristy De Cunha outfit, Silvense jewellery, Galliano Shoes and glamming it all up with an ANQI bag. “More than enjoying the shows, my one aim was to be featured in international fashion publications as an Indian blogger. I even carried a separate bag with all the contents of my outfit for the day so nothing would go wrong,” says the blogger at Big Hair Loud Mouth.
Speaking of the vibrant and voluptuous Kristy De Cunha outfit, she says, “The skirt alone weighed close to 4 kgs! I must have looked very colourful on the bright, sunny day in Paris for everyone’s eyes were following me around.” As she made her way to the Tuileries Garden for the preview of Elie Saab’s SS16 collection, Nilu recalls the mounting tension – Would people take her style seriously? “But as I walked towards the venue, I didn’t even have the time to acknowledge my emotions. I was swarmed by photographers and the next thing I know, people wanted to take pictures of my outfit – the print on the skirt, a lovely tribute to Frida Kahlo and my accessories,” says the blogger, who aside of putting her best foot forward at the PFW, also took time off to take a tour of the city – everywhere from the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and Notre Dame de Paris to the Place Vendôme, Palais Garnier, Grand Palais, Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, Palais de Tokyo and Montparnasse. “I even bought my first Louis Vuitton,” she grins. “I felt at home with people who think like me, who were like me – while one stands unique, one decides to break the norm. And I stood out petite and colourful, proud to represent my beloved country, dressed in an outfit made in India during my first big international fashion week event,” smiles Nilu.
