the reality of paris fashion week

Paris is pure magic. I’ve completely fallen in love with the city—the culture, the people, the food (especially the croissants). Getting to work there is one of the coolest things ever. But don’t get it twisted—it’s also a hustle. Social media makes it look glamorous and effortless, but the reality is, for most artists, it’s not all booked flights and paid gigs.

The truth is, a lot of us go to Paris on our own dime. We buy our flights, our hotels, and let everyone we know—clients, connections, other artists—know we’re in town. Sometimes we don’t even have work lined up until we land. It can feel like a huge gamble, but it’s also an investment in yourself. Every year I go, even if I only book one job, I remind myself: I’m working in Paris. That alone is worth something. The connections, friendships, and memories made each trip always feel like their own kind of success.

My personal goal is always to at least break even—to cover travel costs so I don’t feel like I lost money. And over time, I’ve learned some small travel hacks that make that goal a little easier:

• Stick with one airline. Loyalty pays off—literally. Rack up points and miles to earn status, free flights, and upgrades.
• Use a travel credit card. I recently got the Delta Amex Platinum, which triples my points and helps me reach status faster—meaning perks like free checked bags, lounge access, and flight upgrades.
• Skip the fancy hotels. Paris is filled with charming, affordable boutique hotels in great neighborhoods. You won’t be spending much time in your room anyway—go explore!

At the end of the day, even if things don’t go exactly as planned, every trip to Paris feels worth it. The experience, the connections, and the inspiration you gain can’t be measured in money alone. Sometimes, the payoff isn’t in the paycheck—it’s in the growth.

Travel Tip: Treat travel as both work and reward. Budget smart, use your points, and make your money stretch—but don’t forget to actually enjoy where you are. You earned it.