The Zen before the glamour

Fashion director Kristine Kilty takes us behind the scenes into the exclusive world of Parisian haute couture, and shares the lifestyle practices that enrich her rollercoaster day

It’s 5am in the French capital. I drew back the heavy brocade curtains, and golden sunlight pours in. The view of the Parisian skyline from my room at the Peninsula is nothing short of iconic. The streets are empty. I pause, taking in the stillness before the city stirs. It’s magnificent.

My mornings are sacred, a sanctuary for mood-boosting practices to super-charge the day ahead. It begins with one non-negotiable: not looking at my phone for at least an hour. Despite working across multiple regions, from Asia to USA, the fast pace of luxury fashion can wait. Right now, grounding is my priority. Zen first, fashion pandemonium later.

I snuggle up on a chaise lounge, close my eyes, and reflect on ten things I am grateful for. Three rounds of breathwork follow, then a twenty minute meditation. Davidji and Joe Dispenza are my usual choices, but today I’m indulging in the Peninsula’s in-room wellness platform, a collaboration with Breethe, offering guided meditations on demand.

Next, a ten-minute session of EFT Tapping to lock in the high vibes. Then I crank up the house music, have a quick shower, and get dressed. Before heading out, I review the sales data for my jewellery brand, Frequency Paris-Ibiza, and ensure all customer orders are fulfilled. Inspired, I scribble ideas for future product launches on a notepad. Then it’s Stella McCartney trainers on, and out the door.

Ready to roll

I’m combining exercise with breakfast. A 45-minute power walk to Place Vendôme, detouring to my favourite vegan spot, Wild & the Moon. A ginger shot, green juice, and a granola bowl later, and I’m back en-route to the Ritz Paris. Today I’m directing an opulent cover shoot at the Suite Impériale, the hotels largest and most prestigious suite. Think 18th-century château splendour combined with magical views of Place Vendôme. This bastion of old-world luxury emanates glamour, and grandeur, the ultimate backdrop for my maximalist vision.

I greet the team with a playful “Welcome to my crib,” prompting even the Ritz staff to laugh. Inside, it’s a beautiful kind of chaos: hairdryers blasting, makeup brushes flying, and the Glam Squad in full swing inside the oak-panelled bathroom.

I move into the enchanting powder blue bedroom, marvelling at the height of the floral, silk-draped, canopy bed. My assistants are busy unboxing Chanel, Dior, Valentino, and every other luxury label you can imagine. Branded tissue paper litters the plush carpets. But soon, we’ll transform this glorious mess into a steamed, preened, pop-up showroom space, all at break-neck speed.

As the creative whirlwind spins, I review the Spring/Summer outfits, and approve the looks we’ll capture today. We’re on a tight deadline. The images must be edited, retouched, and sent to print within 48 hours. Precision is everything. Today, it all has to run like clockwork.

I scan the rails packed with summer must-haves. A sea of yellow hues: banana, lemon, canary, daffodil, instantly catches my eye. It’s the colour of the season, with Prada, Alexander McQueen, Carolina Herrera, and Roksanda all sending bold iterations down the runway. When I saw these vibrant outfits on the catwalk, I instantly knew I wanted to shoot them. As a Creative Fashion Director, I’m always building connections across collections, spotting emerging narratives and envisioning how they’ll translate for the pages of a magazine. And, of course, the wardrobes of real women.

Today’s vision merges that yellow heatwave with two standout summer trends: sweeping, ultra-feminine silhouettes and lush, painterly florals. My creative direction focuses on elevating pieces by pairing them in new, expressive ways. Unexpected combinations of colour, texture, and volume. With catwalk content just a scroll away, fashion editorial storytelling has to do more. It must surprise, excite, and offer a fresh perspective on what’s already been seen.

And just like that, our model emerges from the makeup room transformed into a luminous goddess, with sun-kissed skin, smoky eye, and glossy, undulating waves. She slips into a show-stopping rose-print chiffon Chloé dress in turquoise and pink. The short, gathered skirt shows off her long, glistening legs, while a dramatic train billows behind. I finish the look with aqua-green Freja sandals from Jimmy Choo – a summer staple! As she glides past the regal, gilded door, puff sleeves floating in the air, the look captures everything I wanted: opulence with ease.

Next, our model sips a coffee and replies to text messages, while we manoeuvre her into a sultry Saint Laurent ensemble: a marigold lace, sleeveless blouse with a high ruffled neck, layered under a broad-shouldered, metallic jacket in turquoise, cobalt, and gold. Topped off with a pleated Egyptian blue miniskirt to add an exquisitely rich edge. I stack chunky gold bangles up her wrist. They clank perfectly as she moves into position. Et voilà, she’s re-caffeinated up and camera-ready again.

Time out

Knock knock! A silver trolley wheels in bearing healthy Buddha bowls and pressed juices. We perch on the sumptuous red velvet couches to enjoy lunch in a fabulous time capsule of 18th century elegance. It’s not every day you dine beneath historic paintings of Napoleon, decadent imperial cornices and refined antique furniture.

Lights flash, lenses click. We power through four more looks until the finale: an asymmetrical amber Bottega Veneta gown. This is my pièce de résistance, reserved for the pale butterscotch bedroom inspired by Marie Antoinette’s Versailles chambers – also famously visited by Kim Kardashian and Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld’s cat. I chose this moment deliberately. The intricate floral wallpaper, silk-draped canopy bed, and grand crystal chandelier create the perfect tableau to bring my entire vision together: yellow, florals, and contemporary draping. As the model holds her final pose, framed in softness and splendour, the shutter snaps, and I know, we’ve got the shot.

Bohemian vibes

5:30pm and that’s a wrap. We finish right on time. I swap my trusty trainers for black sequin stilettos, swipe on red lipstick, layer up my Frequency Paris-Ibiza jewellery stack, kiss the team goodbye, and trot around the corner to meet a client at Hôtel Costes. The atrium-style bar is perfect for a quick catch-up, an aperitif, or chance celebrity encounter.

After a productive meeting, bouncing creative campaign ideas to the beat of electro tracks, I jump in an Uber and head north. First stop: a press event in the trendy Rue du Fraubourg Saint-Martin. Then it’s on to Montmartre, where an artist friend is hosting a gathering at Le Très Particulier, a hidden gem dubbed “the French Chateau Marmont.”

We sip cocktails – mine’s alcohol free – in the tranquil, leafy garden before sinking into the lush velvet lounge as night falls. The vibe is bohemian, fabulous, and full of laughter.

Later, I call room service from my cab and return to a nourishing dish of golden oak mushrooms, Asian greens, and organic crispy tofu. Then I soak in a Voya bath while listening to a yoga nidra and alchemy sounds recording. The perfect wind down to a beautifully full day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With a portfolio that spans celebrity portraits, advertising campaigns, music videos, and creative collaborations, Creative Fashion Director Kristine Kilty has worked with celebrities including Lewis Hamilton, Nick Jonas and Naomie Harris. She is also the Founder of The Fierce Group, a boutique agency that works with global brands.