We caught up with Australian-born, Paris-based fashion designer, Kym Ellery, to get her insider guide to Paris

Where’s the Ellery studio in Paris, and what’s the neighbourhood like?
Kym Ellery (KE)
I relocated to Paris three years ago and now have a studio in the second arrondissement of Paris, which is a beautiful area. It’s got a really nice energy—there’s always people on the streets and a good feeling of hustle and bustle.

We also still have a studio in Sydney, which is where a large part of the Ellery operations occur. We produce the majority of our pieces locally in Sydney where we work with local factories and other suppliers from the Australian industry.

Where do you spend your weekends?
KE 
I usually stay close to my house in the Marais. I love to lay on the grass at Place de Vosges and enjoy the atmosphere of Paris. I also like to go for walks along the Seine and really be present, enjoying all of the beautiful things that Paris has to offer, including ice cream!

What’s the best place for a coffee in Paris?
KE 
I like to get my matcha lattes from Glow on the Go! which is near my house in the Marais. Their almond milk is handmade on-site, as is their matcha powder—it’s a great kickstart to the day.

Best bars to hang out in the evenings?
KE I love Le Mary Celeste—they do wonderful cocktails. The food there is delicious. I love the oysters, with the spicy shot that comes with them. 

Best hidden spot in the city?
KE There are beautiful parks, especially in the 11th, but also dotted around the city. Another one of the best-hidden spots is having tacos at Candelaria, I love enjoying a frozen margarita there during the summer.

Best places to brunch on the weekends?
KE 
Weekend brunch is great at Holybelly in the 11th, and also Cafe Charlot in the Marais.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of The Outnet

Favourite restaurant in Paris?
KE 
I love Jones in the 11th. They have a great wine list and I like to order the burrata. They also have the most amazing bread in France in my opinion! 

Favourite gallery in Paris?
KE I love visiting Atelier Brancusi, it’s near my home and on my way to work. So it’s easy to just walk through and be inspired very quickly. I love the different type of materials he worked with such as timber, brass, stone – it’s a beautiful place. 

What are your favourite places to shop?
KE 
For fashion/accessories: I love Galeries Lafayette. Fun fact- it’s the second-most-visited site in Paris, behind the Eiffel Tower, and historically the building is stunning.

For the home: I love wandering around Le Puces, which is the flea market in Clignancourt. I find it interesting to dig through the old silverware stores and look at the little art galleries that are in the area.

For beauty and skincare: Definitely Biologique Recherche on Champs Elysees, it’s one of my favourite skincare brands and one of the best facials in Paris. I swear by their products and you always come out looking at least 5 years younger!

For books/magazines/films: Yvon Lambert in the Marais is my favourite bookstore. They have a really interesting selection of art, books, and books published by independent talent. Recently, my dear friend, who is a photographer from New York, Adrian Mesko, launched his scrapbook series there.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of The Outnet

Favourite spa?
KE 
The spa at The Peninsula, by the Arc de Triomphe, is wonderful. It has a beautiful energy and you come out feeling relaxed and revitalised.

Where do you go if you’re looking for inspiration?
KE I like to go to the Palais de Tokyo or the Musée d’Art Moderne. I find both galleries exceptional, and so well curated.

What hotel in Paris would you recommend for out-of-town friends?
KE If you are looking for somewhere very high energy and chic, then I would definitely recommend Hôtel Costes. It has beautiful rooms and a great central location. And, for a more boutique style hotel, The Pigalle.

Best place to get away to for a long weekend?
KE 
The beauty of being in Europe is that there are so many places so close by. I used to visit Zurich a lot for the weekend, spending time near the lake and the mountains. I love going to Spain and adore Majorca and Ibiza. Being able to be amongst nature there is really nice, especially after being in the city for so long. 

Lastly, what’s one thing about Paris you wish everyone would know?
KE 
The Parisians are really friendly and it’s up to you to make an effort with the language and be first to greet them in their local tongue. If you are respectful and kind, they will be the same in return. 


This article first appeared on hk.asiatatler.com. Shop the exclusive capsule collection of Ellery on The Outnet and follow Kym Ellery on Instagram @kymellery

Topics