Meet Emily Quach, our muse from our recent drop. We sat down with Emily to get to know this Melbourne-born beauty, her journey working in Fashion and her personal guide to Paris.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK?

I have a hybrid role as a designer and buyer for a menswear brand based in Paris. I love that in my role I get both the creative and also the business side of fashion.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR IN FASHION?

I feel like my journey with fashion started when I was really young. I was always drawing and painting as a child. When I got to my teens I started making my own clothes because I was always super short and petite so none of the teen brands at the time fit me. This is probably where I fell in love with fashion and how clothes can make you feel.

After high school I knew exactly what I wanted to do and went to study a Bachelor of Fashion Design (honours) and RMIT while working in retail.

During my final year of uni I applied for an internship at a new contemporary menswear brand. At uni I was focusing on exploring fluid genderless design which aligned perfectly with the internship. I worked at the internship as well as my retail job until I graduated. During the internship I worked super hard because I really believed in the business and it paid off when I was offered a full time role the week I graduated from uni.

For a year I worked out of Melbourne HQ alongside our creative director and founder. The business grew really quickly and our founder opened up an office in Paris to expand the business globally. I was luckily asked if I wanted to relocate with him. It has been one of the most incredible experiences that I will forever be grateful for. I’ve spent the past almost two years in living in Paris and loving every second of it (with extended trips home for Aus summer of course!)

WHAT PART OF YOUR JOB DO YOU LOVE THE MOST?

I love that I get to work with a small team of amazing people from different aspects of life and also from different parts of the world. It’s amazing to hear everyone's journeys and meet so many like minded people. I’m also super proud to be working for a business that pushes the boundaries of what is typically considered menswear.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE?

A typical work day living in Paris is surprisingly a lot more calm than in Melbourne. I find that the French live a much slower and carefree life - work days starting later, longer lunches, a lot of work drinks.

I would usually start my work day by walking along the seine and then ride my bike to work. I found that it was the best way to see Paris and start my day instead of being sardined in the metro. Most of my days consisted of working with our creative director and marketing manager to ensure that everything is in line for upcoming launches - no day was ever the same. Being in Paris there is so much inspiration on the street so we would also spend a lot of time outside the office for research. Whether that be vintage shopping, visiting new store openings or just people watching. After work I would always stop by the Marais for a drink with friends or my boyfriend. During the summer months, a lot of our friends from home would visit so we would spend a lot of time showing them our version of Paris.

 

EMILY’S GUIDE TO PARIS

  

BEST COFFEE SPOT:

Yellow Tucan 4th arr.

It’s a cute small cafe nestled in a corner of the Marais. Probably the closest I have found to a Melbourne quality coffee.

BEST LUNCH SPOT:

Le Relais de Entrecôte 8th arr.

If you’re visiting you need to try the Entrecôte, they only have one thing on the menu and it's more affordable than what we’re used to here.

BEST DINNER SPOT:

La Perle 3rd arr.

It's nothing fancy or special. More of a local spot for drinks and dinner, the overall vibe is why we loved it. You can always make a new friend here. It was our go to at least once a week and would take all our friends from home that visited. I would stay away from the viral trendy spots you see online.

BEST SPOT FOR A NIGHTCAP:

Le Progres 3rd arr.

It’s a cute little local bar where a lot of creatives go for a late night drink.

BEST PLACE TO STAY:

Le Marais 3rd arr.

Best by far if you’re looking to experience Paris like a local.

 

BEST PLACE TO SHOP:

Marais 3rd arr.

If you love vintage shopping like me, this is the area to shop in. There are also some great French designers/ international brands there too.

BEST MARKET:

Most of the flea market locations change every weekend but the best ones are in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th arr. You can look up the locations online on brocabrac.fr.

BEST PLACE FOR ART/HISTORY:

If you’re not looking for a super touristy place like the Louvre, I would recommend: Musee Carnavalet 3rd arr. It's free and has a beautiful courtyard garden that you can have a drink or coffee in.

Petit Palais 8th arr is also amazing with a beautiful garden for drinks or coffee - also free.

BEST PLACE TO WORKOUT:

Don’t come to Paris with the expectation of a good workout. The pilates is not the same (also double the price), the gyms are tiny and dirty. A walk or run along the seine is your safest option.

BEST PLACE TO DAY TRIP TO:

Versailles is touristy but it's definitely a must see. If you’re looking for something a little quieter - Champagne is great for a winery day or exploring just the country.