Wearing The Red Just Like Hotel Plaza Athenee

A hotel well known for accents of red has been sitting brightly on the Avenue Montaigne for as long as I can remember and I have walked past a million times but never ventured in. I have snapped the red geranium infused balconies and taken countless shots of the doormen against the red awnings; especially at Christmas time. Avenue Montaigne is one of those streets to see over the festive period.

It was only last weekend when I paid an impromptu visit to Paris that I made this connection. Hotel Plaza Athenee does remind me of a woman and her red lipstick and why the wearing of a red lip is such a winner.

Red accents are in profusion; in the furnishings, the carpets and have of course the world famous awnings and outdoor hanging geraniums. Contrasted against the red are the rich creams of textured upholsteries, the warmth of antique furnishings, white and creamy flowers (the hotel was full of beautiful white Arum lilies, bundled up and clumped into their Deco style vases) and the overwhelming twinkle of a myriad of chandeliers. The red, like our much-loved lipstick is an accent, a pop of colour and one, which really gives the hotel her personality.

Wearing my red lipsticks makes me feel much more lively and full of personality but it is a bit of a give and take. If I wear the red lips I feel much more bright and buzzy but to feel like wearing it I need pep in my step. The answer is probably put it on and let the fun begin.

Next visit to Paris put on your red lips, wander down the Avenue Montaigne and depending on the weather have a tea in the gallery or bag a spot in the little outdoor restaurant. It is the perfect people watching spot and if the sun is out, a heavenly little interlude. Don’t forget to look up at the inside of the awnings; Fragonard style paintings are printed on the reverse. I had never noticed before.

And as for wearing red lips, I think we must and more often. We should dress ourselves up, just like Hotel Plaza Athenee.

Use a good pencil if you are nervous of the lip line and make sure the red is sufficiently matte to stay firmly in place.  

I am going to wear red more often because if nothing else I shall be reminded of this wonderful Parisian hotel. xv