Thoughts of Paris

On social media I’m participating in a fitness/Thanksgiving challenge. Part of it is everyday for 21 days I’ve committed to giving thanks for something in my life.

Today I am thankful for a city I love, Paris.

I’ll never forget the first time I visited Paris, it was for Fashion Week in September 2000, I was buying for my soon to be opened namesake boutique, Shikiri. I was 23 years old.

Many embark on a new independence and party hard during their undergraduate years, for me during my time at USC, there was very little partying, I was having babies, getting married. That independence I found in Paris, every fashion week, twice a year for more than six years.

I have spectacular memories dancing on the table tops at Buddah Bar, shopping at Colette and marveling at sculptures at Musee Rodin. I studied style on Avenue Montaigne, while dining at L’Avenue, and residing at the George V.

Paris is where I gained my independence, that’s what Paris represents for me, independence.

My prayers are with all effected by the horrible tragedy. I am grateful for all my precious memories I’ve had in Paris.

Below is a photo taken at Hotel Costes, Rue Saint-Honore, celebrating my good friend, Jennifer McHenry’s birthday. #IAmThankfulfor #Paris #blessed

A photo posted by chinaroyal (@chinaroyal) on Nov 13, 2015 at 9:58pm PST