WORN BY
David Kayitana Lui
A Spring Day in Paris
Photographed by Alvin Santos
LAST TIME, YOU SHOWED US AROUND OSLO. THIS TIME, WE MEET IN PARIS. WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THIS CITY?
Yes, I remember the Oslo shooting, it was with my friend Sameer Tahir. Great times!
Paris is a city quite close to my heart, for its vibrance, elegance, imperfection, soothing spirit and a sufficient dose of sensual stimulation.
I’ve had the fortune to travel here multiple times since I was a child, visiting family and friends with my parents. It’s an habitual tradition that I have continued with ever since.
I'm glad to be back for another round in the City Of Lights.
WHAT PLACES DID YOU VISIT DURING THIS TRIP?
I was with my friend and photographer Alvin for a few days. We strolled around the streets, enjoying the vibe of the city. Here are a couple of places that stand out.
Au Petit Fer à Cheval, 4th arrondissement
Nestled in the heart of the Marais, a short stroll from Musée Picasso, Musée Cognacq-Jay and Paris’s most sumptuous royal square “Place des Vosges”, this bistro is one of my favourite spots and is run by the Xavier Denamur, an eccentric and fine man with a transformative vibe that lets you know that you have come to the right place.
With the power of serendipity, I happen to stumble upon this ever alluring bistro, whilst promenading around the city, a few years ago. Sit down, relax, get acquainted with others, take yourself out on a date, or bring your better half.
I love the atmosphere, intimacy and ambiance of the place. A trip to Paris is never complete without a proper evening at le Cheval. It is a place where locals are tucked into cheese boards, pâté and old-fashioned plats du jour.
Musée Rodin, 7th arrondissement
Musée Rodin is located in the formerly known Hotel Biron, built in 1727 by the architect Jean Aubert. From the late 18th century the house passed through various hands, before the mansion’s acquisition by the French government in the early 20th century and the opening of a museum dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin.
Rodin was a 19th century impressionist and sculptor and widely considered as the forefather of modern sculpture, particularly obsessed with the human body.
With its high ceilings of the intimate rooms and Rodin´s sculptures, like “The Gates of Hell” and “The Thinker”, the museum houses the artist greatest works. The large-scale sculpture in the garden offers a striking contrast to the smooth marble busts inside the museum.
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL TAKE FROM THIS PARISIAN TOUR?
From my personal experience, a good way of traveling authentically to another country is to take genuine interest in others, the culture, the environment, being kind with people, have an open mind, observe and breathe.
Paris is more than its world-recognized landmarks we all know and love. The city is what you make out of it.
This is how I met this guy, Mathieu, the owner of the wine store Sémélé, in the neighborhoud of De Bonne Facture's store. He is a deeply passionate guy and I truly respect these kind of people who take pride in what they do, with integrity, diligence and substance be it clothing, wine, art.
The places and people I like more are unique and memorable because they are humble, not too shiny or presumptuous.
Until we meet next time, Paris!
