In France: Mingling Parisian Thoughts

In France: Mingling Parisian Thoughts

Style Details
Dress | XOXO
Shoes | PRADA
Handbag | DOLCE & GABBANA

In the capital of culture, one can expect to be encompassed by a temporary relapse in time ringed by magnificent surroundings. America prides itself for modernity but in Paris, at the most sublime equidistant of the old world, cutting-edge and state-of-the-art seem to be shunned. Living in a society where a part of us craves for tradition while another fancies the avant-garde, unifying both is an art in itself.

Having officially lived in three continents (Asia, North America and Europe), developing into my own, authentic identity has been perplexing and complicated. I am never quite Filipino (the Philippines is where I am from), American (where I spent more than a decade of my life), and English (where here in England, my English accent undoubtedly reveals that I am certainly not a local here even though I live here). As a citizen of the world, along with its countless advantages, particularly in the ability to travel from one country to the next with ease, there is also a demand to always be able to represent the country or countries where I am from with agility and finesse.

In Paris, particularly, I always seem to be on my toes. With my love for art and fashion, I absolutely feel that there is no other place that can quite beat Paris for what it can offer. However, much to my surmise, it is also that one place where I feel I have to exert much more effort. Aside from the obvious language barrier, Paris can be so incredibly boisterous and chaotic. I presume I am not the only one who seemed frenzied by it all. I don’t quite reprove of the French for being miffed by the endless tourists that seem to think Paris is their city. Nevertheless, with the vintage trend in full swing, I also can’t disfavor the tourists for feeling so “at home”.

This summer, I am looking forward to experiencing more of Paris — and perhaps more of France. The favor of not being fully Asian-American-British is that every single time, I find myself having to transform and revolutionize my idea of “oneself”. With art, culture, intellect and innovation being available to a greater extent to the young generation, I believe that its allowed global women like me to be inheritance with my culture while embracing the new. I believe that women should always be dynamic, energizing and willing to learn – no matter what age. To feel youthful, we must always be progressive. Here in Paris, grounded in time, I’ve never felt so much like a novice. I am content for now to walk around and bask in all things new. Paris, I’ll be back for you.

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