Exploring Paris with Maje founder Judith Milgrom

Paris has always been a fashion capital and Maje is a certifiably Parisian brand.

I love Paris; its architecture, its culture, its cafés… Paris is the city where I founded Maje and it’s always an inspiration in my design.

Judith Milgrom, founder and creative director of Maje.

Coming to Paris as a teenager, the Moroccan-born designer epitomises Parisian chic. Sister to Sandro founder, Evelyne Chétrite, the pair breathe a particular elegance into all they create. Engaging with Paris's charismatic nature, Milgrom maximises on the fashion capital's sartorial standards, reinventing classic items with a certain panache.

We flâneured about the city with Judith to take in some of her favourite spots.

Where do you go in Paris for inspiration?

I love sitting at a café and watching women move, walk, live, especially at Le Flore; so Parisian.

What are some lesser-known Parisian brands you like?

K-way, we did a collaboration together a few years ago. I also love Charlotte Chesnais for a delicate jewellery and Solange Azagury-Partridge for her necklaces and colourful rings.

Favourite restaurant?

There are many, depending on my appetite. Le Duc for fish, Takara for traditional Japanese, Cebus for pasta - it's the tiniest restaurant in Paris. Not forgetting Chez Nini for the best couscous and grills in town - it reminds me of my childhood in Morocco.

Best bar to wear your cocktail-hour separates to?

Bar de l'hôtel Costes and the Ritz.

The best place to treat yourself?

Martine de Richeville.

Where should we go for breakfast?

Claus. It's a mix between old fashion French and English breakfast. I love their madeleines.

For a blow-out dinner go to...

Caviar Kaspia. I also like the cosy ambience of Castel.

Best place for clubbing?

I used to go to Les Bains Douches and dance all night in the 90s. Now it's more for my son who'll turn 18 in the coming year.

Tell us a secret spot only locals know about…

Le Sentier, the neighbourhood where Maje started. It's the Paris fashion mecca for wholesalers and the neighbourhood has a lot of energy. When I started my business, we all knew each other and we also helped each other a lot. Today, it has changed but still exists.

The gallery we can't miss?

I like modern and contemporary art, so I'd opt for Palais de Tokyo and Centre George Pompidou. Le Jeu de Paume is also a good spot and I love discovering new artists at galerie Perrotin.

Most beautiful place to spend a Sunday?

Les Puces de Saint Ouen for antiques and vintage curios - it's like Ali Baba's cave.

And finally, what's in your SUITCASE?

I usually travel light. A little black dress, an M bag that you can carry from day to night, a pair of sneakers, a pair of heeled sandals, a cashmere sweater, high waisted straight trousers and a masculine blazer with an underlined waist.

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