Jewelry Designer Ana Khouri’s Guide to Paris Fashion Week

New York-based Ana Khouri elevates jewelry design to a high art. With a background in sculpture and fine arts, as well as a GIA degree, Khouri’s mastery of technique is matched only by the aspirations she has for her pieces to “rival the awe we experience when we turn our eyes upward … to evoke their connection to space—its vastness, its majesty and its superlative form.” Back down on Earth, in Paris to be precise, she sets her sights on some of the city’s most charming spots during fashion week. Read on for her guide and the minimalist-at-heart pieces that keep her from missing a beat during one of fashion’s busiest seasons.  

How would you describe your fashion week look — are you practical or flamboyant? Do you dress to attract street style photographers or dodge them?
My fashion week look is minimal and modern, yet classic and simple. I believe simplicity in composition and in motivation is the ultimate luxury. I dress in what feels good and is comfortable to me. I’m a minimalist at heart and prefer an effortless, timeless look. As a jewelry designer, I believe that jewelry, more than any other item, has the ability to create a deep connection with the wearer, so my jewelry is very much a personal expression.

Go-to bag: Hermès
Go-to shoe: Lately, The Row
Go-to coat: Old Céline was the best
Go-to accessories: My diamond Mirian Ear Piece

Tell us a bit more about the pieces that make your fashion week easier and more fun.
In a blazer and pants I am dressed for business and meetings but I can easily change shoes and dress it up. Stripes make it more modern and less serious. Even though a dress and coat are a bit more classic, it’s still a look that is simple, effortless and goes from morning to night.

What’s the hardest part about packing for fashion week?
My schedule is constantly changing around and sometimes I have to fly out last-minute to meet with clients, so it is not easy to plan my outfits ahead of time.

What are you excited to debut during fashion week?
My new designs. I can’t wait to wear them. Each design takes around six months to be ready so it’s quite a long process.

What’s on your fashion week shopping list and which stores do you always go to when traveling for the shows?
I don’t normally have time to go to many stores as I work a lot. In Paris, for example, every time I’m at Le Bon Marché to check out our jewelry display I stay a bit longer for some shopping.

Do you have favorite bars, restaurants or cafes to stop at between or after shows?
Chez George, Ferdi, Les Deux Magots, the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz.

Are you planning to squeeze any culture in between shows?
Yes, when I was still in art school I would be in every new opening and I would go to every exhibition. Nowadays with work it gets harder, but the good thing about all the traveling is that I get to see amazing exhibitions and gallery shows everywhere I go.

Shop Ana Khouri’s fashion week edit here.