Living In Paris As An Aussie Model:

Living in Paris as an Australian model can be an exciting, challenging, and rewarding experience. Paris is considered the fashion capital of the world, and for many models, it offers a dream opportunity to work with prestigious designers, walk in iconic shows, and build an international career. However, it also comes with a unique set of challenges, from cultural adjustments to the pressures of the competitive fashion industry. Here’s what life is typically like for an Australian model living in Paris:

Adapting to the Fashion Hub

Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous fashion houses—Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent—and it's the epicenter of haute couture. For an Australian model, living in Paris often means being closer to top-tier fashion brands, designers, and casting agents. The city’s fashion scene is fast-paced, and the opportunities are vast, but so is the competition.

• Fashion Week Culture: Paris Fashion Week (PFW) is one of the most significant events in the global fashion calendar, and being in Paris during this time is a highlight of a model’s career. The lead-up to PFW can be intense, with castings, fittings, and shoots occupying nearly every day. For an Australian model, it's an exhilarating time of year when they can showcase their talents to the world, but it's also demanding, with long hours and high expectations.

• Networking and Industry Connections: Paris offers unparalleled networking opportunities. Living in the heart of the fashion world means being able to meet agents, photographers, designers, and other industry professionals regularly. For a model, this is crucial for building a career and getting booked for high-profile campaigns and runway shows.

  
  

Cultural Adjustments

While Paris is one of the most glamorous cities in the world, adjusting to the culture can be a big change for many Australians, especially if it’s their first time living abroad.

• Language Barrier: Although many people in the fashion industry speak English, the French language and the cultural nuances can present challenges. In daily life, many Parisians prefer to speak French, so a model living there will likely need to learn the language to navigate day-to-day situations, such as shopping, ordering food, and socializing outside of work. Some Australian models find that speaking French helps them feel more integrated and creates stronger connections with locals.

• Social and Lifestyle Differences: Australians are known for their laid-back, casual attitude, while Parisians can be more reserved, especially in public spaces. This cultural difference can take some getting used to, particularly in social interactions. That said, Parisian life also offers an array of cultural experiences—cafés, museums, and the excitement of the city—that many Australians find captivating and enriching.

  
  

The Lifestyle of a Parisian Model

Living in Paris as a model means balancing work with personal life, and it’s important to have a solid routine to manage the demanding lifestyle.

• Living Arrangements: Many international models, including Australians, typically start by staying in agency-arranged apartments or shared flats with other models. These are often in central areas of Paris, like Le Marais or Saint-Germain, which are close to the fashion district and the places where castings and shoots take place. As their career progresses, some models may move into more permanent accommodations or rent out their own apartments.

• Work-Life Balance: Modeling in Paris often involves a busy and unpredictable schedule. Castings, fittings, and photoshoots can sometimes happen with little notice, and this requires flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly. For an Australian model, it might mean late nights at showings or early mornings for shoots. However, in between these hectic periods, many models take advantage of Paris's vibrant café culture, boutique shopping, and incredible food scene.

• Fitness and Health: Maintaining fitness is key for any model, and in Paris, many models take advantage of local gyms, yoga studios, and outdoor running paths, such as along the Seine River or in the city's many parks. Models in Paris also have access to some of the world’s best skincare and wellness centers, so self-care is an essential part of their lifestyle.

  
  

The Competitive Nature of the Industry

Paris is one of the most competitive cities in the world for models. Thousands of new faces arrive each season hoping to make a mark in the industry. As an Australian model, breaking through can be challenging, especially in a city where the demand for fresh talent is high.

• Pressure to Stand Out: While Australian models are often in demand for their distinctive looks, the pressure to stand out can be overwhelming. Agencies and designers are constantly searching for something new, and models are expected to evolve quickly to meet the changing tastes and demands of the fashion industry.

• Rejection and Resilience: Rejection is a part of every model's career, and Paris is no exception. Models often face countless castings before landing their first job, and the competition is fierce. For an Australian model, staying resilient and focused is key to success. Having a strong support network, whether through friends or their agency, can help manage the emotional ups and downs of the modeling world.

  
  

A Unique Perspective

Living in Paris also offers Australian models a chance to embrace a different fashion culture. French fashion is known for its chic, effortless style, which can be very different from the Australian fashion scene. Many Australian models draw inspiration from the French fashion aesthetic, often incorporating a Parisian flair into their own wardrobe. The juxtaposition of relaxed Australian style with the sophisticated Parisian look creates a dynamic and refreshing blend that can influence a model's personal style and work.

The Perks of Being in Paris

While the work can be demanding, Paris offers incredible perks for models that make the hustle worthwhile.

• Travel and Exposure: Being based in Paris gives Australian models the opportunity to travel across Europe for shoots, fashion shows, and events. With easy access to other fashion capitals like Milan, London, and New York, Paris serves as a hub that connects models to global opportunities.

• Iconic Landmarks and Lifestyle: On a personal level, Paris is full of cultural landmarks and experiences that make living there unforgettable. Whether it's visiting the Louvre, strolling down the Champs-Élysées, or enjoying a croissant in a quaint café, Paris offers an enviable lifestyle that many models cherish.

A Dream with Challenges

For an Australian model, living in Paris can be a dream come true—an opportunity to build an international career, gain exposure to the world’s top designers, and immerse oneself in the rich cultural fabric of the city. However, it comes with challenges, from navigating cultural differences and the pressures of the competitive industry to adjusting to a fast-paced, unpredictable lifestyle. Despite the challenges, many Australian models find their time in Paris to be an enriching experience, both personally and professionally, offering them the chance to grow, explore, and pursue their passion for fashion on the world stage.