Ask Chris Benz: Paris, Milan, or London?

Dear Chris,

I’m a recent Parsons graduate with an EU passport. I really want to move to Paris or Milan or London to start off my career. I’ve had a couple of successful internships, so I’m not too worried about getting my foot in the door. I’m more worried about choosing the right city. Where are your favorite places in Europe?

Dear Parsons Graduate,

What an exciting dilemma! I love pitting European cities against each other. There are so many specific and inspiring things about each European capital. I just got back from a recent trip to London visiting some stylish friends, and I have to say there’s a load of interesting things going on there. I had never been to East London before and all of the kids in that neighborhood are really pushing the envelope with their day looks. Renaissance tailcoats mixed with sports gear, vampiric details with candy-colored tresses, etc. (See September W magazine!). If you gravitate towards more experimental, unusual fashion I’d say go with London.

I look forward to every trip to Paris I have to go for work and every trip feels very different. Trends seem to travel very quickly and widespread across that city and the level of sophistication, style history, and elegance really embodies every part of the Parisian lifestyle. If your dream is to live and breathe the haute couture, then move to Paris. Milan is yet another fashion animal completely. Artistic, intellectual, and smartly Italian, Milan is the reserved sister to Rome’s flamboyance. If severity, gorgeous craftsmanship, and tailoring is your cup of tea then Milan might be the place for you.

You sound as though you have a lot of confidence and your work must be quite dazzling. Good luck with your decision making and don’t be afraid to change around your cities of choice. Once your over in Europe, those trains are so fast, you know.

Still, what’s wrong with New York?

Xx
CB