Exploring Paris with My Leica: French Fashion by Barbara Bui

Bonne soirée! I am writing this as I'm laying in bed watching Shogun on Hulu. The show is fantastic, but also a bit distracting because I do not speak Japanese, so while I upload pictures and edit the blog, I miss a lot of what's happening because the screen is full of my editing windows and I cannot understand any of the Japanese language!  

Exploring Leica and My Photography Journey in Paris
​Paris is a city that constantly inspires me, especially creatively. After moving here, I became fascinated by how others before me embraced their passions, particularly photography, something that’s always intrigued me. Back in the U.S., I had already started collecting beautiful prints, including works by photographer Rebecca Plotnick, whose images of Paris I found at Pottery Barn. I was drawn to her shot of ranunculus flowers at a Parisian market. At first glance, I mistook them for peonies—flowers that hold a special place in my heart because my father grew them in our garden. That print became a cherished piece, evoking both nostalgia for home and excitement for my new Parisian life. And this blend of emotions fueled my desire to start capturing my own memories of Paris, but in my way.
With my iPhone filled with over 22,000 photos of Paris—from croissants to couture—it became clear that I needed to elevate my photography game. Enter Leica. I had heard of the brand but didn’t know much about their history. What I did know was that German engineering is synonymous with quality, so I was intrigued. After diving into YouTube reviews and researching cameras that could handle both photography and video content for my blog, TikTok, and Instagram, I decided to visit the Leica Beaumarchais store. The team there was incredibly helpful, speaking both French and English, and introduced me to the Leica Q3, ideal for street photography—or so I thought! While I assumed street photography simply meant capturing images of the streets and buildings, I quickly learned it's about so much more: capturing life and moments in motion.

Leica Q3 all decked out with the bronze fit. My cousin said it looks like the Versace of cameras and I do not disagree! In the past Leica and Hermés collaborated, maybe Versace needs to look into a future collaboration..

I also looked at Nikon cameras and will consider Nikon School. You can bring your camera (doesn't matter the model) to their classes and the teachers will assist you. I would love to take the class on photographing passages in Paris!

The Leica store has many cameras. Do you miss using film with your cameras? Most cameras are digital, but there's something special about being able to go and develop your film and print your pictures.

When I shared my creative aspirations—capturing photos, shooting video content, and expanding my brand—the associate recommended the Leica SL2-S instead. Initially, this threw me off; I had been convinced that the Q3 was perfect for me. But after taking the time to reflect on the projects I envision, I realized the SL2-S would offer me more versatility. The team even suggested that I rent the camera before committing, which I did. I spent a few days testing it, navigating the settings (which were a bit tricky at first), and getting comfortable with the controls. By the end of the trial, I was hooked.
So, I made the leap! I purchased my first professional camera—the Leica SL2-S—complete with a lens, adapter, SD card, screen protector, and extra battery. And yes, I may have avoided returning the rental on Friday the 13th (thankfully, the store humored my superstition). Now, I’m ready to capture Paris like never before—through a professional lens, literally!

I received the Leica SL2-S as a loaner to test and determine if it was the right camera for me. The rental cost was 4,000 Euros, which gave me an opportunity to thoroughly assess its features before making a final decision.

Leica Beaumarchais

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No post on my blog would be complete without a mention of French fashion. I was introduced to one of its most exciting designers—Barbara Bui. I've been meaning to check out her designs for a while, and I finally had the chance to visit her boutique on Avenue Montaigne after passing her Saint-Germain boutique several times. Bui is renowned for her sharp tailoring and bold design choices; her fall collection is no exception. One of her suits was recently worn by Emily in the series Emily in Paris, on Netflix. It was a gorgeous blue suit, well-tailored and luxurious (spoiler alert - she wears it when hunting for Camille at Monet's home in Giverny).

Bui utilizes premium textures like silk, genuine leather, wool, and cashmere—each piece is impeccably tailored. My eyes were naturally drawn to the black and gray tones, but I appreciated how she infused pops of color with vibrant blues and pinks. It's a collection for the modern woman: Parisian chic, sophisticated, and effortlessly balancing work and leisure (and cocktails). The attention to detail—from zipper placements to buckle designs and perfectly structured lapels—adds that extra layer of depth to the entire collection. Barbara Bui reminds me that Parisian fashion isn't just about the classic marinière sweaters, wide-leg trousers, and navy blazers exported to the U.S. through Instagram. Living here, I'm constantly inspired to carve out my lane in Parisian fashion, embracing my identity as a modern woman in this beautiful city.
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My experience in the store was truly delightful. I initially stepped in after realizing I had arrived a day early for my dermatologist appointment—so I decided to turn my free time into a fashion exploration. After a 30-minute walk, I found myself at the Barbara Bui boutique on Avenue Montaigne, one of Paris' luxury shopping hubs. The staff greeted me warmly as I entered the boutique, which exudes modern elegance with its sleek gray tones and intimate, chic lighting. My attention was immediately drawn to a pair of moto boots I had been eyeing for months. Having recently moved to Paris from Houston, where snow and colder weather are rare, I never had much use for boots. However, in Paris, stylish and functional boots are a must, and I was particularly inspired by my photographer friend, Stephanie, who always looks effortlessly chic in her moto boots. After trying on a few sizes, I found the perfect fit and had a great conversation with the sales associate about sizing and winter wear (partially in French!). The staff's dedication to helping me find the right size and feel was impeccable, reminding me of what true luxury service is all about.

The highlight of the visit was being invited upstairs to the main floor, where the full collection was showcased. From coats to handbags and jewelry, it was a closet worth splurging on. While I didn't end up buying a coat that day—mostly because it felt too hot after my walk—I was drawn to the sleek cuts, soft textures, and tailored touches. I also loved the leather skirts and boots that combined French and Western influences. I was reminded of the Western chic boots from Balmain and Etro. When I left, I took my new Moto boots with me, and the associate kindly sent over a lookbook for further inspiration - this added another touch of superior client service. I'm already thinking about which pieces might make the perfect addition to my winter wardrobe. Decisions, decisions!