Mara Behrens is the creative director of revolutionary new e-tail site Modewalk.com, which showcases couture alongside luxury designer labels and facilitates couture appointments in Paris and beyond. Her site highlights some of the smaller, up-and-coming couturiers designers that we don’t always hear about as much as the Diors and the Chanels, so when she offered to give us her exclusive behind-the-scenes account of her couture week experience we jumped at the chance to learn a little more about them. Here’s her diary from the week!

Paris is one of those cities that has always fascinated me. It has a very special essence that beats at my same rhythm and makes me feel alive! I adore its discreet hidden corners that also manage to have a majestic air. It makes all the sense in the world to be witnessing this year’s Haute Couture collections in this palatial city.

I was fortunate enough to have a front row and backstage access to some of the best. Being able to look at the level of detail in each individual piece from so close was a privilege. It’s truly hand-made art. As a creative director I know that finding the perfect aesthetic balance is far from easy and I was pleasantly surprised to see how these designers achieve the perfect harmony between their point of view and superb craftsmanship.

Photos: Mara Behrens