Review of 'In the Paris Fashion' by Sophie Beaumont

Review of 'In the Paris Fashion' by Sophie Beaumont

Release date: October 28th, 2025

Publisher: Ultimo Press

REVIEW

In the Paris Fashion is a compelling, exciting and romantic contemporary novel. It is bursting with vivid colour, intriguing characters and highly researched fashion details in true Sophie Beaumont style. I loved this novel so much I did not want it to end! It took me on a scenic ride through the history and beauty of Paris fashion and its surrounds. This character driven story is a perfect mix of mystery, drama and romance. The descriptions are divine, razor sharp and inspiring. All presented on a rich tapestry of poetic prose. I could see every aspect of a scene, feel the texture of the materials, breathe the inviting scents of the environment and fall under the spell of the atmospheric setting. I got to explore the fashion of a city that parades and celebrates its deep historical design roots, and I for one, really enjoyed all this novel had to offer.

We follow three women who develop a strong bond from a common interest. First, we meet Isabelle Bernard, a vintage fashion dealer who finds a unique letter penned by fashion legend: Elisabeth Fontaine. This gifted designer was meant to create the perfect evening gown but her untimely death in 1930 prevented it from happening. Since these special sketches had never been found, the question on everyone’s mind is, do they exist? Well, the letter in Isabelle’s possession mentions ‘evening sketches’ and this stokes her excitement at the possibilities. Isabelle is determined to find out more so she takes a trip to Paris. Where she meets up with couture apprentice Romy Valence, who has left a high career position against her family’s wishes, to pursue her own passion: fashion design. Although she suffers from imposter syndrome, she will get a chance to prove her talent in a most remarkable way.

Then a third woman joins in the story. A celebrated fashion writer, Audrey Oliver, who is writing a book on 1920s fashion designers. The inspiration behind her project is her French great-grandmother Alice who shared stories of her fashion illustrator days when Elisabeth Fontaine was active. Little does Audrey know how much she will learn once teaming up with Isabelle and Romy. The events that follow kept me glued to the pages as these women try to solve a fascinating mystery.

It was a nice literary approach to include pages of Audrey’s book while she was writing it. It provided an excellent picture of the times that her great-grandmother Alice lived through. There are plenty of surprises, twists and turns and fascinating discoveries.

Romantic relationships and friendships are well captured and cultivated in the novel. There are fresh starts, new beginnings and a re-discovery of an old flame. And then there is a villain that adds a hot pursuit thread! But I marvelled at the fairy-tale love story of the fictional Elisabeth Fontaine and Edmond de Valmy. Plus was saddened by their tragic end. Her rags to riches background, her stunning talent and the special evening dress she was to create, were all intriguing pieces of her puzzling life. Plus how her unexpected death left her employees and business in disarray. Nobody knew if she’d made sketches of the starring ‘evening dress’ and if she had, where were they? It seemed she played her cards close to her chest— as not even her staff saw them.

Sophie paints a beautiful portrait of Paris and its role as a trendsetter of luxury and style. The designers, artists, writers, musicians, etc. over the years that have drawn from its deep well of inspiration have seen it as a city of passion, pleasure and creativity. I truly felt its rich culture seeping through the pages of this magnificent storyline that is authentically drawn by someone who truly knows the city. This is another great Paris love letter that whisked me away to a city of dreams and desires. Fashion, love and friendships are at the core of Paris— and this mesmerising novel. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to Ultimo Press for a review copy.