About The Velvet Runway : The Art of French Living
The Velvet Runway is an independent publication exploring French-inspired style, beauty, travel, gastronomy, Paris and the art of living well.
At its heart is a simple idea: that the pleasures and principles of French living can be enjoyed wherever you are.
From dressing with confidence and discovering thoughtful beauty rituals to travelling well, enjoying good food and creating a home and everyday life that feels beautiful and considered, The Velvet Runway is about finding your own version of elegance — with intention, ease and pleasure.
It is not about perfection, following rules or trying to live like someone else. It is about choosing well, enjoying the everyday and creating a life that feels entirely your own.
The Story Behind The Velvet Runway
The Velvet Runway began in 2015 as a small personal project — a place to share my love of style, travel and beautiful places.
Over time, it evolved into something much more.
Having lived in France for more than thirty years, the French way of life has naturally shaped my perspective. It has influenced how I dress, how I travel, what I eat, how I entertain, and the way I think about the everyday pleasures of life.
Along the way, I found myself answering the same questions again and again:
How do French women create such effortless style?
Which French beauty products are really worth knowing about?
Where should I go beyond the obvious places?
How can I bring a little more beauty and enjoyment into everyday life?
The Velvet Runway has grown from those conversations and curiosities into an independent publication for women who are looking for inspiration that is elegant, useful and achievable.
Today, the focus is less on following trends and more on discovering what lasts — in style, travel, beauty and everyday living. At the heart of The Velvet Runway is one simple idea:
How to bring a French-inspired way of living into your everyday life — wherever you are in the world.
Because this is not about living in France. It is about living well.
The Story Behind the Name : The Velvet Runway
For those who are curious, the name The Velvet Runway reflects the spirit of the publication.
“Runway” represents travel and exploration — the airport runway leading towards new horizons — as well as the fashion runway and the freedom of personal expression.
“Velvet” represents elegance, depth and a sense of luxurious softness.
Together, they capture the two worlds that have always been at the heart of The Velvet Runway: style and travel, with an appreciation for elegance, curiosity and the pleasures of the journey.
The Art of French Living
For me, French living is not about geography.
It is an attitude towards life: taking pleasure in the everyday, appreciating quality, cultivating personal style, enjoying good food, travelling with curiosity and making time for the things that matter.
It might be a beautifully prepared meal, a favourite lipstick, a walk through a Paris neighbourhood, a well-loved jacket worn in a new way, a weekend somewhere special, or simply taking the time to make an ordinary day feel a little more beautiful.
The Velvet Runway celebrates these details — the small pleasures as well as the extraordinary experiences.
The aim is always to offer inspiration that feels elegant but attainable, thoughtful but never complicated, and beautiful without being excessive.
What You’ll Find on The Velvet Runway
If you’re new here, I recommend starting with the Start Here page, where you’ll find a curated selection of guides and reader favourites.
The Velvet Runway brings together several editorial worlds, all connected by the same appreciation for style, beauty, culture, travel and the art of living well.
Style
French-inspired style, timeless wardrobes and the art of dressing with ease.
Explore personal style, wardrobe building, sustainable fashion, capsule dressing and practical ideas for creating a wardrobe that feels authentic, confident and entirely your own.
→ Discover French Style Secrets
→ Explore Sustainable Style
Beauty
Thoughtful beauty rituals, French pharmacy favourites and a more conscious approach to beauty.
From skincare and makeup to simple rituals and considered recommendations, discover beauty that is effective, enjoyable and easy to incorporate into everyday life.
→ Discover French Pharmacy Favourites
→ Explore Clean & Conscious Beauty
Lifestyle
The art of living well, from everyday rituals and wellbeing to homes, gardens, food and the small pleasures that make life feel more beautiful.
This is where you’ll find inspiration for creating a life that feels calmer, more considered and more enjoyable — from seasonal rituals and home inspiration to wellness and intentional living.
→ Discover The Art of French Living
→ Explore Wellness & Intentional Living
→ Browse Homes & Gardens
Gastronomy
French food, regional specialities, recipes and the pleasures of the French table.
Discover the traditions, flavours and stories behind French gastronomy, from classic favourites to regional discoveries and recipes to enjoy at home.
Paris
Paris arrondissement by arrondissement.
Our Paris guides combine practical information with personal recommendations and ideas for experiencing the city beyond the obvious — from neighbourhood discoveries and places to eat to hotels, culture and the details that make Paris special.
Travel
Thoughtful travel inspiration from France and beyond, with a particular love of beautiful places, characterful hotels and memorable experiences.
From French villages and coastal escapes to city breaks and destinations further afield, travel on The Velvet Runway is about discovering places with character and creating journeys that stay with you.
→ Discover French Travel Gems
→ Browse City Guides
→ Explore Destinations
The Velvet Edit
The Velvet Edit is the monthly editorial series exploring a different aspect of the art of living well.
Each edition brings together a considered collection of stories across style, beauty, lifestyle, Paris, gastronomy and travel, alongside seasonal discoveries and personal recommendations.
Rather than simply following the calendar, The Velvet Edit is an opportunity to pause, explore a theme and discover something new.
→ Explore The Velvet Edit Series
The Velvet Guide to France
For readers who would like to explore a little further, The Velvet Guide to France is the free monthly A–Z collection of French travel and food.
Each issue explores a letter of the alphabet through French Travel Gems, French Food, a featured destination and a featured recipe, bringing together ideas and discoveries to enjoy at your leisure.
Created exclusively for subscribers, the Guide is designed to become a growing collection of inspiration for anyone who loves France — whether you live there, visit often or simply dream of your next French escape.
→ Subscribe to The Velvet Guide to France
The Shop Edit on The Velvet Runway
You can also discover The Shop Edit, our curated collection of pieces I genuinely love or would choose for myself.
From wardrobe favourites and beauty discoveries to homeware and thoughtful everyday finds, everything is selected with the same appreciation for quality, simplicity and timeless style.
A Little About Julia
I’m Julia — founder and editor of The Velvet Runway, as well as a stylist, writer and lifelong lover of travel and discovery.
Originally from the UK, I moved to France more than thirty years ago, intending to stay for just one year. Like many good stories, I never quite left.
My professional path has been anything but linear. I have a Master’s degree in Pathology and spent fifteen years working in Finance before moving into teaching in France. In 2016, I qualified as a personal stylist, followed by training in life coaching and travel advising.
Each chapter has shaped how I see the world.
There is a part of me that is analytical and structured, and another that is drawn to creativity, beauty and storytelling. The Velvet Runway sits somewhere between the two.
My experience as a stylist informs the way I approach fashion and personal style. Living in France for more than three decades informs my perspective on French culture and everyday life. And years of travelling have given me a deep appreciation for places with character, thoughtful hospitality and experiences that feel genuinely memorable.
The Velvet Runway brings all of these threads together.
Awards & Recognition
The Velvet Runway and my work as its founder have received recognition through several awards:
- Best Travel & Lifestyle Blog – France, 2025 — LUXlife Magazine Travel & Tourism Awards
- Best Style & Travel Blog – France, 2025 — Corporate Vision Global Business Awards
- Best Luxury Travel Design CEO – France, 2025 — CEO Monthly
I’m grateful for these recognitions, but what matters most to me is continuing to create a publication that readers return to for thoughtful ideas, useful recommendations and a little everyday inspiration.
Start Exploring The Velvet Runway
If you are new to The Velvet Runway, the Start Here page is the best place to begin, with a selection of our main guides and reader favourites.
You can also explore the latest stories, browse The Velvet Edit, discover The Velvet Guide to France, or visit The Shop Edit.
However you found your way here, I hope you’ll take your time, wander through the pages and find something that inspires you.
Because ultimately, The Art of French Living is not about living in France. It is about finding beauty, pleasure and elegance wherever you are.
