About The Velvet Runway
The Velvet Runway is an award-winning style, lifestyle, and travel destination, inspired by the French way of life, for women who value elegance, intentional living, and timeless inspiration.
A Little About Me
I’m Julia — stylist, writer, traveller, and the heart behind The Velvet Runway.
Originally from the UK, I moved to France over thirty years ago, planning to stay for just a year. Like many good stories, I never quite left. What began as a temporary adventure has evolved into a lifelong home, a place where I discovered my voice, my style, and the slow, intentional way of living that now underpins this blog.
In December 2025 I was honoured to receive an award for the Best Luxury Travel Design CEO 2025 (France) from CEO monthly.
My path has been anything but linear — from a background in medical science to a career in finance, followed by teaching, and later retraining as a personal stylist and life coach.
Each chapter has shaped how I see the world.
There is a part of me that is analytical and structured…
and another that is deeply drawn to creativity, beauty, and storytelling.
The Velvet Runway sits somewhere between the two.
How The Velvet Runway Evolved
The Velvet Runway began as a simple space to share style and travel — a personal project, written quietly and without expectation.
But over time, something shifted.
After more than thirty years living in France, I realised I was often being asked the same questions —
How do French women dress so effortlessly?
What are the best French pharmacy products?
How can I bring a little of that lifestyle into my own life?
And slowly, the blog evolved.
Today, The Velvet Runway is centred around one 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.
Today, The Velvet Runway continues to evolve into a more curated, editorial space — with a monthly series, The Velvet Edit, and an upcoming digital magazine that will deepen the experience through seasonal storytelling and inspiration.
A French-Inspired Philosophy
Living in France has shaped not only my style, but my perspective.
It taught me that elegance is not about perfection, but intention.
That style is not about having more, but choosing well.
And that a beautiful life is created in the everyday — through small rituals, thoughtful details, and a slower, more considered approach.
The Velvet Runway reflects that philosophy.
Everything here is designed to feel practical, wearable, and achievable — never overwhelming. My aim is to provide practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiration that elevate everyday experiences—whether you’re looking to explore new destinations, refresh your wardrobe, or simply find ways to enhance your daily life.
The Story Behind the Name
For those who are curious about origins the name “The Velvet Runway” reflects the spirit of the site:
“Runway” for travel and exploration — the airport runway that leads to new horizons — but also the fashion runway for creativity, and personal expression.
“Velvet” for the touch of elegance, depth, and luxurious softness that I hope you feel in every story shared.
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 is built around four core areas — style, beauty, lifestyle, and travel — each designed to support a different aspect of living well.
From timeless, French-inspired style and conscious beauty to intentional living and thoughtfully curated travel, everything here is created to feel practical, inspiring, and quietly refined.
The site is thoughtfully organised into curated guides — bringing together the most useful articles, ideas, and inspiration in one place
You can also explore by topic:
Style
Discover timeless style, French-inspired elegance, and more sustainable ways to build a wardrobe you truly love — focused on confidence, ease, and personal expression.
Beauty
A curated approach to beauty that focuses on simplicity, effectiveness, and conscious choices — from French pharmacy favourites to clean beauty.
Lifestyle
A thoughtful approach to living well, from wellness and home to food and daily rituals — all centred on balance, simplicity, and intentional choices.
Travel
Thoughtful travel inspiration for those who seek connection as much as destination — from Paris guides to curated escapes and meaningful journeys.
From French villages to Canadian national parks, from boutique stays to slow coastal escapes, travel here focuses on connection — with people, places, and ourselves.
A Quiet Evolution
Over the years, The Velvet Runway has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of, including being recognised as Best Travel & Lifestyle Blog – France by the LUXlife Magazine Travel & Tourism Awards and Best Style & Travel Blog – France by the Corporate Vision Global Business Awards.
But more importantly, it has become a space that feels aligned — slower, more thoughtful, and more personal.
This evolution is now extending into a monthly editorial series, The Velvet Edit, and a forthcoming digital magazine designed to offer a more immersive, editorial experience.
Start Exploring
The Velvet Runway is more than a blog—it’s a shared journey. A place to explore, to escape, to reconnect with what matters, and to rediscover elegance in both the extraordinary and the everyday. Whether you’re planning your next trip, refining your wardrobe, or simply seeking a dose of inspiration, this is a space to slow down, savor, and reconnect with what makes life feel elegant and intentional.
If you’re not sure where to begin, you can head to the Start Here page, or simply explore the latest posts.
You can also explore Shop My Edit — a curated selection of pieces I genuinely love, from wardrobe essentials to beauty favourites and lifestyle finds, all chosen with the same focus on quality, simplicity, and timeless style.
However you found your way here, I’m so glad you did!
Look good, feel good, live your best life
With love,
