In the Paris Fashion

by Sophie Beaumont

In Paris, love never goes out of style...

It’s a mystery that has passed into fashion the perfect evening gown that was to be created by couture star Elisabeth Fontaine before her tragic death in 1930. Its design, a closely guarded secret, has never been found.

So when vintage fashion dealer Isabelle Bernard comes across an enigmatic letter from Fontaine mentioning the ‘evening sketches’, she’s very excited. Hot on the trail, she heads to Paris to investigate, fetching up on the doorstep of couture apprentice Romy Valence. Romy, who’s left a high-powered career to follow her dream of fashion design, is struggling with her course and her family’s disapproval. But the arrival of Isabelle, with her intriguing questions, makes Romy’s life take a thrilling new turn. Meanwhile, celebrated fashion writer Audrey Oliver is in Paris to research a book about the fashion designers of the 1920s. It’s inspired by her French great-grandmother Alice’s stories of her time as a fashion illustrator in Elisabeth Fontaine’s heyday. Audrey knows it’s going to be a great story, but she has no idea just how extraordinary it’s going to be…

A compelling, intriguing, romantic novel set in contemporary Paris against a background of timeless French fashion.PRAISE FOR IN THE PARIS FASHION ‘On planes, trains and the streets of Paris, the women unravel threads that weave together history, their families and love lives.’ – The Australian Women’s Weekly
 

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

AKA Sophie Masson

Reviews

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Ultimo Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Another delightful, atmospheric and elegant Parisian inspired story to add to the series.
As an avid gardener it was going to be hard to beat A Secret Garden In Paris but this couture inspired story captured my imagination.
Fashion, love and fine cuisine are all synonymous with Paris.
The fashion industry in the 1920s was alive as Parisian designers led the charge.
Legend Elizabeth Fontaine was about to create an evening dress to out do any other.
Tragically dying before it was made.
The design was captured on sketch and heavily secured.
A letter by Elizabeth reveals details of the pattern.
Bringing together modern day fashionistas including Australian Audrey.
Piecing the threads together and bringing the period alive again.
The finesse and colour of Paris comes alive once again.
Although ignorant in the world of fashion I appreciated the beauty and descriptions of fine couture and was written in a way I could imagine the finery.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Paris Fashion is a compelling, exciting and romantic contemporary novel—bursting with vivid colour, intriguing characters and highly researched fashion details delivered in true Sophie Beaumont style. I loved this novel as 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 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 and breathe the inviting scents of the environment. It made me fall under the spell of such an atmospheric setting. Exploring the fashion of a city that parades & celebrates its deep historical design roots, was delightful.

We follow three women In the Paris Fashion 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 make this an addictive journey as these women try to solve a fascinating mystery.

Within the story’s framework is the smart inclusion of sample pages from Audrey’s book while she’s writing it. It provides an excellent demonstration of the unique experiences of her great-grandmother Alice’s life. There are plenty of surprises, twists and turns that Audrey learns about during her research period that she includes. I also enjoyed reading about the book’s launch and all the wonderful discoveries related to Fontaine that are used for the event. Every thread blends together beautifully for the grand finale.

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.

[Marit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story set in Paris, centring on three women and their connection to each other and the world of elegant haute couture. A mysterious letter is found, written by Elisabeth Fontaine, mentioning ‘evening sketches’, which seems to hint at the design of her perfect evening gown. Elisabeth passed at a young age in 1930, never realising her full potential. Isabelle, Audrey and Romy are caught up in the excitement of the discovery as well as the potential of romance. The book is full of descriptions of the many different types of fabrics used in couture and the meticulous detail involved in fashion. Parisian landmarks, cuisine and drink also feature. A warm and charming read.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a brilliant story! I was so intrigued from the very start, I really enjoy this authors writing style.

Imagine finding a letter written by a famous designer in the 1920’s/1930’s, it would be amazing! I found the premise of this story so intriguing and such a wonderful adventure in France!

There was so much I loved about this novel, the mystery, deceit, new friendships and romance! Not to mention Paris, fashion and incredible food! But it also covered regrets from the past, believing in yourself and following your dreams. It had it all, and it was superb!

I’ve loved every one of Sophie’s books and I cannot wait to read the next one!

Thank you so much @ultimopress for sending me this gorgeous copy!

[Rachael McDiarmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and enjoyable.

[Marles Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, mes amis, another enchanting Parisian story from Sophie Beaumont, a #gifted copy from #ultimopress, and steeped in silk, secrets, and the faint perfume of a bygone glamour. In 1930s Paris, couture muse Elisabeth Fontaine dreamed up the perfect evening gown. A creation so divine it vanished like the fashion legend that she was, leaving whispers of what became of Fontaine’s final masterpiece? Isabelle Bernard, vintage fashion dealer and sleuth stumbled upon an old letter, laced with the aroma of Joy by Jean Patou referencing Fontaine’s elusive “evening sketches.” Isabelle decided to let the letter lead her to Paris to Romy, a couture apprentice with a passion for fashion, and Audrey Oliver, a celebrated fashion journalist tracing her great-grandmother’s Parisian past through the heady days of Fontaine’s atelier.

This is a story following Isabelle, Romy and Audrey, and not to mention Elisabeth Fontaine across several timelines, all captivated by the same Parisian rhythm, in a city that hums with history, beauty, and the promise of discovering memories. The stories, whilst predictable yet plausible, glided together. They were dazzling, full of colour and life, paying homage to the great designers of the 20th century, and gentle nods to the fashion stars of today.

Beaumont wrote this book as though she were painting with flowy fabric, lightly scented in Chanel: the words were elegant, tender, and extravagant like the classic designers she was describing, including the elusive dress by Elizabeth Fontaine. Her prose was a love letter to Paris, capturing fashion, art, love and legacy, and the pursuit of dreams.

[Essie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was probably what you come to expect from Sophie Beaumont, but again it wasn't brilliant literature or even an exciting story! I love sewing, I love Paris, but neither grabbed me while reading this. The descriptions were lacking so much that I wished there were drawings to accompany the words. For example, at the final show, Isabelle wears a '1930's red and white viscose dress'- that's it. No mention of her hairstyle or her makeup, her accessories! Use your imagination to fill in the details of the style of the dress or the fabric's design- stripes? Spots? Geometric? Who knows? Even 'the' dress that the book says is so important to the plot had a round neckline, flared hem and embroidered flowers....violets, daisies, forget-me-nots, who knows? Did it have sleeves? What sort? Fitted, loose, long, short? Very poor writing in my opinion. Oh, they all lived happily ever after...AGAIN! I'm not sure I will bother with anything else from this author.

[Manpreet A Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, mystery, fashion… this book serves it all.
After loving The Paris Cooking School, I picked up In the Paris Fashion by Sophie Beaumont without a second thought and it felt like walking Paris in heels 👠

What I especially loved was the female dominance in this story. Strong women, strong presence, and such a satisfying vibe throughout💪

One thing I truly admire about Sophie’s writing is how every little detail has history behind it, it always makes me want to read more, research more, and honestly… book a ticket to Paris✈️

The last book made my taste buds linger… this one gave me pure couture energy👗
A must-read!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for this one. It was a well written story told from the perspective of three different people whose lives intersect over the mystery behind a missing garment or design for it, by a designer who had died before her second collection could be shown. Lovely descriptions, of Paris, shops and fabrics. Characters you could relate to in some way and a dash of romance added. A nice easy and enjoyable read.

[Brenton Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be sent an ARC copy of this book, the third in a series, and I just absolutely loved it. Sophie Beaumont is a natural-born storyteller and spinner of tales that comfort, engage, enlighten and satisfy. This is my favourite one in the series - it is all about people and love and delicious descriptions of food, fashion, and, of course, Paris!
A terrific, frothy, fun read!

[Cel Jel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book which brought three different women together in unexpected ways allowing them to develop a friendship that was beautifully written. Such a pleasure to read, and helped by the way the fashion industry was described from the shops selling fabrics and buttons and ribbons etc, to pattern making, and sewers as well as designers.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed A Secret Garden in Paris by the same author but was disappointed with this formulaic story based around the fashion designers of Paris. A lot of detailed research was very clunkily incorporated into a sentimental story of lost and found love and women's friendship.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun if slight novel set in Paris tracking the lives of 3 different women bonding over fashion and friendship. Sweet and perfect for this time of year.

[Melissa Burling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight.

With every book written by Sophie, I just want to run to the airport and fly to Paris!

Pure escapism.