Reese Witherspoon dines at the famed Brasserie Lipp with Nina Ricci artistic director Olivier Theyskens. Derek Lam faille trench. Christian Louboutin pumps

"Every once in a while you're hit with moments when you think, Really? This is my life? How lucky am I?" says Witherspoon, on the balcony of the Hôtel de Crillon. Alexander McQueen crepe cocktail dress. Van Cleef & Arpels diamond necklace.

At the Nina Ricci Atelier, Reese opts for a more modern, youthful silhouette over full-skirted formality. Nina Ricci washed-silk radzimir dress and stilettos.

Left: Amid furnishings fit for Magritte, Witherspoon is a study in contrasts at the Hervé Van der Straeten home. Armani Privé silk-velvet evening dress with panel in silk caddis. Hervé Van der Straeten silver cascade earrings.

Right: The actress at the Hôtel de Crillon. Ralph Lauren Black Label cashmere cardigan and cotton-twill jacket.

Left: A felt Rike Feurstein cloche and a red lip—Avon's Regal Red lipstick—evoke Brassaï's Parisian café society.

Right: "This was what I call a flash dress," says Theyskens of this silk-gazar confection. "It came to me in a flash." Nina Ricci ball gown reembroidered with petals and silk flowers. Van Cleef & Arpels diamond earrings.

Photo: Mario Testino; fashion editor, Tonne Goodman