Of course Paris is known for having some of the best shopping in the world, but those shops deemed “world renowned†often leave you dressed like every other Parisian on the street. We found five of the best concept stores will not only provide you with the most up to date products to outfit you, your significant other and your humble abode, but it will also provide you with an experience like no other. And isn’t that what shopping should be all about?
Colette:
Always attracting a relevant crowd, it is sometimes necessary to elbow past suspiciously familiar faces on all three stores of this fashion mecca. This is the place to find that coveted outfit from the Givenchy or Alexander McQueen show, along with a witty tee-shirt and beyond basic accessories. Colette cranks out a never-ending supply of collaborations, including frequent book signings and art exhibitions, most recently hosting a Fashion Week party for the release of Terry Richardson’s book Mom and Dad.
Location:
213 Rue Saint-Honoré -75001
Metro: Tuileries
Colette
L’Eclaireur:
Not joking around when they say this store is an experience; the L’Eclaireur boutique located on rue de Sévigné keeps racks of Rick Owens and Dries Van Noten goodies hidden behind wall panels, which the salespeople will decide whether you are worthy to be shown. All of their five locations provide a different collection of clothing depending on the crowd and the décor that goes along with the space. A big influence and partial inspiration to the design world, they often play host to Fashion Week events, most recently a Tranoà fair at their Boissy d’Anglas spot.
Locations:
39-41 Avenue Hoche – 75008
40 Rue de Sévigné – 75003
10 Rue Hérold – 75001
10 Rue Boissy D’Anglas – 75008
12 Rue Malher – 75004
26 Avenue des Champs Elys̩es Р75008
l'Eclaireur
Centre Commercial:
A supporter of the concept of slow-shopping, this is a haven for the equally eco-conscious and fashion-conscious hipster. The ironically named Centre Commercial will not only dress you in clothing that is environmentally friendly and socially conscious, but the little book shop in the back will educate you on today’s most pressing issues. Their shoe section towards the back is pretty sweet as well, with an even ratio of sneakers to cool suede boots and heels.
Location:
2 Rue de Marseille – 75010
Metro: Jacques Bonsergent
centre commercial
Merci
The only thing cooler than one pop-up shop is two of them, all located under the vaulted ceilings of Merci, located in the Marais. You can now stop shopping at all other stores, because they carry every item imaginable here, from lighting fixtures to notepads, and an unbeatable collection of clothing including Chacharel, Isabel Marant, and Commes des Garçons. This place isn’t too painfully trendy, but definitely draws in a crowd that knows how to dress.
Location: 111 Boulevard Beaumarchai
Metro: Saint-Sébastien Froissart
AMUSEMENT Creative Store at La Gaité Lyrique:
Conveniently located next door to the digital culture sanctuary Gaité Lyrique, is Amusement, where the videogame-playing fashion crowd shops. Not many places can successfully combine the gamer lifestyle with a stark, modern decor and get away with it, but this store definitely does. In their ample upstairs space, Amusement played host to Wrangler and BLK denim showrooms during Fashion Week. Downstairs you can find cameras, speakers, video games and toys that are better suited for hipster-geeks than preteens.
Location:
3 bis Rue Papin – 75003
metro: Réaumur Sebastopol
Amusement creative shop
article by Dena S