By Niamh ODonoghue
04th Oct 2018
04th Oct 2018
I realised I reached peak maturity this month when I was surprised with a trip to Paris and Disneyland, and I was more excited by the thrill of the shopping expeditions than the rollercoasters. Though I don’t consider myself a connoisseur of labels and names, I’ve amassed a collection of both independent and better-known labels that I was ecstatic to visit IRL, instead of just scrolling and liking on my Instagram feed. It also happened to be Fashion Week at the same time. A universal coincidence perhaps? Either way, the time spent on my short jaunt was filled with whizzing from boutique to market stall to find the perfect places to shop in one of the best fashion capitals of the world. And because of my generous nature, I’m now ready to share them with the world…
ICYMI: Tremendous, bright and borderline extra: Paris Fashion Week street style in photos
The Frankie Shop, 14 Rue Saint-Claude
#pfw with @gxiayan in our cross over #pant and double sweater #frankiegirl #thefrankieshop
Over the past few years, The Frankie Shop NYC and Paris have been touted as the go-to places for unfussy, minimal, wallet-conscious style. After all, every woman should be able to wear the garments that they inspire designers to make, no matter how high the rent becomes! Created by former television producer Gaelle Drevet in Manhattan just four years ago, the brand has quickly grown to become one of the most sought-after independent retailers, amassing a cult-like following in the process. With labels like Rachel Comey, Caron Callahan, LOQ, Karen Walker as well as hard-to-find international brands from Australia, Korea, Russia, Ukraine and Spain, it’s easy to see why this is the case. The shop itself is hidden among beautiful art galleries and sculptor studios and it would be easy to miss if it weren’t for the neat typography over its doorway. The small – but very cool – space has a delectable selection of goods from Rachel Comey, smaller independent French labels, leather goods, shoes and even interiors. This is an especially good place to look if you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind, standout garment. www.thefrankieshop.com.
Maison Kitsuné, 18 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire
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This is how we like to wear this season polo dress ???? #DreamAmplifier #FW18
Maison Kitsuné is a household name in France and indeed among anyone with a particular taste for high-end and luxury streetwear. The French label got its start in 2002 and is a near-perfect example of Parisian chic executed with modern sensibilities. Chunky knit crewnecks emblazoned with the label’s signature fox, soft-to-touch Breton stripe, long sleeve T-shirts; corduroy pinafore dresses, snapback hats, in a variety of materials and shades, double-breasted coats; sporty ankle socks; joggers and cardigans make up the aesthetic of the brand. And if the clothes don’t entice you first-off, the store itself will. Perched on the busy Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire, the corner-front shop is flooded with natural light and has a deep wood decor. A mesmerising Marmoleum-type floor with hints of signature burnt orange, forest green and cream wizzes throughout the shop, which is perfectly abbreviated with gold accents dotted throughout the two-level space. The shop fit-out has enough pull-power if the clothes do not. As well as clothes, music constitutes a significant portion of the brand’s creative wheelhouse, as Kitsuné holds a large catalogue of guest mixtapes and exclusive releases that play as you browse. www.maisonkitsune.com.
Crea Concept: Paris, 2 Rue des Rosiers
Founded in Paris 15 years ago, Crea Concept is a contemporary blend of style and individuality. The brand is cool and has a distinctly timeless appeal; though would you expect anything less from a French heritage brand? The shop was welcoming, minimal and roomy, and there was space to take in and appreciate each garment, all of which looked like they were carefully selected and specifically placed. Collections centre on fresh and elegant pieces of knitwear that can be worn as separates or as a total look. www.creaconcept.com.
Oh Lumière, 21 Avenue de la République
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Vintage blue pants with yellow stripes for sale at Oh Lumiere #vintage #stripes #blue #yellow
Whether you’re after high-end luxury goods or the perfect pair of 1970s cowgirl boots, there are literally thousands of vintage shops to explore in Paris. Oh Lumière, situated on the pleasant Avenue de la République, falls into the latter category and is a great starting point for a day of rummaging for pre-loved treasure. The shop facade leaves little in the way of imagination and you really get a sense it’s been there for a very long time. Inside though, the clothes are organised by colour, size and garment type and there’s ample room to explore. And the gentlemen who own the store seem to enjoy a chinwag, too. www.ohlumiere.com.
Supreme Paris, 20 Rue Barbette
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American skateboard-cum-lifestyle brand Supreme is arguably one of the most hyped brands of modern times. Its powerful influence is just as strong in Europe as it is in New York and followers often camp out for days in order to be the first to get the latest ‘drop’. Each drop is strategically planned so that thousands of people don’t arrive at the shop on the one day. To actually get into the store on drop day you need to be on an exclusive list. You’re then sent a set of secret coordinates for a Paris location, which you must arrive at within an hour of receiving these coordinates. It’s from this location that you’re given a number which grants access to the store the following day (drop day). Drop days vary from city-to-city which helps build hype and excitement. In Paris, the drop happens on Tuesday. To put it into perspective, a T-shirt that will cost €48 on drop day can resell for €1000 +. The shop is open every day with selected stock available. Arrive before 11am to avoid queuing too long. Afterwards, head to Clockers Paris to check out some of the Supreme and Bape resell merchandise on offer (Supreme scuba mask or money gun, anyone?). www.supremenewyork.com.
Thank God I’m A VIP, 12 Rue de Lancry
On the opposite end of the spectrum to Oh Lúmiere is Thank God I’m A VIP; a haven of pre-loved luxury goods from the biggest luxury labels around the world. Also known as TGV, the shop launched in 1994 and has grown to become somewhat of a mecca for vintage luxury labels like Chanel, YSL, Hermès, Burberry, Emilio Pucci and more. The large shop, which extends over the lower floors of two shops that are side-by-side (one side is for womenswear, the other for men), is colour-coordinated to perfection in every shade imaginable. You’ll find decades-old navy leather Celine court shoes under €100, silk lamé Chloé shirts under €150 and, of course, more expensive one-off handbags. Allow plenty of time to browse around their 15,000+ pieces on display. The shop also offers alteration services if you need a little nip-and-tuck after finding your new favourite piece. www.thanxgod.com.
La Vallee Village, 3 Cours de la Garonne, 77700 Serris
Located 45 minutes by train outside Paris, La Vallee is the sister shopping complex to Kildare Village, only bigger. The village, which is quite literally a carbon copy of Kildare, is set over a space three times the size of our own and is home to labels like Celine, Givenchy, Prada, Gucci, Burberry, Diane Von Furstenberg, Versace, with up to 60% off the RRP. Because of the volume of foot-fall, expect queues into some boutiques, but treat weary feet and legs to a bite to eat and a coffee in one of the village’s eateries and cafés. The village is adjacent to another massive shopping centre if any of the 110 boutiques don’t quench your thirst first.
Got some more fashion tips for me? Let me know you’re favourite places to shop at niamh.odonoghue@image.ie.
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