Top boutiques, luxury stores
Call me the ultimate Francophile, specializing in the top shops of Paris, from the ones highlighting the newest designers to those with the most classic appeal. For years before starting Paris Personal Shopper in 2001, I regularly combed the streets, exploring the best boutiques and lunching with the shopkeepers to learn all the new secrets of the retail scene, from couture to pret-a-porter.
Despite globalization, Paris is still loaded with unique, exciting, break-the-mold boutiques that make a shopping trip there so different than anywhere else in the world. Moreover, Paris itself gives one inspiration and the desire to shop because one notices everywhere in town that the French have that effortless "je ne sais quoi" look.
See our slideshow of Paris Shopping Strolls.
How do they do it? My theory is that it is in their culture, which creates a certain confidence level unique to them. It is not about following the newest fashion trends or having the latest "must item;” it's about having style. Moreover, Paris is such a sensual city in every aspect, with an atmosphere so different from the youth culture we are bombarded with in the U.S., where everything in geared toward the young woman. But in France, and Paris specifically, a woman's sexiness at any age is always noticed and revered. It also changes the way you feel about yourself.
For high-end shopping, there's nothing like the rue du Faubourg St Honoré. Start at the Bristol Hotel, 112 rue du Faubourg St Honoré, and work your way toward some of my favorite stops which include Hermes, Lanvin and Roger Vivier. Once you cross the rue Royale and pass Gucci, the streets loses the “faubourg” part of its name and becomes simply rue St. Honoré—one of the oldest streets in Paris. If you continue pass the Hotel Costes, you’ll stumble upon my favorite jeweler—a little "gem" of a spot called Lydia Courteille. Unlike the big brands, Lydia finds unique pieces you won't see anywhere else. After a touch of this old-world jeweler, continue down the street to Colette, the trendiest boutique in Paris. Everyone in fashion goes to her for inspiration. The main floor is full of fabulous fashion books, cool and of-the-moment jewelry, and gadgets such as the latest cellphones and cameras.
Another upscale destination is the Avenue Montaigne. Here, you'll find all of the usual suspects in the ground zero of Paris chic: Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada and more. Despite the universality of these brands, I like to take a peek; European buyers purchase differently and one often might find a selection geared more to the "Parisian sensibility." When in the neighborhood, right off the Avenue, there is a tiny street—rue Clement Merot—where you will find Scarlett, who stocks second-hand vintage Chanel and Hermes. Scarlett's costume jewelry is the best. Take a moment for lunch at Avenue, where you will see all the latest fashions on the clientele! The club sandwich is delicious.
The Palais Royal is one of my favorite locations to stroll and shop even when the weather is gray. It has changed drastically over the years and is no longer only old-world antiques and objets. Now one can find Marc Jacobs and Rick Owens, one of my new favorite designers, and of course the famous vintage store, Didier Ludot.
See our slideshow of Paris Shopping Strolls.
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See our slideshow of Paris Shopping Strolls.
Inculcated and infused with ancient Paris charms, the Marais district is defined by its labyrinth of narrow streets. It's just delightful to wander around, although one specific suggestion would be the trendy shop L'Eclaireur, on the rue de Rosiers. Perpendicular to that street is the rue Mahler where you will find a small shoe and handbag boutique—Lobato, owned by the charming Miguel. While the selection is small, he has phenomenal eye and his selections are compelling. It may be a bit frustrating finding the atelier of Azzedine Alaia, as there is no name on the storefront. Instead of spending hours trying to find it—like I did—look for the post office across the street; its exact address is 7 rue du Moussy. Lastly, stop at Jamin Puech on the rue de Vielle du Temple for an unusual selection of handbags with, thank goodness, no logos.
In the Left Bank, take a run through what I call the "Street of Shoes:" the rue des Grenelle, highlighted by Iris and Christian Louboutin. On the rue des St Peres, you will find Sabbia Rosa who carries the sexiest lingerie in town and Karry O which has an excellent selection of costume and estate jewelry. Check out Augousti on the rue du Bac, and on the rue Bonaparte explore Mona, a multi-brand shop carrying the clothes and shoes of Lanvin, John Galliano and Chloe. On the same street, find more great costume jewelry at Fabrice. Of course, the St-Germain-des-Pres is also know for its art galleries and antiques shops. Some of the best byways here for things old and beautiful are the rue Jacob, rue Bonaparte, rue de Seine and Quai Voltaire.
For Paris veterans and newcomers alike, the rue de Rivoli offers familiar favorites—and surprises too. The experienced shopper should head for Galigiani at #224; it's Paris' famed international bookstore, stocked with the most beautiful and provocative fashion and art books I have ever seen in one location. If your search is for a particularly esoteric artist or designer, seek the help of the proprietors Jean-Michel or Bertrand. For the first-time visitor to Paris, the rue de Rivoli is a tourist's delight filled with shops selling souvenir Eiffel Towers in multiple sizes as well as a myriad of trinkets, umbrellas, t-shirts (often of a surprisingly high quality), I Love Paris bumper stickers and other such paraphernalia.
See our slideshow of Paris Shopping Strolls.
Even for the most jaded shopper, no trip to Paris is complete without a stroll down the Champs-Elysées, arguably the grandest boulevard in the world. Not to be missed is the Louis Vuitton flagship store, not at all typical of the small boutiques that give Paris so much character, but truly reflective of the breadth and scope of the products that LV distributes worldwide. For the best selection of French and European music, try FNAC, the French take on the Virgin Megastore.
The businessman who finds himself with some spare time between meetings should head directly for the Place Vendome, a true mecca of luxury. In the beautiful, historically important circle where the Ritz Hotel is located, one finds all of the great jewelers from Boucheron to Cartier to Chaumet to Chopard to Van Cleef and Arpels with a wide and varied selection of watches. A time piece is certainly one way a man
can make a great fashion statement.
Also on the Place Vendome, there is the best men's shop in Paris—Charvet. Choose among the myriad ties and accessories on the main floor, then take the elevator to the custom shirt department on the fourth floor. You will discover reams and reams of cotton cloth in a massive array of stripes, patterns, and colors. Old-fashioned, highly experienced French tailors will then precisely measure you, and your custom shirts will arrive to your home in the U.S. shortly thereafter. There is no need to return to the store as Charvet will keep your measurements on file and send you your new selections.
As fashion is not just for women, please note that most of the designers I cited previously, while best known for their female lines, are now making men's clothes. I would particularly highlight John Galliano's boutique on the rue St. Honoré, where the windows are changed weekly and often just display the men's line. On the same street is Lanvin which has a men's boutique directly across the street from the women's shop.
Right next door to Lanvin is Hermes where eternal wild boy designer Jean-Paul Gaultier is creating a men's line that adds new zest to this classic house. Lastly, let's not forget the Gucci loafer and all the Gucci accoutrements from briefcases to computer bags, and cell phone and Blackberry holders, housed in the large Gucci shop also on the rue St. Honoré.
The jaunts I have mentioned should really be used as guidance to begin a day of shopping in Paris' diverse and exciting neighborhoods. Surely, you will pass many other interesting stores where window items will catch your eye, and despite some stereotypes, Parisian proprietors will be friendly, helpful, and want to advance your own sense of style. Before you know it, you’ll have souvenirs of Paris that are way more fashionable than a stack of postcards.
Susan Tabak is the author of Chic in