 |
Best Paris Shopping Strolls
Susan Tabak June 30, 2008PAGES: 1 2
Article Controls
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.
PAGES: 1 2
