Ines de la Fressange’s Favorite Paris Haunts
The former face of Chanel, brand ambassador for Roger Vivier shoes and designer of a line for Uniqlo, Ines de la Fressange is the quintessential Parisienne. In her new pocket-size book, Parisian Chic City Guide, a companion to her best-selling Parisian Chic, de la Fressange guides readers by areas (Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Marais, Champs-Élysées) to her best-loved shops and resources for fashion, home goods, gifts and restaurants, too. Below, we’ve excerpted six of those she swears by. Parisian Chic City Guide, by Ines de la Fressange with Sophie Gachet, was published last week by Flammarion (distributed by Rizzoli through Random House). You can buy it online or at major booksellers.
Stouls
36, rue du Mont-Tabor, 1er
Tel. +33 (0)1 42 60 29 97 — www.stouls.net
Why go? This is the place to go if you want an article of leather or suede clothing that fits like a second skin and is as soft as cashmere. Breaking all the rules for this material, designer Aurelia Stouls started with leather t-shirts. Sexy, chic, and — more importantly —practical. Stouls leathers are machine-washable like denim.
The must-have Difficult to choose only one, because all Stouls creations are flattering. I love the flared napa lambskin trousers that are very 1970. She makes them every season; I bought the Starsky model.
Say it like a Parisienne
“Even my sweatpants come from Stouls!”
La Botte Gardiane
25, rue du Bourg-Tibourg, IVe
Tel. +33 (0)1 77 16 58 45 — www.labottegardiane.com
Why go? There was widespread jubilation when these boots became available in Paris. Until the two shops opened here, you had to take the train to the south of France to wrangle a pair of bottes gardianes. This traditional footwear is de rigueur for the cowboys who herd bulls and wild horses in the Camargue. But don’t worry, you can still wear the boots, even without a horse.
The must-have The original bottes gardianes. But the new Belle-Île sandals are also worth a try.
Say it like a Parisienne
“I ordered custom-designed Camarguais boots They’re beige-colored, fur-lined, and quite tall. I hope I don’t have to wait too long for them — they’re perfect for winter shopping expeditions.”
Buly 1803
6, rue Bonaparte, VIe
Tel. +33 (0)1 43 29 02 50 — www.buly1803.com
Why go? If only to admire the result of the owners’ hard work to revive this venerable brand. It was purchased by artistic director Ramdane Touhami and his wife Victoire de Taillac. Of course, the brand has a long history, but every detail has been carefully rethought. You get the impression that the shop has been in business forever, despite its many years of slumber. Even its ceramic tile work has an old-fashioned, traditional feel.
The must-have Users all recommend Buly 1803 beauty products (creams, perfume oils, soaps, etc.) and its line of incense. I love them, too, but I go mainly for the Japanese makeup brushes.
Say it like a Parisienne
“You’re immersed in a literary past the second you enter the shop. As you’d expect: the perfumer Jean-Vincent Buly was an inspiration for Honoré de Balzac’s Human Comedy. Today, Victoire, as vendeuse in a white-collared shirt and black sweater, looks every bit the part of a romantic heroine.”
Simone
1, rue de Saint-Simon, VIIe
Tel. +33 (0)1 42 22 81 40 — www.simoneruesaintsimon.com
Why go? When I realized that I completely forgot to include this fashion destination in my book Parisian Chic, I was a mess, and nibbed away at my nails until they completely disappeared. So, I’m delighted to be able to talk about it in this city guide, because it’s a hidden treasure totally off the beaten path. You wouldn’t happen upon it if you weren’t told where to look. The owner — who’s not named Simone, by the way — is a savvy buyer who seeks out labels you won’t nd anywhere else. She also has a talent for selecting flattering looks. It’s a stylish, upbeat place.
The must-have Laura Urbinati’s knits. I absolutely love them. Actually, everything here is a must-have. There’s new stock arriving all the time, so you should visit often.
Say it like a Parisienne
“They always have the most interesting colors here. So even if I buy something that doesn’t suit me, it certainly brightens up my closet.”
Ines de la Fressange
24, rue de Grenelle, VIIe
Tel. +33 (0)1 45 48 19 06 — www.inesdelafressange.fr
Why go? If I could mention only one boutique in this guide, this would be it! Not because you’ll find my own designs here, but because this is the place to buy anything from a chic leather bag to a handy toothbrush holder. Think of it as a cross between a fantasy department store and a sundries emporium.
The must-have It’s hard to decide. I’m tempted to say “Everything” ;-). There are fashion options (some of the styles are in very limited editions), as well as jewelry, shoes, sunglasses, notebooks, and lots of home décor items. Even brooms! One thing ’s for sure—people come from all over Paris for the olive oil we sell.
Say it like a Parisienne
“I went in to get a pencil sharpener and ended up ordering a full-length gown from the design studio.”
Philippine Janssens
3-5, rue d’Anjou, VIIIe
Tel. +33 (0)1 42 65 43 90 — www.philippinejanssens.com By appointment only
Why go? Don’t tell me you’ve found the perfect pair of trousers — there’s really no such thing. Unless of course you go to Philippine’s. It’s the first shop that’s dedicated entirely to creating tailor-made trousers for women. She sews the pants exclusively for you, so obviously they’ll suit you perfectly.
The must-have Your very own trousers.
Say it like a Parisienne
“The ‘perfect size’ doesn’t exist. I know plenty of fashion models who have their trousers custom- made by Philippine.”
