Version française
 

Parisian elegance, gift of a culture that appreciates women

Toward 1500 the king invited daughters of the nobility to live with the queen...
Court fashion from Versailles seeps down to Paris (Palais-Royal, 1787)

 

...and be educated by her. Their presence, he felt, would attract noblemen to the Court, limit their brutality and encourage a culture essential to royal prestige. These aims explain his gifts of sumptuous gowns and jewels, and patronage of luxury as a whole.

 

So came about  the influence women have wielded in French culture, an influence unique in Europe. They encouraged respect for conversation and the arts, demanded a courteous relationship between the sexes and transformed luxury into "art de vivre". Their ideas inspire our suggestions.


They include:  

 

 

  • Wares whose refinement globalized luxury cannot copy... 

 

Craftsman who works for haute couture

And a spirit light years away from that of mass production

 

 

  • ...and the unique production for which Paris is famous 

• Neighborhoods that specialize in fashion 



The gay neighborhood, with its trendy stores that cater to young men.

 

Trend-setting fashion boutiques cluster in well-defined neighborhoods. They specialize in particular clientèles, according to  gender, generation and budget.

 

We point you toward the neighborhoods that best fit your look, or suggest walks that pass shops we think will interest you. 


• For example: 



• Couture in an unexpected neighborhood

Historique streets that Parisians too forget .

•Itinéraires de shopping personnalisés
Boutiques où les "vrais parisiens" s'habillent

 

 

• Hands-on discovery of expertise can be part of the walk



•A workshop for haute couture

The public rarely knows about it.

In an establishment founded in the Sun King's time

 

 

• Passionate collectors' boutiques (table arts, antique lamps, textiles...)  

 

 

• Flea markets   • Vintage  • Famous brands at discount prices –

unexpectedparis.blogspot.com/search/label/Shopping

 

 

  • And for groups, the chance to delve into the sophistication of the 1930's-1950's 

 

"RBW", one of "Vogue's" three illustrators
"The Loge",1953

 

 

• Costs: please CLICK 

 

 

Credits: glove / Marie Beyer;  street with stores / Catherine Aubin; hats / Jerôme Petrau-Gay; silks / Claude Abron; workshop / Sara White Davis; fashion photo and illustration / offered by our hostess