Introduction: Paris – The Ultimate Shopping Destination
Paris, known as the global capital of fashion, is a paradise for shoppers. Whether you’re inspired by shows like Emily in Paris or simply looking to experience the city’s rich shopping culture, Paris offers an unrivaled blend of luxury boutiques, charming independent stores, and historic shopping arcades. Jeanne Damas, the creative director of the fashion brand Rouje and a quintessential “it girl” of Paris, shares her expert recommendations on where to find the best fashion, home décor, beauty products, and unique gifts in the City of Light(in Parisian shopping guide).
Meet Jeanne Damas: Parisian Style Icon
Jeanne Damas, born and raised in Paris, epitomizes the effortless “French-girl” style. As the creative force behind Rouje and its sister beauty brand, Les Filles en Rouje, Damas has been recognized as one of the most iconic French fashion figures. Her style is characterized by romantic knits and the popular Gabin wrap dress, which can be found in her Rouje boutiques. When not working, she enjoys people-watching at Café Le Nemours in Place Colette, a spot she considers the best fashion show in Paris.
Shopping for Fashion in Paris
Paris is a fashion lover’s dream, with a plethora of options ranging from department stores to vintage boutiques. Damas recommends starting with some of Paris’ most renowned shopping destinations:
- Le Bon Marché (7th arrondissement): A historic department store with a curated selection of luxury brands.
- Merci (Le Marais): A trendy concept store offering fashion, home goods, and more.
- Chez Snow Bunny: A vintage shop where you can find exquisite 1940s silk slip dresses.
- Yasmine Eslami: One of Paris’ coolest lingerie designers, perfect for stylish undergarments.
- Tricot (Le Marais): Specializing in recycled cashmere, this menswear boutique offers high-quality knitwear with stunning colors.
Home Décor and Interiors: Parisian Style for Your Home
Even if you can’t live in Paris, you can bring a touch of Parisian elegance into your home. Jeanne Damas suggests visiting the following stores for chic home décor:
- Merci (Le Marais): In addition to fashion, this store offers a wide range of furniture, candles, and art.
- Boutique Maison de Campagne: Known for its shabby-chic aesthetic, this store offers beautiful kitchen linens and vintage vases.
- Astier de Villatte (1st arrondissement): A workshop famous for handmade ceramics, fragrances, and artisanal stationery.
Beauty and Self-Care: Achieving the Parisian Glow in Parisian shopping guide
Jeanne Damas is as famous for her beauty as she is for her fashion sense. Her signature look includes simple outfits accented with a bold red lip, a style she embraces in her clean beauty line, Les Filles en Rouje. For beauty shopping in Paris, she recommends:
- Oh My Cream: A concept shop specializing in green beauty products, with multiple locations throughout Paris.
- Santa Maria Novella at Le Bon Marché: This Italian brand offers luxurious bath products and fragrances, including the melograno-scented terracotta diffuser, a favorite of Damas.
Unique Gifts: Thoughtful Presents with Parisian Flair
When it comes to gifting, Jeanne Damas prefers giving books, a sentiment that’s perfectly in line with Paris’ literary heritage. Her top picks for bookstores include:
- Ofr (Le Marais): An independent bookstore known for its art books and essays, making it a great place to find a special present.
- Shakespeare and Company: A historic English-language bookstore that has been a gathering place for literary legends like Ernest Hemingway and Allen Ginsberg.
Jewelry: Parisian Elegance in Every Piece in Parisian shopping guide
Paris is a hub for fine jewelry, home to legendary brands like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Jeanne Damas recommends exploring:
- Charlotte Chesnais: A designer known for her sculptural and edgy jewelry, available at her boutiques that double as contemporary art spaces.
Conclusion: Embrace Parisian Style
Paris offers an unparalleled shopping experience, where every corner of the city reveals a new treasure. Whether you’re searching for the latest fashion trends, timeless home décor, or a perfect gift, Jeanne Damas’ guide to Paris shopping will help you navigate the city’s vibrant retail scene with ease. Embrace the simplicity and elegance of Parisian style, and you’ll leave the City of Light with more than just beautiful items— you’ll carry a piece of Parisian charm wherever you go.
