Vintage Shopping Guide — Paris
PARIS IS KNOWN TO HAVE SOME OF THE WORLD’S FINEST VINTAGE BOUTIQUES. MOST OF THE COUTURE HOUSES HAVE THEIR ROOTS IN FRANCE, AND THEREFORE MOST OF THEIR TREASURES ARE STILL CIRCULATING WITHIN THE CITIES SECOND-HAND BOUTIQUES. OUR EDITORS HAVE SELECTED THEIR FIVE FAVORITE VINTAGE BOUTIQUES IN PARIS FOR YOU. WE HAVE VISITED ALL OF THEM, FROM THE MARAIS TO PIGALLE, AND TALKED TO EACH STORE’S FOUNDER TO TELL YOU THEIR STORIES.
photographs by Andrew Day
words by Sarah Marie Franken & vintage store founders
01 // ROSE MARKET VINTAGE
Address: 19 rue Milton, 75009 Paris
Founded by Florence Haddad in 2011
A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
How did you start your career in the vintage market?
I started my vintage career somewhat by accident. After years of working in the fashion luxury industry, passionate about vintage from a very young age, I decided to set up a blog in 2011 on the subject. The journalist Lauren Bastide introduced my blog in an Elle article about vintage fashion. My audience grew and I started to sell pieces online - RoseMarket Vintage was born. From a blog I chose to set up a physical shop in 2012, nestled in the heart of the 9th arrondissement in Paris, on rue Hippolyte Lebas. Five years ago the shop moved to one of the prettiest streets of the 9th arrondissement!
Did the attitude towards vintage change within the last years?
When I started, customers came to pick up a dress for fancy dress-up parties on the theme of the 50s or 80s. Only vintage enthusiasts, costume designers, and fashion stylists frequently stopped by in search of inspiration. Today, vintage is accessible to everyone, from second-hand clothes to luxury, I welcome people from all generations to my store now! There is something for all tastes and budgets.
What is your favorite piece you have ever sold?
When I started out, I sold the Azzedine Alaïa Perfecto Dress in iconic black denim to a merchant. I would have loved to wear it today!
02 // Iregular
Address: 16 rue Victor Masse, 75009 Paris & 60 rue de Dunkerque, 75009 Paris
Founded by Riadh Trabelsi in 2018
A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
How did you start your career in the vintage market?
Since I was studying, I have always had a very special relationship with old textiles and brand’s archives. I have always loved the oracle of the 20s, the designers Vionnet, Schiaparelli, or Pérugia. This passion has led me to push my interest in old fashion and I opened the boutiques in the 9th arrondissement together with my collaborator Krimo. I also founded the contemporary fashion brand Basscoutur, where I recycle textiles into modern designs.
Did the attitude towards vintage change within the last years?
The attitude has completely changed over the years. It went from mockery, to curiosity to high interest. By now it is a global topic, which helps us source our pieces all over the world.
What is your favorite piece you have ever sold?
My best sale was a dress by Schiaparelli, from the first period of her work.
03 // Citizen Concept Store
Address: 22 rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
Founded by Laurent Sonigo in 2015
A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
How did you start your career in the vintage market?
I started my first vintage store ein Auteuil in 2006. Before that I have worked 20 years in fashion stores from houses like Kenzo, Saint Laurent, Versace, and Armani. I was always fascinated with those designers. In 2015, I sold my store in Auteuil and opened Citizen next to the Picasso museum in the Marais.
Did the attitude towards vintage change within the last years?
The attitude has changed a lot. People now understand that pieces from previous decades were made to last, and appreciate the materials and cuts of past decades. And of course the mentality concerning the responsibility of the planet has gained importance. People want to give garments that already exist a new life instead of buying and tossing fast fashion products.
What is your favorite piece you have ever sold?
An Hermès Kelly bag by in matte taupe, and also a vintage blue velvet armchair by Le Corbusier.
04 // Célia Darling Vintage
Address: 5 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009 Paris
Founded by Célia Hughes-Guillabert in 2010
A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
How did you start your career in the vintage market?
I wanted to open a vintage shop because I've always had a passion for old things. When I was little, I accompanied my grandmother to flea markets and garage sales and since then I have never stopped hunting!
Did the attitude towards vintage change within the last years?
When the store opened my clients were mainly stylists or costume designers, therefore professionals. It's great to see that today more and more people have really changed their way to consume and indulge more in vintage shopping. Besides the aspect of sustainable consumption, to shop vintage is also very intuitive and fun. It is like going on a treasure hunt for the perfect, one of a kind piece!
What is your favorite piece you have ever sold?
I can't choose! I am hesitant between an Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo, an Alaia dress, and a pearl dress from the 1920s!
05 // Love & Dress
Address: 45 Rue d'Hauteville, 75010 Paris
Founded by Julia Couturier
A CONVERSATION WITH THE FOUNDER
How did you start your career in the vintage market?
It all started with an awareness that followed after working in the fashion mass market for 7 years. I felt the urgent need to create a place that represented me, a place where I could mix my love of antique hunting, my values, my commitments and my inspirations. We carry a mix of vintage pieces and up and coming young French designers that have sustainable concepts.
Did the attitude towards vintage change within the last years?
Yes, in recent years there has been a real awareness of the non-durability of clothes that can be found in the mass market. There has been a real change in consumption patterns and a new craze for less polluting materials!
What is your favorite piece you have ever sold?
A light blue baby doll dress that I have found on a market, it had a sentimental value to me.
Further Reading
Georgia Gibbs styles six summer evening outfits in New York City within our Sustainable Style Challenge series. All pieces are slow fashion and from her own wardrobe.