The City of Lights is gearing up for a summer unlike any other. As the Olympic flame ignites in Paris this July, the streets won't just be abuzz with sporting spirit, but with a vibrant shopping scene, too. Whether you're a die-hard designer devotee or a treasure hunter on a mission for vintage finds, Paris promises a shopping experience to match the gold medals. From iconic fashion boutiques to underrated labels, get ready to fuel your fashion flame alongside the Olympic torch.
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CAREL
From the versatile Kina-trotting heel to the 60s-style square-toe Estime, Carel’s long-lasting and discreetly elegant shoes are wardrobe staples. Boasting iconic silhouettes, their flats, pumps, ankle boots and strappy Mary Janes are made to be enjoyed around the city.
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
From opening his first store in 1992 to his signature red sole becoming one of the most valuable trademarks in fashion, Louboutin’s designs are created to empower women with stilettos that shout: Stand up and stand out! He has extended his line to nail varnish and collections for men, women, and even pets.
GOODJO PARIS
A vintage shop focused on luxury pieces, goodJo carries treasures from all the top fashion maisons, including Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Celine, Chanel, and so on. For those who can’t wait, take a peek at what’s on offer on their website beforehand.
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ISABEL MARANT
Offering chic urban styles, Isabel Marant’s pieces incarnate the Parisian “cool girl” style that is effortlessly sophisticated and wearable. As part of this French fashion house’s move towards circular fashion, they also offer a vintage line.
JACQUEMUS
A key figure in contemporary French fashion, Simon Porte Jacquemus has become a fashionista’s darling, overturning established codes and proposing a new vision. His iconic pieces include the asymmetric mini dress, shoes with sculptural heels, and, of course, the famous Chiquito mini bag that went viral on social media.
LEMAIRE
Helmed by Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran, the eponymous brand offers timeless and cosmopolitan styles with a sense of authenticity and earthiness. Designed in the historic Marais district, the pieces borrow from traditional Asian codes using European and Japanese woven materials.
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MAJE
Designed by Judith Milgrom, Maje was created with the intention of dressing the free-spirited woman. It boasts a fusion of timeless elegance and more daring statement pieces tailored to the active Parisian. They also offer a second-hand online shop and a rental service for a more sustainable and economical approach to fashion.
POLÈNE PARIS
A homegrown French label designed in Paris and brought to life in Spain by top leather artisans, the bags here are offered at a fair price point. Inspired by the works of Madeleine Vionnet, Mariano Fortuny and Madame Grès, Polène offers minimalism with creative expression.
REPETTO PARIS
Handcrafted in France, with a background in the world of dance, Rose Repetto first created shoes for her son, Roland Petit, a choreographer and ballet dancer at the Paris Opera. The brand’s icons include the Cendrillon ballerina, originally created for Brigitte Bardot, and the Zizi, worn by Serge Gainsbourg his whole life. They feel like second skin!
ROGER VIVIER
Working alongside French embroidery houses, with its roots in haute couture, Roger Vivier designed shoes for the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve. He immortalised them forever in Luis Bunuel’s film Belle de Jour from which the shoes took their name, Belle Vivier—the Maison’s most iconic style.
SESSÙN
This is a brand that is stylish, sustainably conscious, and sensitive. Founder Emma Francis, inspired by a trip to Guatemala, created Sessùn to celebrate artisanship, bringing rich texture and vibrant colour to the capital, whilst still preserving the French flair. Curated homeware is also on offer.
SÉZANE
Sézane is adding elegant and colourful touches to wardrobe staples—from lace-sleeved blouses, silk skirts, and ballerina pumps to beautiful pieces of jewellery, handbags, and homeware. A monogramming service is also available for selected clothing, bags, and jewellery pieces.
For a visual guide on where to go and what to do, see below.
Interactive map credit: ©ELLE international and Damien Marquet