Paris, je t’aime: where to shop in the French capital

Paris is the city of love, lights and la mode. If it’s the latter you’re interested in, read on; we’ll guide you through the brands and designers that have made Paris the world’s fashion capital, and where you can find them in the city. 

Chanel

“Fashion changes, but style endures,” said Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. The designer’s eponymous fashion house is positive proof, continuing to ignite desire well over a century after it was founded. If you invest in anything, make it one of the brand’s original icons, such as the 2.55 bag or the two-tone slingbacks.

Where to shop: A visit to the flagship store , beneath Coco’s apartment, is a pilgrimage for any fashion lover.

Sézane

Achieve effortless Parisian elegance with a little help from Sézane, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary last year. With savoir faire and sustainability at its core, the B Corp-certified brand has become known for beautiful knitwear (think fuzzy cardigans and chic crochet tanks), vintage-tinged jeans and chic bags.

Where to shop: You’ll feel right at home in the brand’s original boutique , which is modelled on a French apartment and houses clothing, jewellery, and lifestyle accessories.

Hermès

Founded in 1837 as a harness workshop, Hermès has created some of the most coveted bags in the world, namely the Kelly and Birkin, which appreciates in value so dramatically that it’s considered a better investment than gold. In lieu of one of the hard-to-get bags, opt for a classic silk scarf or piece of jewellery. 

Where to shop: Hermès’ shop at 24 Rue du Faubourg has been there for 144 years, making it a must-visit on any Parisian shopping trip.

A.P.C.

Founded by Jean Touitou in 1987, A.P.C. (which stands for “Atelier de Production et de Création”) defines Parisian cool. Spanning menswear and womenswear, the label is known for its relaxed shirting, selvedge denim, logo sweatshirts and generally pared-back aesthetic that’s heavily inspired by Japanese design.

Where to shop: The brand has several boutiques in Paris, but what sets its Notre Dame store apart is that it’s entirely dedicated to vintage A.P.C.

Louis Vuitton

Originally founded as a trunk maker in 1854, Louis Vuitton’s namesake brand has become a luxury powerhouse, beloved for its iconic bags including the Speedy, Alma and Neverfull, as well as ready-to-wear. Designer Nicolas Ghesquière currently heads the house’s womenswear offering, while Pharrell Williams is Creative Director of Men’s.

Where to shop: Be sure to pre-book an appointment at Vuitton’s vast flagship, which offers a personalisation service for a bespoke touch.

Christian Louboutin

There are few design signatures as famous as Christian Louboutin’s red soles. The Parisian designer founded his now legendary brand in 1991, having created shoes for the likes of Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Roger Vivier. Louboutin’s red-soled shoes have been worn by everyone from Dita von Teese to Barbie.

Where to shop: It may not be the biggest of Louboutin’s boutiques, but 19 Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau was the first shop the designer ever opened, making it a pilgrimage site.

Sandro

Sandro was founded in Paris in 1984 by Évelyne Chetrite to bridge the gap between luxury and mass-market brands. Originally offering only womenswear, it expanded to include men’s, never losing sight of its original aesthetic: “casual but always chic” and “sophisticated but cool”. Think easy-going silhouettes and interesting prints.

Where to shop: Find Sandro (and so many other great French brands) at La Samaritaine , a department store replete with original Art Nouveau and Art Deco features.

Longchamp

When in Paris, challenge yourself to go five minutes without spying a Le Pliage bag, Longchamp’s famous – and ubiquitous – foldable canvas tote. The French luxury brand was known for leather-covered smoking pipes until the 1970s, when it launched a line of nylon luggage, from which Le Pliage eventually evolved.

Where to shop: Longchamp’s Le Pliage makes the perfect Parisian souvenir, so pick one up at Printemps , an iconic Parisian department store that first opened in 1865.

Celine

Founded in 1945 by Céline Vipiana, Celine has gone through many evolutions – not least of all losing the accent from its “e” in 2018. The French luxury fashion house has had a series of influential creative directors, from Phoebe Philo to Hedi Slimane, who has imbued Celine with his rock ’n’ roll sensibility.

Where to shop: When in Paris, head to Celine’s Avenue Montaigne boutique and invest in the Triomphe bag, featuring the house’s original insignia, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe.

AMI Paris

AMI, which is named after its founder Alexandre Mattiussi (and also plays on the French word for “friend”), epitomises Parisian nonchalance. Its menswear and womenswear are relaxed yet chic, effortless yet considered, and the heart-adorned “A” motif is recognisable only to those in the know.

Where to shop: Find AMI and other contemporary brands at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann , one of Paris's first “luxury bazaars” and a fine example of Art Nouveau architecture.