What to buy in Paris?

[migglesworth]

This might turn into more of a discussion on French style...

I'm going to be in Paris over Christmas I was wondering if anyone had thoughts on what things the French do very well that might be a good investment / souvenir. For example...Italians are known for their leathergoods, shoes...ties etc., the English for Savile Row and Jermyn Street suits and shirts...any ideas on the French? I know Pierre Cardin suits traditionally have a quite sharp cut to them...anyway...this could go beyond style to accessories as well, just curious to know what you all think. Feel free to drop names of shops etc.

Cheers,

M.

 

[whnay.]

Here is a running list of stores that you might want to look into...

Old England\tClothing\t12 Blvd des Capucines
Corthay\tShoes\t1 Rue Volney
Aubercy\tShoes\t34 Rue Vivienne
Berluti\tShoes\t26 Rue Marbeuf
Goyard\tAccessories\t233 Rue Saint-Honore
Chanel\tClothing\t31 Rue Cambon
APC\tClothing\t4 Rue de Fleurus
Cape Cod (Marc Guyot)\tClothing\t5 Rue Pasquier
Altan\tShoes\t5 Rue Sainte-Beuve
Crockett & Jones\tShoes\t14 Rue Chauveau-Lagarde
Charvet\tClothing\t28 Place Vendôme
Arny's\tClothing\t14 Rue de Sevres
Hilditch & Key\tClothing\t228 Rue De Rivoli
Hermes\tAccessories\t24 Faubourg Saint-HonorÃ

YSL\tClothing\t32 Faubourg Saint-HonorÃ

Colette\tClothing\t213 Rue Saint-HonorÃ

JM Weston\tShoes\t114 Avenue de Champs Elysees
La Cordonnerie Anglaise\tShoes\t28 Rue des Archives
John Lobb\tShoes\t21 Rue Boissy d' Anglas
Kiton\tClothing\t29 Rue Marbeuf
Cifonelli\tClothing\t31 rue Marbeuf
Stanislas Bottier\tShoes\t9 Rue Dombasle
Smalto\tClothing\t44 Rue Francois
Au Petit Matelot\tClothing\t27 Avenue Grande Armee
Gastinne Renette\tGuns\t39 Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt
Tod's\tShoes\t17 Faubourg Saint-HonorÃ

Carmina\tShoes\t4 Ave de L'Opera

 

[migglesworth]

That list is going to prove very useful, but it's quite an international spectrum of brands and designers. Any thoughts on a specifically French area of expertise? Crystal decanters? Saddles? Charvet ties? Pocket squares? I'd hate to come away from France with a pair of English shoes or an Italian suit, know what I mean? Anyone?

M.

 

[RJman]

Charvet ties, shirts or pocket squares.
Corthay, Weston or Paraboot shoes (Aubercy, Berluti and Altan are all made in Italy, so in deference to your comment above I omit them).
Dore-dore socks, available at many good stores as well as at their boutique on rue de Rennes.
Hermes just about anything.
Duret leathergoods.

 

[Britalian]

You're American? French wine.

 

[Edward Appleby]

Originally Posted by Britalian

You're American? French wine.
Only if you're buying quite a bit, since you can't carry it back on planes anymore.