Rue du Cherche Midi
It’s not for nothing that le quartier Saint Germain has become one of the world’s most famed international shopping hot spots. From the luxe splendour of Prada, YSL and Etro to the bourgeoisie bohemian appeal of Custo, this is an area where stellar style shines. But it’s slightly away from the spotlight’s hot gaze where a few lesser known – though no less intriguing – addresses are to be found. In the jumble of streets tangling south of Boulevard St Germain you will stumble across Rue du Cherche-Midi, an elongated street drawing from the Carrefour de la Croix-Rouge back toward Montparnasse and across the invisible border of the 15th arrondissement. Pickings are rich, particularly for those coveting the slightly eccentric shapes, colours and prints favoured by the city’s freed-spirited fashion-loving folk – imagine a styled and slightly sanitised Helene Bonham Carter and a clearer picture should emerge. Oh, and a little advance warning: while Bonjour Paris steps off le rue at the Rue d’Assas cross-section, it’s worth keeping in mind that the fab selections don’t stop where we do. Explore the rest at your leisure.
S’HABILLE IN STYLE
Set over four storeys, the stunningly minimalist emporium of Marithé François Girbaud offers up a treasure trove of unique finds to the discerning buyer in love with the brand’s deliberate, left-of-centre style. Deconstructed suiting and denim is a speciality: a pin striped, A-line office skirt is given a sexy kick with strategic gathers and peeks of black lace, while black culottes stopping mid-thigh present a quirky alternative to the ever-popular city short. Suit jackets, too, get the Girbaud treatment, with unfinished, asymmetrical hemlines turning the office aesthetic on its head. Those seeking an increase in colour may prefer Lilith. Yamamoto meets Azzedine Alaia in these poetic fashions, perfect for the woman seeking individual style without forsaking comfort. Like the tulle hounds-tooth skirt – Fall-fabulous with a skinny black knit and sleek black ankle boots. A mint and ivory striped blazer, on the other hand, is catapulted from ordinary to extraordinary with the addition of subtle ruching and a slightly off-centre fit. Dice Kayek offers the third choice in a chic trifecta. Falling somewhere between the structured fabrics of Girbaud and the artistic cuts of Lilith, Kayek offers up a mix of Victorian sensibility and urban edge. The mix makes for a perfect Parisian fashion moment, à la Audrey Hepburn channelling a modern Breakfast at Tiffany’s vibe.
FUNKY FEET
Leave Choo, Blahnik and Louboutin to Hollywood’s less imaginative starlets. As any tuned in fashionista knows, staying ahead of the mainstream pack is all down to seeking out those off-the-radar style finds that Paris seems to possess in abundance. Like Robert Clergerie, where eccentric shapes and coolly clunky heels are a trademark. And while some looks seem lost in translation, there are at least a few gems to be found. This summer’s standout? Tan and cream round-toed Mary Janes with a sexily stacked heel in polished leather. Just a little way up the road Italian designer Fausto Santini adheres to a slightly pared back philosophy, using architecture as inspiration for his deceptively simple designs. Like the flat-soled chocolate leather sandal styled after a traditional Indian sandal, the red string ankle tie adding an element of modern interest. But it’s at Charles Jourdan that lovers of slim and statuesque heels will find their spiritual home. Nowhere else is the classic court shoe executed so well – slender high heel, slim round toe and a range of colours all wrapped up in a neat, patent leather package. Of course there is more: pretty ballet flats, spunky ankle boots. But it’s that classic court that will draw you back time and again.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
For those who missed The Observer journalist Alice Fisher’s witty piece on the elevation of the luxury bag to status symbol, then here’s the brief: high-end hand bags are the new must-have wardrobe essential. Of course for those unwilling, or unable, to pay out sky-high prices for Mulberry or Balenciaga’s latest offing, there is always Francesco Biasia. Hand crafted in northern Italy, Biasia’s elegant creations combine rich materials with subtle detailing to stunning effect. Like this year’s Hollywood Glow collection, bringing together a classic combination of traditional shapes, deep chocolate leather and gold stud highlights. At nearby Ginkgo you’ll find a looser selection of nylon and canvas bags for those times when fun, not fabulous, is the dress code. Colourful and available in a huge range of styles and sizes, this is
light weight arm candy at its best.
LUNCHBREAK:
A couple of noteworthy addresses for when hunger – or the mid-afternoon sweet craving – hits.
Cuisine de Bar
Next door to the inimitable Parisian boulangerie, Poilâne, this chic, elegant café and salon du thé specialises in presenting a range of delicious tartines. Classic, fresh flavours of smoked salmon and crème fraiche, or jambon and rocket are grilled atop Poilâne’s famed slices of chewy sourdough. With gorgeous offerings such as these, the fresh fruit juice cocktails serve as glaçage sur le gateau.
8 Rue du Cherche-Midi.
Tel: 01 45 48 45 69
Poilâne
The tiny boutique is stacked with all manner of delicious breads, tarts and sweet biscuits realised by the talented bakers tending Poilâne’s famous ovens. Orders can be placed on line at www.poilane.fr with delivery assured across Europe, the United Kingdom and North America.
8 Rue du Cherche-Midi
Tel: 01 45 48 42 59
A La Reine Astrid
Irresistible handmade truffles and bon bons that must rival for the title of ‘Best in Paris.’
16 Rue du Cherche-Midi
Tel : 01 42 84 07 02
Address Book:
Charles Jourdan
28 Rue du Cherche-Midi
T: 01 45 49 22 45
Dice Kayek
10 Rue du Cherche-Midi
Fausto Santini
4 Rue du Cherche-Midi
T: 01 45 44 39 40
Franceso Biasia
6 Rue du Cherche-Midi
T: 01 42 22 17 09
Ginkgo
84 Rue du Cherche-Midi
T: 01 45 44 90 87
Lilith
12 Rue du Cherche-Midi
T: 01 42 84 05 88
Marithé François Girbaud
7 Rue du Cherche-Midi
T : 01 53 63 53 63
Robert Clergerie
5 Rue du Cherche-Midi
T: 01 45 48 75 47
