Rue Montmartre Shopping Streets

Trend-spotters may be proclaiming loud and long the rise of Shanghai as the new shopping Mecca, but it will be some time before Paris’ extensive wardrobe of eclectic wares is usurped by fashion’s newly-crowned Johnny-come-lately. Gather all the evidence you need with a short stroll along rue Montmartre, a veritable jumble of the sleek, the unique and the scruffy chic in the heart of the city’s streetwear garment district (both Paris headquarters for Diesel and Replay call this area home). Though stretching from Les Halles to the border of the ninth arrondissement, it is in the street’s bustling section between rue Léopold Bellan and the Jardin des Halles where the real action takes place. Lower those over-sized aviators and take your place strutting alongside the quartier’s put-together thirty-somethings, whose flair for directional fashion makes for rich people watching opportunities – and will provide perceptive voyeurs with plenty of new style ideas. Or simply take your inspiration from the following addresses:

Eclectic Pretty
Attribute it to their tiny frames, gorgeously left-of-centre haircuts or genetic coding: whatever the reason, those Parisiennes seem to have a special gift for pulling together that quirky gamine vibe. Luckily for wannabe imitators, rue Montmartre supplies plenty of good sourcing opportunities. Like Manoush, the French-born label for the capriciously cute fashionista in us all. This spring’s patchwork frocks were divine, and a stunning black Roman-style dress with a clever rope belt is ideal for the eccentric sophisticate. Not to mention the brand’s own range of seductively frilly bikinis, ideal for playfully sexy beach babes everywhere. Slightly more bohemian is Antoine et Lili, just a little way down the road. The Paris-based fashion label began in 1994 by creating it’s now instantly recognizable mix of colourful, urban-ethnic clothing. Think Carrie Bradshaw in her Aiden/hippie phase and you’ll be somewhere near the mark. The boutique’s pink and green interior is a label trademark, so too the delectably soft and drape-y tops in all shades of pastel and raw silk feminine wrap dresses. There’s also an increasingly large range of home and children’s wear for the true A & L devotee. Along similar lines is Sensitive & Coquecious, a bright jumble of a boutique selling house label kimono-style dresses, prettily embroidered silk blouses and adorable children’s wear in Matisse-bright colors. Pickings here require a more selective eye (garment quality can be questionable), but the true finds are just that.

Dishevelled Chic
The look screams just-got-out-of-bed but don’t be fooled – bringing together the right blend of scruffy and sexy is definitely not a five-minute affair. Essential, too, are the right basics, though these are obtained easily enough at Yaya. Choose from the racks of slouchy American Vintage cotton-jersey tanks, tops and tees in marled grey, dirty navy and dusky black. There’s also a broad selection of artfully washed-out Da-Nang skirts, shorts and pants – the Californian label claims French-Vietnamese inspiration and more than its fair share of Hollywood fans. To add the appropriate amount of rock star bling make a stop at Replay. The cavernous boutique on the corner of rues Montmartre and Etienne Marcel faces Diesel on the opposite corner, both famed Italian streetwear labels attracting local hipsters with their sought-after denim. Equally lust-worthy are the artfully dishevelled tees and edgy jackets constructed from pre-worn and frayed fabrics. The only barrier to achieving just the right level of shaggily insouciant elegance may be the prices: dressing down, it would seem, doesn’t come cheap.

Sleekly Prim
Buttoned-up sex appeal is all about slim-line fits and slightly suggestive elegance, adjectives which perfectly described the range of modern classics at Claudie Pierlot. While some of the buttoned-up fashions appear a little schoolmarm-ish, close-fitting linen dresses and tailored pants are just the kind of quality basics this look requires. Add a little spice with transparent, pin-tucked blouses from Les Petites, the nearby boutique devoted to primly pretty separates at prices that won’t break the bank. To invoke a slightly edgier twist, drop in to Jack Henry. Hovering somewhere between street chic and funky elegance, this Paris-based New Yorker is an expert in sleek silhouettes that hug and flatter a woman’s form. While pieces like his knee-length camouflage shorts speak of the designer’s US roots, stellar knitwear and jackets with hidden detailing in palates of khaki and earth tones are giveaways to his adopted stomping ground.

Accessories
Let’s start with shoes. Specifically, the luxe selection of fancy footwear at 58m that’s enough to turn any female into a shoe shopping cliché. Run by two ex-Parisian fashion editors, the boutique stocks everything from Repetto ballet flats to Marc Jacobs’ quirkily cool offerings to killer Michel Vivien heels. Bags are also on display, though that would mean missing out on your special purchase up the street at Jack Gomme. Designed out of a studio in Paris’ 19th arrondissement by the talented Paul Droulers and Sophie Renier, the label has a knack for creating bags of low-level luxe with an individualistic twist – like a gorgeous cream canvas tote with spring green leather trim and a bright red poppy print. The perfect arm candy to port with those pretty broderie anglaise dresses that are everywhere this summer. The Montmartre boutique stands alone in Paris, though the dynamic duo enjoys international exposure with a store in New York and multiple locations in Japan. Somewhat less expansive though no less exciting is Zor, a jewellery boutique-come-atelier showcasing a diverse range of artisan-designed pieces. Resembling a cheerfully chaotic private dressing room, every inch of shelf space shimmers with everything from bold tribal rings and stunning baroque-inspired necklaces to delicate Victorian-esque pendants.

Lunchbreak
Just before diving in to the list of addresses above, it may be worth noting a couple of attractive eateries on and around rue Montmartre for when hunger pangs hit.

Eat Me
The focus here is on holistic nutrition, with the café’s PR claiming all pre-prepared salads, soups and sandwiches contain just the right mix of veggies, protein and healthy fats. True or not, there’s no faulting the freshness or the chic packaging.
38 rue Léopold Bellan
T: 01 42 36 18 28

Comptoir de la Gastronomie
Combining deli and bistro, this luxe epicerie specialises in offering only the best in authentic French and Italian produce. Meals are a delectable melange of the two cultures, with the 40-seat terrace offering a buzzy space for a lovely summer lunch.
34 rue Montmartre
T: 01 42 33 31 32

Alboustan
Very good falafel and delicious Lebanese salads for those looking for a quick and light lunch. The gents behind the counter are particularly charming.
21 rue Montorgueil
T: 01 40 41 02 40

Address Book:

Antoine et Lili
11 rue Montmartre
T : 01 40 13 08 22

Claudie Pierlot
1 rue Montmartre
T: 01 42 21 38 38

Diesel
21 rue Montmartre
T : 01 42 36 55 55

58m
58 rue Montmartre
T : 01 40 26 61 01

Jack Gomme
6 rue Montmartre
T : 01 40 41 10 24

Jack Henry
1 rue Montmartre
T : 01 42 21 46 01

Les Petites
3 rue Montmartre
T : 01 40 28 45 55

Manoush
12 rue du Jour
T : 01 44 88 28 08

Replay
36 rue Etienne-Marcel
T : 01 42 33 16 00

La Sensitive
65 rue Montmartre
T : 01 42 36 00 89

Yaya
55 rue Montmartre
T : 01 40 39 92 89

Zor
65 rue Montmartre
T : 01 40 41 12 70

Copyright Sarina Lewis