Paris is the capitol of shopping so of course it would be home to the first department store, Le Bon Marche. Housed in a building from the 19th century that on the left bank near Blvd St. Germain, Le Bon Marche is the most boutique like Grand Magasin in the city showcasing established as well as new designers. For avid shoppers this place is inspiring with so much charm.
Ciao Bello! Milan Fashion Week highlights from the Black and Paper. Never dull, the northern Italian city continues to assert itself as a fashion superpower with so many styles. The spirit of design is in the air. Designers who are inspired by characters of “Chic” is what gives creations a sexy flair. Milan affirms what it does, sexy on top of sexy.
Moreschi
So Milano Store with JW Anderson
Giuseppi Zanotti
10 Corso Como
10 Corso Como is a Milan Fashion Boutique in Milan founded in 1991 by Carla Sozzani. It is a fashion temple of atmosphere. Whether looking for the latest issue of Vogue or wanting a roof top café or the buying the latest creation from a young designer, all is combined in a relaxed setting.
While I was attending Milan Fashion Week for Men I managed to get an interview and tour.
How did the idea of a multi-functional space develop?
Before it became a store in 1991, this space was a car garage. Ms. Sozzani was the Editor in Chief of Special issues for Vogue, then Elle. She wanted to open something different, a living magazine but with a Biba (the famed 60’s/70’s London store) influence. At the time there was nothing similar. Also, we wanted to have the spirit of Milan.
What is 10 Corso Como’s definition of retail therapy?
Slow Shopping. This is a space to shop without stress, relaxing. The green area at the entrance, there are many free spaces and chairs to have a café and conversation or to read.
The aesthetics of the store.
The look was done Artist Kris Ruhs. He designed and planned the furniture and interior. Carla and Kris have had a long professional relationship.
And the selection process of items in the store, how is this decided?
Store buyers select items then they suggest them to Carla. She has the final “yes” or “no”. The boutique shows her personal touches. There are pieces from many designers.
In your opinion, why has Milan remained a fashion superpower?
The competition between fashion brands keeps everyone on their toes. We are close to Paris but we do not copy or repeat Milan has strong design, production aspects, and top level craftsmanship.
What is happening in fashion today?
The need to get the collections out immediately, the see now, buy now strategy is the topic, clients want it as soon as it comes off the runway.
How do you support new designers?
Carla encourages new designers. 10 Corso Como has competitions for designers from around the world to submit for a chance to get features in the store. The problem for young brands is resources to continue producing. Now, we have Marit Ilison from Ukraine, a collection using wool forged using very traditional techniques.
What is the future of 10 Corso Como?
Our shoppers expect the different. This store is about choices. There is always something fresh here; displays, looks. We have limited collection with brands and designers. We are beefing up the online presence but it has to be right in staying with 10 Corso Como’s narrative.
I got a personal tour of the store from. It is an inspiring location. There was a gorgeous Azzendine Alaia dress on display. I was told “you can always wear something beautiful.” This look was BEAUTIFUL. The Stephen Jones Hats were also a highlight. Dust Magazine had wearable pages in the form printed t-shirts.
Part of the store experience is going back to see what the teams have created, nothing stays, the dynamic is to refresh.
10 Corso Como is located at Corso Como 10 Milan.
Parisian Department Store Printemps celebrates its 150th anniversary. I had a tour of the beauty section and the main building for the Christmas Decorations.
If you need to be in the know while visiting Paris there is no better person to ask than Johanna from the W Hotel. After hours shopping, dinner on a roof top with a view of the city, or a private garden tour, she will make it happen.
What makes Paris a special city?
Paris is the most beautiful city in the world. Everybody wants to come to Paris to discover its special atmosphere. There is always something to do, to see, to discover, it does not matter the season. I love all the cliché things that make Paris on the most visited cities in the world. The old bistros, the small cobbled streets making you feel like you are in a village, the fresh markets, and the different architectural styles. And of course Paris is the fashion capital. The way people dress. A person can never get enough of this city.
Can you name your favorite eating spot?
I am wine lover, so Les Climats. It is a French restaurant established in an old house built by a woman who worked in a post office in Paris. I love the décor, the service and food. They only have wine from Burgundy. Les Climats just got a Michelin Star but it is still affordable.
The W Hotel has Coquette, a good place to have lunch or dinner in a friendly way. The whole menu is made in a health way. I really love the veggie burger with its pumpkin seeds bun and its mushroom steak. All the desserts are wonderful too!
Why do guests like the W hotel in Paris?
Guests come here because they like the design and atmosphere. We are in a historical building so we mixed the modern with the classic. As well, we are in central Paris, next to the famous department stores and across from the Opera House. The views from the rooms are great!
The hotel makes every guest feel like they are home. We have a Whenever/Where ever team. It means you ask for whatever you want, whenever you want and we will do our best to get it or arrange it.
Describe the shopping experience?
It depends on what the guest is looking for it. If we have a client who is an absolute fan of shoes I can provide exclusive access to the Louboutin store. The guest will have VIP access, a private room, a stylist to help with all they want.
What would you do if you were a tourist in Paris?
I would visit the Opera Garnier, a great monument. I would explore. There are many hidden gardens, roof tops, passages, and ornate door entrances.
The W Hotel is located in the center of Paris across from the Opera.
For images of the W Hotel and our video interview with Johanna go to our Google+ and Pinterest Sites.
For more information on W Hotel Opera Paris go to: www.wparisopera.com
Colette is a boutique in the heart of Paris with an electric mix of brands. located in the center of Parisone of the most influential stores in the fashion world with a loyal clientele shopping for the latest items from limited edition style looks to books or just a place to have a leisure cafe. But do not mistake it as a place for only “fashionistas”, Colette welcomes everyone.
An interview with Media Head Guillaume Salmon, Public Relations Director of Colette, Guillaume has worked for the store since 1999.
Why is Colette a special boutique?
There is a magical feeling here. It is a family store. Mademoiselle Collette and Sara, Creative Director and Buyer have their own feeling of style and fashion, it is from the heart no the bottom line. We never talk about targets. This is an independent store. So there is no pressure. Sara selects what she wants from collections. She can decide on selling one piece or more.
Another big part of the success is the human environment for human soul of Colette. This is not a store for only jet setters but for everyone. We are not snobbish but have an open door. All buyers can find something they can afford for either 1 euro or for thousands of euros from art to coffee.
The store likes to introduce special editions along with a good mix of exclusive releases. There are the famous brands with the young designers side by side.
How does the store stay on top of trends?
First, we are always curious. Sara is always working, looking. Designers contact us concerning collaborations.
Why do fashion designers and brands want to be here?
They like the way we work. For Paris it is important for them to be here. We had the Apple Watch on display before the launch, the first in France.
Describe the store environment
Since 1997, we have had the same location on Rue Saint-Honore. We change the windows and displays every week. We tell stories. It is very important. There are many events and releases in the store. (Side Note: While wondering through the store I asked the staff many questions. They were friendly as well as informative.)
Who are the clients?
Many French of course, but from all over the world. Like I said, we are for everyone. We select and they like, we like.
Street culture lines are big launches. Sometimes people sleep in front of the store. Once when we launched sneakers we had a person sleep in their car for two days. (Side Note: The day of this interview coincided with the first day of sales for the Kayne West collection at the store. There was a long line at the door.)
Where is fashion going at the moment?
Fashion is a huge business. There will always be luxury brands like Dior and Hermes. Those brands are like a dream. The way a person feels while wearing them.
The traditional brands are doing collaborations with chain stores like Uniqlo and H&M. The looks are well designed while affordable.
Many new young designers are building their own brands. People want something different, new, and fresh.
Are there any exciting brands on the scene?
Vetements has a big buzz. The brand bridges streetwear and high fashion well tastefully. People were excited. We bought the second collection.
Do you have a favorite designer?
OAMC for menswear, two guys merged fashion and streetwear using nice material. I liked Adam Kimmel but he stopped designer. Off White from Virgil Obloh is good, streetwear. He worked with Kayne West as a fashion consultant.
I like Buscemi Sneakers.
See our collection of images @ Google+
or @ Pinterest
Colette is located at 213 Rue Saint Honore, Paris.
For more information go to: www.colette.fr
I used the Canon EOS M3 for to make images and video on my trip to Paris. This is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Nice design and more importantly lightweight for handling. This was a key feature for me running around Paris for appointments; weight fatigue was not an issue because camera weighed around 4 grams.
I made over 1200 pictures in 3 days. Image quality was sharp using the 18 to 55 mm kit lens and 24 megapixels sensors.
Video specs were 1080/30p. The quality was up to par for my tasks for on camera interviews. The in camera microphone was satisfactory but I recommend an external microphone for interviewing.
Battery life is long lasting but in AF and video settings expect a shorter time expectancy.
I slipped the M3 in and out of my bag, many times taking pictures on the go, briefly stopping to take snapshots of store windows. The grip was balanced and comfortable.
The Canon Menu Mode Dial as well as a 3 inch interface touchscreen, flips outward for easy use even in selfie mode. There is Wifi capability for remote wireless control and image transfer using your iOS or Android smartphone.
Overall the EOS M3 is a good camera
Random street images from Paris using the EOS M3
For more images visit us @ Pinterest and Google+
Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann is famous the world over for offering unique experiences to shoppers. The 65.000 square meter department store located in the center of Paris is a delight for the fashion senses with selections ranging from luxury to affordable.
Black and Paper received a guided tour of the store before the Christmas Rush. The store decorations are inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The Five Story tall Christmas Tree in the main hall is decorated with round shaped colored ornaments in different sizes symbolizing planets with lights and displays representing the galaxy.
France is a country known for world class cuisine. Galeries Lafayette Maison and Gourmet is designed for living with delicacies from all over the world spread over 5 themed floors.
The First Floor is home to La Cave with 20.000 bottles of wine along-side 300 brands of Champagne. The Bordeauxtheque houses nine of the greatest wines from the region: Margaux, Latour, Lafite and Mouton Rothchild, La Mission, Cheval Blanc, Petrus, Yquem, and Haut-Brion.
There are 14 food outlets serving everything from Pizza to Vegetarian cuisine. The second floor is the setting for a Chic dinning engagement from Alain Ducasse’s Ecole De Cuisine. A cooking school where guests to experiment and try recipes from the famed chef.
On the second floor are kitchen and tableware settings for the perfect home dinning affair
The third floor is for revitalizing the body with items for the bedroom, bathroom and tea infusions from Bar a Tisanes.
Customer service was good. I spoke to a number of sales people in the different areas, all responded with enthusiasm along with a passion for their products.
For more information go to: www.http://www.galerieslafayette.com/
Nouveau Chic
Galeries Lafayette is shopping emporium combining a sparking array of items to fit every style and taste. Founded 120 years ago Galeries Lafayette is a department known for innovation and passion towards fashion. This season has seen the introduction of the retailer’s latest creative approach: Nouveau Chic /New Chic.
New Chic is about living life to the fullest while being comfortable and confident while blending fashion styles to create unique looks. A number of designers have joined Galeries Lafayette for exclusive items including Rochas, See by Chloe, Top Shop, Julien David, and Kookai. Various labels have been combined under single labels to include Comptoir Galeries Lafayette for Men and Galeries Lafayette Paris for women.
New faces representing New Chic include famed choreographer Les Twins: Laurent and Larry Bourgeois along with models Anais Mali and Camille Rowe and chef Pierre Jancou.
For more information on the Nouveau Chic click here for Galeries Lafayette.