The Indie Shopping Guide to Paris
Paris is the undisputable global fashion capital when it comes to big brands and luxury goods, but what about shopping small and independent? Having just returned from a fashion-filled week in the city of lights, with wintery walks down the Champs Elysees admiring Chanel flagship stores and hours spent admiring the Christian Dior exhibition (read my review of the highlights here), I thought I'd round up the best indie shops in Paris to visit if you're looking to explore beyond the big chains.
Ekyog
I was so pleased when I stumbled upon Ekyog, a small collective of boutiques throughout the city that champion all things ethical fashion. Offering a wide selection of beautiful curated sustainable womenswear pieces, this place is a paradise for eco-fashion addicts looking for something a little more sophisticated and stylish.
23 Rue des Francs Bourgeois/1 Rue Montmartre/33 Rue Beaurepaire/30 Rue Tronchet
Chinemachine
The tagline for this treasure trove of a vintage shop is 'We're cheap so you don't have to be', which couldn't be more apt. The most affordable store we found on our Parisian adventure, Chinemachine is a cult hub for fashionistas of all genders who want to stand out from the crowd with quirky retro finds and second-hand designer goodies.
100 Rue des Martyrs
Abou D'abi Bazar
With a vast selection of both local and international fashion brands, these concept stores with luxurious interiors are filled with deliciously styled head-to-toe looks for the modern Parisienne.
33 Rue du Temple/59 Rue des Francs Bourgeois/15 Rue Soufflot
Kilo Shop
Any fans of the Kilo vintage fairs that regularly travel up and down the UK will be familiar with the concept of paying for second-hand garments by weight and Paris has a permanent fixture doing just that. Be prepared to rummage for the really good quality product, as much is not worth the price tag, so be a wise vintage purveyor when trailing the dozens of rails and shelves!
25 Boulevard Saint-Germain/69-71 Rue de la Verrerie
Antoine et Lili
Antoine and Lili is a pretty pink boutique that offers an intriguing collection of whimsical womenswear cute kids clothing and delectable home accessories and decor, including a capsule inspired by the life and work Frida Kahlo.
51 Rue des Francs Bourgeois/87 rue de Seine/17 Rue du Jour/95 Quaii de Valmy/90 rue des Martyrs
Chiffon et Basile
Chiffon et Basile is a quirky little boutique run by a costume designer, combining a young, innovative and creative spirit with the experience of the performing arts. The shop is open to creators and artists to host their collections and exhibitions, and offers styling services for individuals, for all genres and all prices.
86 Rue des Martyrs
www.facebook.com/Chiffonbasile
Zeit
Specialising in ethically sourced ready-to-wear, as well as made-to-measure and recyclable 'circular economy' wardrobes, Zeit Paris-Berlin is a beautifully branded boutique with a supremely stylish and sustainable offering.
70 Rue des Martyrs
Hippy Market
One of the best shops we visited in Paris, the Hippy Market is a vast cornucopia of men's and women's vintage fashion from every era as well as a range of eco-friendly and recycled clothing, featuring an incredible collection of denim that is not to be missed.
41 Rue du Temple