Immerse yourself in the world of department stores
At the forefront of Parisian fashion since their inception, department stores are also showcasing a shift towards sustainable consumption. For the past five years, an entire floor of Printemps Haussmann, the ‘7e Ciel’, has been dedicated to second-hand women’s fashion and accessories. Vintage pieces from luxury houses, pop-up stores, a buy-back service and a terrace with a 180° view of the Eiffel Tower, the Opéra Garnier and the rooftops of Paris: covering 1,200 m², it is the largest space dedicated to circularity in France!
Also a member of Paris Good Fashion, which has just launched the second edition of its international citizen consultation, the Galeries Lafayette group launched the Go for Good label in 2018, bringing together French-made products with a lower environmental impact, supporting local production or contributing to social development. At the heart of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, the (RE)STORE GALERIES LAFAYETTE is something of a symbol of this commitment: dedicated to second-hand goods and circular fashion, this 500m² space allows customers to buy, sell and recycle their products, as well as learn how to better care for and preserve them.
This is also the spirit behind the BIEN programme for Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche’s ‘Belles Initiatives Engagées’. Among the services forming part of a circular approach are the Alteration Workshop and the Watchmaking Workshop, as well as in-house collections designed with the support of Nona Source, a platform for reusing fabrics left over from the LVMH group’s haute couture houses.
Choose brands that are committed to sustainability
Fancy buying a tote bag made from upholstery fabric from an iconic Parisian hotel? Head to the Ritz Paris boutique! Following on from its jewellery collection made from fragments of porcelain tableware, this prestigious establishment—certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council—has devised a way to transform curtains, bed valances, cushions and other precious fabrics into bags. Everything is handmade and embroidered, and numbered, for the ultimate touch of luxury!
A capital of exceptional craftsmanship, Paris is renowned for the excellence of its fine jewellery. Whether historic or contemporary, the houses are committed to a sustainable model, much like Chaumet.
A member of the Swiss Better Gold Association (SBGA), which supports artisanal mines in their sustainable development, this historic jeweller on Place Vendôme has just launched a new pendant made from 100% traceable gold sourced responsibly – the first example of a virtuous model set to be extended across all collections.
Recycled gold sourced from appraised pieces and transformed into 24-carat pure gold ingots, natural gemstones and certified-origin diamonds… The young jewellery house Mazarin has, for its part, committed to a circular and traceable approach, just like Maison Rouvenat, which is reimagining its founder’s creations using recycled gold and silver.
In the world of fashion and accessories, concept stores are setting themselves apart through their responsible approach, such as L’Habit Français with its chic creations 100% made in mainland France, available at its concept store in Saint-Germain-des-Prés; wedressfair, whose selected brands must meet three criteria (respect for people, care for the planet, integrity and values); and Merci, which donates a portion of its profits to children’s charities. Formerly a supplier of upholstery fabrics and wallpaper, its historic Parisian boutique is a vibrant hub combining furniture, home textiles, women’s and men’s fashion, lifestyle and dining, much like the Used Book Café, lined with second-hand books, offering a gourmet break between shopping sessions.
Take part in second-hand fairs
Want to buy second-hand tableware from the capital’s most iconic establishments whilst supporting a charitable cause? Look no further than La Vaisselle des Chefs, an event born out of a desire to combine responsible consumption with a celebration of French craftsmanship. Every year, hundreds of unique items (over 20,000 at the last event) from around fifteen prestigious establishments (Plaza-Athénée, Meurice, Mandarin Oriental Paris, Les Deux Magots, Le Scribe Paris Opéra…) change hands over the course of a weekend. Much to the delight of shoppers, who can treat themselves to Limoges porcelain tableware or silverware bearing the hallmarks of the finest establishments, whilst helping young people in need: a portion of the proceeds is donated to the Fondation Apprentis d’Auteuil.
Another flagship event for circular shopping is the Salon du Vintage, held every spring with a curated selection of haute couture items, accessories and timepieces, this year featuring major Parisian houses such as Chanel, Hermès, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Cartier, including iconic limited-edition models… An unmissable event for fashion addicts!
Also worth keeping an eye on is the calendar of La Caserne, Europe’s largest incubator for ethical and sustainable fashion, housed in a former fire station in the 10th arrondissement, which organises pop-up events and wardrobe clear-outs from time to time.
The Ducasse Baccarat restaurant, located in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, has been awarded the prestigious Prix Versailles, which each year recognises the world’s most beautiful establishments for their architecture, design and overall experience. This international distinction honours a place where gastronomy interacts with art and heritage.
In this exclusive interview, Didier Fusillier reveals what goes on behind the scenes at the Réunion des Musées Nationaux – Grand Palais and the spectacular rebirth of this architectural gem. Between heritage and bold vision, he outlines the future of an exceptional monument with international appeal.
With a Michelin star and four Gault&Millau toques, Le PUR’ has been given a new lease of life at the heart of the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. An intimate and refined restaurant, redesigned by artist Hugo Toro, where chef Jean-François Rouquette showcases exceptional produce with precision and emotion.
