Montaigne Market
Where? Montaigne Market is easy to find given its location on Avenue Montaigne, just off Paris' Champs-Elysees, an area luxury brands such as Dior and Prada call home. Nestled among a clutch of single-brand facades, this multimarque space is a one-stop shop for those with broader horizons. Its offerings to the area's seasoned shoppers are unusually eclectic.
Who? Opened last year, Montaigne Market is the brainchild of Liliane Jossua and Alain Celhay, who have combined their knowledge, love of travel and eye for cutting-edge designs. Jossua has a fine fashion pedigree, having established two Calypso stores in St Barts, in the Caribbean, while Celhay is a big name in Monaco's fashion scene.
Fashion finds: the 4,000 sq ft space is home to about 80 labels sourced from around the world.
Up-and-coming US brands such as Libertine, Thomas Wylde and Behnaz Sarafpour hang alongside venerated veterans such as Lanvin, Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs and Temperley London. The prices are a reflection of the kind of shoppers who stroll the avenue's hallowed footpaths: a Neal Sperling slouchy cotton singlet will set you back Euro200 (HK$1,950). One-of-a-kind jewellery pieces are scattered throughout, along with a few menswear brands, including Galliano and Evidence of Evolution.
The vibe: architect Johannes Zingerle created the Zen-like white-walled space, ornamented with touches of lacquer and leather. Airy and bright yet with a cosy feel in each alcove, the unusual layout attracts young, savvy customers looking for a new shopping experience.
The crowd: due to the location, droves of foreigners and tourists visit to check out the latest merchandise while fashion editors and stylists pop in to source must-haves for editorials.
Extras: Jossua travels extensively and it isn't unusual to find Indian hand-embroidered pieces by Megan Park next to a pair of Tsubi jeans from Australia.
Montaigne Market is at 57 Avenue Montaigne, 8th arrondisement, Paris, tel: 33 1 4256 0282.
