L'Eclaireur - Faubourg Saint Honoré (Paris, France)

Unlike Colette, where fashion items are displayed like works of art, L'Eclaireur presents actual art amidst racks of clothing and furniture. This is the concept store that brought some of today's hottest designers and artists to the French mainstream. What started out as one boutique on the Champs Élysées has now evolved into 5 standalone boutiques throughout Paris.

The location on rue Boissy is the newest store,which also houses a chic cafe/bar. The shop has a bit of an industrial-loft feel, with high ceilings and lots of steel. The fashion you will find here is definitely not low-key though. The main floor offers everything from intricate Giambattista Valli gowns to tailored Givenchy blazers, all from the current season of course. Further along, towards the back, I found a whole section of evening dresses and accessories, including bags I'd never seen before. I found out from the sales assistant, that some of these purses were in fact designed by a Fendi daughter (for Carmina Campus). They had a great collection of Zagliani bags as well.

The main attraction for me however was the furniture and decor that was visibly on display. A miniature Chrysler building and other architectural pieces from Timothy Richards caught my eye, before I could even start browsing the clothes. One entire wall near the entrance is covered with artist Piero Fornaseti plates - printed with Lina Cavalieri's face - a very popular design, as I eventually noticed once I went up a level and realized there was a whole range of his homeware and chairs with the same print. The mid-level, where the bistro is located, also features a good selection of other decor items, including cushions, place mats and printed cupboards, as well as beautiful jewelry by Rosa Maria and Catherine Michiels.

Up another half-level I found even more unique furniture - such as the very practical bookshelf-chair, additional designer clothes and a lacquered shelf filled with shoes. You're not bound to spend lots of money here, unless you're loaded or looking for a specific item by a favorite designer, but I'd definitely recommend this place if you want something a little different than your average multi-brand boutique.

(individual images: L'Eclaireur homepage)

Address: 12 rue Boissy d’Anglas, 75008 Paris
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 11:00-19:00
L'Eclaireur Homepage