Noir Kennedy (Paris, France)

In the spirit of all things gory and grisly, I thought I'd share something a little more Halloween appropriate, even if this event isn't celebrated in France. The first boutique that crossed my mind when I thought 'horror' was Noir Kennedy, a set of two vintage boutiques located in the heart of the Marais district. While I'm usually not the best vintage shopper - I get too overwhelmed and lack the patience to sort through racks and racks of clothes - this store is perfect due to its compact size, unique interior and carefully edited selection.

Noir Kennedy vintage looks (images: Noir Kennedy).

What drew me in the first time I passed Noir Kennedy was the glimpse I caught of the store interior: black coffins were placed in the shop window, while skulls could be found on shelves along with bottles and vials of fake blood. Intrigued, I stepped into the boutique only to be greeted by a mishmash of goth and punk memorabilia. Founded by Sebastien de Jaegher (aka Joon) and his partner Flora in 2004, Noir Kennedy is a result of their love of 70s rock music. Frustrated at not being able to find clothes they liked in their hometown of Paris and tired of having to constantly travel to London to find items they wanted to wear, the couple created both a second-hand outlet and a line of clothing under the same name. Though they initially had trouble financing their business via investors due to their young age, Noir Kennedy soon garnered a lot of attention thanks to the unique items they stocked, such as April 77 and Cheap Monday jeans or the large selection of vintage rock t-shirts.

Outside Noir Kennedy: coffins in the window (left) and images of the Kennedy men - the Kennedy's dark family history inspired the boutique name.

Overview of the well-stocked but easy to navigate store. Note the bats on the ceiling.

A Vespa on display along with men's shoes (left). Nearby, an antique pram filled with accessories and a human skull (right).

In 2006, the more goth-inspired larger boutique (the one featured here) followed and while it may resemble a store version of a horror house, you'll soon realize that the scary props are probably a little tongue-in-cheek. The first few times I visited, music from the likes of The Cure, Joy Division or The Cramps would be blaring from the speakers, but on occasion - and this included my visit last week - you'll also get a dose of cheesy pop music, which included non-stop playback of Paula Abdul and LL Cool J songs (from the late 80s). The same applies to the clothing. Yes, there are plenty of looks to channel your inner punk/skater/metal-head, whether it's the leather jackets, plaid shirts, Metallica tees or torn denim, but in the middle of all this, I actually found a Liz Claiborne dress and preppy blazers to name a few.

The very cool British phone booth changing rooms, surrounded by a coffin cupboard and schoolboy blazers.

More useful coffins serving as mirrors and displays.

So much to look at... including chic fur coats (above), a leopard print number and red boots.

Safe to say, the selection is for everyone, and Noir Kennedy staff will be the first to tell you their clientele ranges from teenagers to grandmothers. Among the usual hipsters in skinny jeans, giggling at the painted bats on the ceiling or making a point to use the London phone booth changing rooms (my personal favorite among the props), you'll find some serious vintage freaks, stylists, upcoming designers and tourists among the eager shoppers. The Vespa adorned with men's shoes near the entrance is another highlight, along with the antique pram filled with scarves, belts and yet another skull. Second-hand items can be found between brand new gear from Noir Kennedy's own label or the large range of other hip brands such as Merc, Harrington or Keednim.

Morbid trinkets, incl. skulls, preserved butterflies, false teeth and fake blood.

Band t-shirts from The Cramps or Nirvana, along with varsity jackets and chunky knits.

If you don't fancy the bloody white gown, there's always a range of leather jackets or silk blouses.

Clever use of coffins include one that has been transformed into a mirror and others that are used as shelves or display cases. This time around, I noticed a fantastic selection of faux fur jackets and military coats. The space near the cash desk featured some beautifully made handbags in shades of tan, brand-new Cheap Monday and April 77 jeans and the very cool vintage pinball machine. But of course it's the creepy stuff that ends up being the most interesting: aside from the aforementioned skulls and blood, there's the (fake) blood-stained wedding dress, dead rats, false teeth, preserved butterflies and more droplets of pseudo blood on clothes hangers.

Looking for fab accessories, I found cute tan bags and matching belts in a drum.

The fully functioning pinball machine near the Cheap Monday selection (left) and vintage Levis on a table (right).

More cool accessories on the cash desk (right) and overview of that area (left). Droplets of fake blood on hangers (above).

If you're not into the slightly morbid, don't let the interiors deter you. I've always found the selection here to be very eclectic and the prices are good (for Paris). The smaller sister store, which is sleek, white and more toned down, can be found a few steps away and a concept store in Bordeaux has just been opened as well. Though the official website is currently under construction, Noir Kennedy also stocks their goodies online, so check back soon if you want to shop vintage with a cool unique spin.

More looks from the vintage selection (images: Noir Kennedy).

Address: 12 & 22 rue du roi de Sicile, 75004 Paris
Opening Hrs: Mon: 13:00-20:00, Tue-Sat: 11:00-20:00, Sun: 14:00-20:00
Noir Kennedy Homepage