MERDE Feature: Paris Vintage
by Victoria Nergaard
Born in Paris, the French capital will always have MERDE magazine’s heart. As the so-called number one fashion destination in the Western hemisphere, Parisians and visitors to the city alike agree that shopping is a primal priority when touring the streets.
Though Paris is host to endless couturiers, rising indie designers and concept stores serving new styles from around the globe, the cities’ vintage selection cannot be missed. After all, with it’s greater demographic of luxury and sub-luxury shoppers, your chances of scoring an iconic second-hand item at a fraction of it’s original price increases tenfold. Paris is our next stop on MERDE’s vintage tour du monde, let us introduce you to some game changing shops from affordable finds to wallet killing prices…
With three shops located in the Marais neighborhood of the city, Nice Piece puts a streetwear spin on classically vintage styles. Its’ minimalist black store fronts contrast with the energetic selection of pieces inside, ranging from animal print jackets, to 80’s embellished dresses, to leather in every silhouette imaginable. Curated by passionate fashion lovers and makers, the shop’s neat black racks feature something incredibly unique for every taste.
Chinemachine’s welcoming attitude and sense of community makes for an easy-going shopping experience every time. Think rifling through your middle school best friends closet and selecting your faves, but make it fashion. Chinemachine doesn’t take itself seriously, offering basics like vintage tees and jeans, all the way to 80s prom dresses and campy candy colored tutus. This is a shop where you go to find a statement piece. And best of all, Chinemachine is a consignment shop, meaning you can take in old pieces of your own to be sold and loved by someone new. Climate change hates her!
Though she be small, she is mighty. Wedged between countless other favorite vintage shops in the Sentier, this 2nd arrondissement vintage shop is always harboring pleasant surprises. A basement brimming with jackets in leather, wool, suede, denim and more is a highlight for the transitional dressing lover, but Bobby doesn’t shy away from stocking bright and bold garments. The upstairs racks spill over with blouses, dresses and more in inspiring prints, and Bobby’s shoe selection is consistently incredibly unique. I rarely walk out empty handed.
Don’t be fooled by the monochromatic deep grey storefront and interior walls of this Republique vintage shop, the inside is overflowing with a rainbow of treasures. The name being a tongue-in-cheek reference to founder Sylvie Chateigner’s days as a nightclub bouncer hints to the party inside, which is unsurprising considering Chateigner initially funded her shop via hosting underground house-music dance parties. This expansive location houses hundreds of one-of-a-kind styles, as well as a café and exhibition space, building a clientele base that keeps coming back. In addition to vintage, Thanx God also produces its own small batch, made in Paris line, pushing its limits as a vintage retailer, but keeping sustainability in mind. Thanx God fuses classic and playful silhouettes, cementing itself as a must visit vintage shop.
Kiliwatch is a shop of infinite opportunity. Located in the vintage district of the 2nd arrondisSement of Paris, it’s both a ‘concept’ store offering chic, new wears by a variety of popular and young designers, as well as an expansive selection of vintage fashion across every style identity. Kiliwatch is also notorious for upcycling - turning vintage fabrics into new blouses, dresses, and more. Oh, and trust me when I say there’s few better places to find vintage denim in the city than Kiliwatch’s back denim room.
While Chercheminippes founder Claude Thibault-Higman claims that her shop is nothing new or remarkable, (to quote Claude, “fashion consignment dates back to the 18th century in Paris in Palais Royal”), the boutique is an absolute pillar of the Parisian community. Thibault-Higman started the shop after requiring an extensive wardrobe to attend professional events with her husband despite having minimal financial resources to do so, learning the art of ‘French Fripe’ firstly as a client. The curated and immaculately-organized shop has a luxury feel and is well-sorted by brand, directing you to your next big vintage find.
The exclusive appointment only store that’s worth the semi-pretentious hype - Pretty Box is a cabinet of treasures. The fancy marble exterior covets an extensive selection of collectable pieces ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s. The most important review from a certain Jason L on Yelp must be shared: “Sarah and Nico are the most lovely people with the utmost coolest eye for vintage. Their selection is literally the finest in the world out of every shop I have been to. Respect this, be polite, make an appointment and don't be so crass and self important. This isn't just a "shop" if you truly love, and are willing to pay the best prices for the coolest vintage, their shop will be your heaven. Come on Americans, a little sil vous plait, pardon, and merci goes a long way.” If you aren’t already intimidated by luxury clothing, the opportunity for ascension to heaven heaven is an added pressure.
For the boho-chic shopper, Rose Market Vintage is a truly special shop located in the 9th Arrondissement. Handpicked with love by Florence Haddad since 2011, the store features exclusively french designers. For those Francophiles scrolling across the pond, you’re in luck! While there’s nothing like the sensory experience of touching and trying on a vintage garment, Rose Market does offer international shipping from their online store.
EN VOITURE SIMONE…
An influencer favorite for Parisiennes and beyond, En Voiture Simone… is a prime location to source luxury and sub luxury pieces from archival collections at pre-loved prices. Simone’s vintage curators flex their fashion knowledge, selecting relevant and memorable pieces that can make a statement, or style effortlessly with near everything you own. The fresh retail space, located at 6 rue du perche near the Picasso Museum, dares to fill the empty space in your wardrobe with dreams come true.
IMAGE CREDITS:NicePiece https://www.facebook.com/Nice-Piece-Officiel-423818271015461/photos/4011260962271156Bobby https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bobby-paris-2?select=W_mK3c69S3DkYdo89Q7JHAChinemachine https://www.pagesjaunes.fr/pros/51553812ThanxGod https://fr.fashionnetwork.com/news/Thanx-god-i-m-a-vip-ouvre-une-boutique-dediee-a-l-homme,1135331.htmlChercheminippes https://www.visitparisregion.com/en/chercheminippesKiliwatch https://www.shopenauer.com/en/store/kiliwatch-parisPrettyBox http://www.thevintedge.com/en/friperies/54-pretty-box-.htmlEn Voiture Simone... direct