A journey through Parisian concepts

“A Journey through Parisian Concepts” -. Concept store – the new meaning of luxury The idea of concept stores originated as an alternative to shopping malls, boutiques and  luxury products – which have become available in bulk.  What distinguishes concept stores is primarily the availability of unique products  in small quantities and the frequency of opening. Usually the founders of such places are trendhunters who make a meticulous selection of the assortment according to their chosen criteria. One of the most common is to look for niche brands that offer products with great design potential. These include unique clothing collections, furniture and items designed for the home. However, the concepts are distinguished not only by the products they offer, but also by their vision of creating experiences. The entire shopping ritual is guided by the idea of fun and a journey of inspiration and excitement based on sensory experiences. For me, concept stores take the form of intimate places for true connoisseurs of excitement, uniqueness and seasoned design. It is simply something that provides fantasy, but also gives new meaning to the concept of luxury.

A sense of uniqueness is an unquestionable determinant that every woman follows. From their appearance, to their passions, hobbies, and experiences. The Sézane concept is also characterized by such an indicator. A journey through Parisian concepts can’t be complete without this point on the map. Located at 1 rue Saint Ficare, Sézane is not only a place of the most sublime fashion, but also a place that French women are crazy about. Walking through the charming streets, it is not uncommon to see a smiling Parisian woman strolling with a Sézane bag. Designer packaging, which allows for repeated yet tasteful use, is slowly coming into favor in women’s fashion. More and more women are swapping the famous fabric bags, for those paper bags signed by their favorite brand. Sézane also embodies this vision in its brand concept. The whole ritual of packing products is like a celebration of an aptly made decision. Each product that ended up in your hands gets a separate package, which then find their place in a large paper bag, tied with a subtle turquoise ribbon. However, what contributes to Sézane’s uniqueness is its history. The concept took its name from a combination of the shortened members of the owner’s last name and first name – Morgane Sézalory. He draws inspiration for his work and creation from his memories, emotions, and remembered images from his family stay in Kinshasa, the capital of the Republic of Congo. In this way, during the year there are two main, original collections of women’s clothing and accessories  appearing in March and September. Collections abound with items for the home, beauty, daily life, as well as unique editions of books. The values of Sézane are first and foremost unprecedented service, which manifests itself at the entrance in the form of a concierge, as well as the highest quality fabrics, an obsession with the perfect cut and originality.

Journey through Parisian concepts – next stop. The map of French luxury houses certainly cannot miss Maison Sarah Lavoine – a concept with a Polish accent. Its founder, Sarah Lavoine, is a Polish woman with a princely title, descended from the family of the last king of Poland – Stanislaw August Poniatowski. Sarah Poniatowski grew up by the side of her father Jean Poniatowski – who was editor-in-chief of French Vogue – and her mother Sabine Marchal – a well-known interior designer, whom she followed. In 2002, she opened her own brand, designing both private and commercial interiors. At the Maison Sarah Lavoine concept, we can purchase furniture and  accessories for the home in a colonial style with a hint of French idyll. Lavoine perfectly combines vintage style with modernity in its designs. The concept is preserved in the form of arranged rooms, which are characterized by luscious colors in shades of intense blue, green, turquoise and white. Their styling is complemented by furniture made of fine materials and rattan and wicker elements. Lavoine’s style can be described as simple, but complemented by extravagant elements characteristic of French interiors. Today, Sarahy Lavoine’s work is described as synonymous with Parisian taste, contemporary aesthetics and craftsmanship of excellence.

The third concept, which is marked by an unmistakable manifesto of life, is the one belonging to a married couple – Bernard and Marie-France Cohen. Located on the outskirts of the artistic Marais district, the concept “Merci” is a praise of a life where talent and creativity reign supreme. The three-story floor that houses Merci is the space left over from an old wallpaper factory, which was transformed in 2009 into a place for projects by young, independent designers. In addition to clothing and jewelry for men and women, Merci’s product line primarily offers furniture and accessories for the home. This is another concept that combines vintage style with modernity in a transparent way, showing current trends. Also of particular note is the brand’s history of collaboration with world-renowned designers, which included the following. Isabel Marant, or Stella McCartney. A journey through Parisian concepts, the Merci concept, arranged in an area of 1500 sqm, conceals in its interiors an intimate restaurant with a garden  – La Cantine de merci – and a café – Used Books. As the name suggests, the café is where you won’t be able to resist France’s greatest writers. However, the uniqueness of the concept is underscored by its mission. It is based on philanthropic activities aimed at improving the living conditions and education of children. An example of this is a collection of bracelets with pendants signed with the phrase “Merci,” the profits from which are donated to charity. This is not only a brand’s CSR activity, but also an initiative to help others, as well as to remember one of the most important buddha principles – gratitude.

French concepts are certainly one of those places where we can take a moment of inspiration, as well as learn about current trends. But what is most intriguing is their history and the emotions they stimulate. Why not try them along with your afternoon café au lait?