Designer shopping in Paris

Shopping in one of the fashion capitals of the world is every fashionista’s dreams. If you are lucky enough to make it to Paris and spend at least a day shopping there I’ll make things easier for you by guiding you to the best designer addresses in Paris. Even if the only landmark you know in Paris is the Eiffel tower, here you will find the best designers shops in Paris marked in a map for easy access to help you plan your shopping spree along with opening times and the nearest metro stations to get there.

Pay special attention to opening times because some designer houses have a late morning opening on Mondays while other houses like Lacoste offer late evening opening during the weekends. I have included the exact opening times here so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Paris has always been a fashion centre, a place where fashion designers thrive.  There is New York, Tokyo, London, Milan, but Paris will always be Paris... If you love luxury and French refinement keep reading, below you will find some of the most classic houses that have given Paris its worldwide reputation in haute couture.  

On 8 October 1946 Christian Dior founded his own fashion house, the rest is history. His first collection, presented in early 1947 gave birth to the phrase New Look. The New Look which emphasised a woman’s curvaceous silhouette revolutionized women's fashion and re-established Paris as the centre of the fashion world after World War II.

Still located in its original building, Dior’s house is a historic place in the fashion industry. Nowadays as well as haute couture, the house covers prêt-à-porter for men and women, perfumes and accessories. Here you will be able to appreciate the talent of Dior’s artistic director John Galliano.

Baby Dior

Paris is not only a symbol of fashion for men and women, since 2007 Dior widened his horizons opening two new boutiques specialising in children’s prêt-à-porter. You can find the two boutiques next to each other; number 26, avenue Montaigne caters for babies and number 28 caters for children aged 2 to 12. If you happen to stop by, do not forget the “must have” Jack Russell cuddly toy designed in honour of John Galliano’s dog!

It was back in 1933 that René Lacoste presented his famous « polo ». Nowadays, Lacoste is still a symbol of casual elegance and style. Do not forget to check out the new Lacoste Red collection inspired by the sixties and designed by Christophe Lemaire.

This is one of the few designer shops which offer late openings during the weekends, so you can take advantage of this and visit it last after all the other designer shops have closed.

Yves Saint Laurent

You couldn’t talk about Paris fashion without mentioning the legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent. The House which changed prêt a porter fashion for women is still active under the artistic direction of Stefano Pilati, who follows the tradition of elegance and luxury of Yves Saint Laurent.

Balenciaga

Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga opened his Paris couture house on Avenue George V in August 1937 since then his designs were very sought after. Nowadays, although in the same premises, the house of Balenciaga is owned by the French multinational company PPR. Following tradition, in 2010, Balenciaga’s artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière goes back to the basic codes of elegance of the brand by adding a futuristic view of elegance to the house of Balenciaga.

Check out the video below to delight yourself in Balenciaga’s Autumn/Winter 2010/2011 collection.

Every fashion lover has to visit a Chanel store at least once.  Visiting Chanel’s store on rue Cambon is like discovering the history of fashion.  A house created by Coco Chanel during the 1910s, the brand is still an emblem of French luxury.  Here you will be able to appreciate the work of Chanel’s artistic director Karl Lagerfeld.

If you are craving for French eccentricity do not miss John Galliano’s boutique. Spread over two floors, Galliano invites you to discover his collections for women, men and children. A place not to be missed as it reflects the taste and personality of Galliano himself.

Prada

Founded in 1913, Prada is one of the most well known houses in Paris. Miuccia Prada, has developed a prêt-à-porter collection which makes of Prada an affordable yet very chic name to wear.

Didier Ludot

If you are after vintage clothing, Didier Ludot is the place to go At Ludot’s you can find rare pieces, collectable items in a mixture of vintage and luxury. Here you will be able to find unique pieces in mint condition regardless of their age.

Shopping and tax refunds

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