Where to Find the Best Gifts in Paris, According to One French Fashion Insider
When it comes to holiday shopping, there may be no more fitting destination than Paris, that inimitable sartorial haven (and heaven!) where even the most banal of objets—a wool sweater; a bouquet of flowers—come with a certain panache. Here to guide you through the city’s most special offerings is Sarah de Mavaleix, a born-and-bred Parisienne who lends her exacting taste to the pages of the Paname-based magazine, The Skirt Chronicles.
Below, the soigné stylist curates a handful of pitch-perfect gifts to give and get in the City of Lights: a men’s nightshirt that doubles as a dress, a Japanese massage sure to ease any post-party discomfort, the patchwork Hermès tote at the top of her own carefully curated wishlist, and more.
Charvet
Charvet is the oldest and most traditional shirt maker and also my favorite shop: the silk scarves, elasticated belts, men’s nightgowns that you can wear as dresses, the slippers, of course, and the colorful shirts. I’m actually dreaming about a new shirt from there. Fingers crossed!
Toraya
We’re very lucky to have a Toraya in Paris. (The original location is in Kyoto near Maruyama Park.) It’s unique and there’s nothing better than the matcha and cakes! I hope that I can spend an afternoon there soon.
Castor Fleuriste
An arrangement made for you by Louis Géraud is always the best gift you can receive. More than just a flower shop, you can also discover amazing works of pottery artists here.
Le Vif
It’s never been so easy to find the perfect denim thanks to my friend Gauthier Borsarello’s vintage store, Le Vif, on rue Boileau. He has the best selection for the best quality.
Officine Universelle Buly 1803
Where I should start? Buly is definitely the mecca for Christmas gifts; I personally want their new lip balm and marble-colored comb. Make sure to give yourself enough time when you visit.
Librairie Yvon Lambert
We always launch the new issue of The Skirt Chronicles at Librairie Yvon Lambert, which sells the rarest art and photography books, all the magazines you’d ever need to find, and some very special artists’ objects and ceramics (check out the ones by Nathalie du Pasquier). I really want a framed picture by the photographer Olivier Kervern.
Suisen
If you’re missing Kyoto and need a very good massage in Paris, head to Suisen in the Marais. I would love to try their new Fuku massage focused on the stomach, which will be especially useful after all the dinner parties this month.
CristaSeya
CristaSeya, open every Saturday, was founded in Paris seven years, and they’ve never stopped producing beautiful garments. Everything is very desirable, especially the sweaters, men’s suits, Murano glasses, and ceramics.
Beige Habilleur
Do not miss this men’s shop in the 16th where women can completely dress themselves, too. Shetland sweaters, perfect socks, and chic puffy jackets for him—but I can steal them!
Cherished Objects
Line Sander Johansen of Cherished Objects splits her time between her native Copenhagen and Paris. You can see a selection of her beautiful work, such as one-of-a-kind scrunchies and reworked Hermès handbags (my personal obsession), online or by scheduling an appointment. I need a new Toto bag!
Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
Frédéric Malle’s store on rue de Grenelle is the first that he opened in Paris almost twenty years ago. Designed by the French designer Andrée Putman, it’s the most special perfume shop. Nothing else for me than Geranium Pour Monsieur and Music for a While.
Astier de Villatte
Astier de Villatte’s candles, ornaments, and classic white ceramics are all handmade in Paris. If you’re behind on Christmas shopping like me, it’s your paradise!
Originally Appeared on Vogue
