Paris, City of Light, a shopping paradise... From department stores to smaller confidential addresses, the French capital is full of possibilities to max out your Credit Card ... But beside the all the glitter of the most famous shopping avenues in the world, some less known names give you the opportunity to shop for luxury bags or watchs at a lower price. I have visited them, tested them and approved them for you!
I've always been fascinated by the world of luxury. How do they give an illusion of happiness by selling objects? How can they ensure that the exorbitant price of an article arouses a genuine desire, an almost profound need to have it?
Of course, the major luxury houses don't economise on the design and quality of the objects they offer. They hire renowned creators, use noble and rare raw materials, and are more reluctant to relocate their production to distant countries with questionable working conditions. This explains in part their price policy, but there are other factors, such as the shops location or their advertising budget, also make the price tag climb. Not to mention the most important, the iconic logo attached to each item!
This explains in part their price policy, but there are other factors, such as the shops location or their advertising budget, also make the price tag climb. Not to mention the most important, the iconic logo attached to each item!
However, it's possible to acquire branded items without ruining yourself. For this, I explored t2 approaches :
In both cases, the most important thing is to trust the salesperson as to the authenticity of the object of our desires...
If you would like to offer yourself some discount luxury in Paris, try this selection of addresses that I visited, tested and approved.
First of all, you just have to become a member via the website to have access and receive an invitation to an exceptional sale the moment. The sales take place in one of the Arlettie premises, where you will be able to touch and even try-on new items before acquiring them. There are sometimes major queues at the entrance and you'll need to battle through the crowds a bit to
get near the best items!
Brands: Givenchy, Lancel, Mont Blanc, Sonia Rykiel, Marc Jacobs, Vanessa Bruno, Carven, APC, also brands like Sandro, Maje, Pierlot, The Kooples...
Sales address in each invitation.
IKVP
It's the organizer of "Friends and Family Sales" for luxury brands.
And even if you're not a "Friends and Family" member, you can become one on the site to receive invitations to the very best sales of clothes, jewelry and accessories (some sales are also available online).
Brands: Gucci, Chloé, Eric Bompard, Pomellato, Aurélie Bidermann, Bonpoint...
The Valley Village
A gigantic outlet outside Paris, where you will find discounts of 30% to 50% off the original prices. A nice reward after quite a long journey from Paris. The advantages: a multitude of brands all in the same place, it's a very pleasant place to shop, and it's open to all (without registration).
Brands: Céline, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Zadig & Voltaire, Relic, Paule Ka, Marc Jacobs, Versace, Paul Smith...
Les 3 Marches de Catherine B.
An expert in Chanel and Hermes, Catherine B. opened her shop 20 years ago, close to Marché Saint-Germain. Les 3 Marches is a reference for vintage handbags and accessories that can't be found elsewhere. With a bit of luck, you might find the bag of your dreams at a reasonable price.
Brands: Chanel and Hermes
La Marelle
With its modern selection of recent items, La Marelle is completely with it ( no vintage here!), La marelle is nestled in the Galérie Vivienne. Here you will find big and smaller ready-to-wear brands and a nice selection of items from Japanese designers. A real treat for Fashionistas!
Brands: Chanel, Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Isabel Marant, Alexis Mabille, Prada, Gucci, Miu-Miu... or even brands like Maje, Sandro, Zadig & Voltaire...
You're not in Paris but you love fashion and want to wear beautiful pieces without breaking the bank? How about an introduction to upcycling with an enthusiast who has worked for major fashion houses?
That's what this workshop in Marseille is all about: giving a second life to a forgotten garment just waiting to become the star of your wardrobe again.
Milena from L'Ecole Parisienne de langues
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