Zeitgeist Parisian Style: Lifestyle & Travel
Andrew Scharf uncovers the hot new bobo trends sweeping this European cultural and style capital
Viewpoint by Andrew Scharf, Head of the WCW Group
Paris has a new found energy, which can be tapped way beyond the usual suspects of cultural nourishment such as the Louvre and Laduree. The current buzz can be best felt at the flea market just outside the periph in St. Ouen. The flea market is in fact, home to many independent markets under one umbrella. It is best to get there early in the morning after a breakfast of pain au chocolat and a couple of espressos to fire your engines on all cylinders. You will need the energy!
On Sunday, I found the need to finally head out to St. Ouen. It is true that I love this place for its eclectic energy and reputation for birthing many new styles in decoration and fashion. With a close eye to the ground you can witness and forecast the hot new trends, which will eventually find their way to the showrooms of Europe and the catwalks.
My first port of call was to visit Phillipe Rosenthal, a specialist in vintage club chairs located at the Marche Serpette. Phillipe is one of the few recognized experts in leather club chairs and sofas. Most pieces date from the 1930s-1950s. They are in excellent condition and all have been restored. If you hunger for a Chesterfield sofa, come here and claim one for a song. He is personable and knowledgeable; there is no hard sell here. Just expertise and service. There was another dealer, Jean-Jacque Morgue who also had a great reputation, but alas he has now retired.
Since my pair of clubs was in need of repair, I came here first to take care of the situation. After, I floated about a bit, and came across several dealers in vintage vinyl. Vintage vinyl was a trend just waiting to happen. So many genuine music lovers have been so fed up with the poor quality of CD sound or should I say, lack of warmth and depth that there has become a mad rush to return to the old turntables. To accommodate this need, vinyl dealers are popping up from the woodwork. If you are looking for old Sinatra records or even Led Zeppelin then get your walking shoes ready. Oh, don’t forget your wallet.
If contemporary art and design are more your taste, then check out the GalleryKreo, the Next Level Galerie and Tools Galerie. The latter is located in the upper part of the Marais (75003); you will see who are the up and coming hot numbers in design such as Ineke Hans and Maarten Baas. At this stage you are not far from Belleville on the other side of Place de la Republique.
Personally, I have always loved this part of town. It has a strong Med feel with its low level buildings, hidden courtyards and winding steets. It has excellent shops, bakeries, butchers, and traiteurs in the Mediterranean fashion. Near the metro Goncourt are a spate of dealers from Turkey. They sell all sorts of Eastern Med spices, fruits such as quinces and pomegranates, Greek yogurt and jams not to mention an orange blossom honey. Your heart will palpitate with the action and energy. There is an Algerian BBQ on rue de Belleville. Come early, it is always packed.
This is truly a soup kitchen worthy of the name. People sit elbow to elbow and gorge on bowls of nourishing soup and brochettes fresh off the grill. The ambiance is hectic and vibrant.
If you continue up the street, you will find yourself on the grand boulevard, Bd de Belleville. The neighborhood is a polyglot of cultures from China, Vietnam and North Africa. Off the main drag are hidden gems selling young designers and tea houses. Wander about and do no be in a hurry. Discovery of the unfamiliar takes time and patience. Creative voices are crazy about this part of Paris now. For some, the area is a haven for the bobo lifestyle since Philippe Starck designed the budget designer hotel, Mama Shelter.
For example, organic wine is all the rage. If you want to get in on the action go to Le Baratin at 3, rue Jouye-Rouve. Reservations are highly counseled. The comfort food they serve will certainly bring a smile to your face in the nippy air and late November chill.
If at the end of all this “tourism” you feel a need for a sugar rush, head to Jacques Genin at 133 rue de Turenne, 75003. Last December, he decided to strike out on his own after making delicacies for the likes of Alain Ducasse and other famous chiefs. His ganaches and caramel eclairs are worth the journey to Paris. One taste and you won’t have to be convinced.
Don’t be surprised that after a weekend such as this that you don’t find yourself thinking about buying an apartment here. Where ever might be your country, but as Gertrude Stein once said, you will find Paris is your true home.
For Further Information
Andrew Scharf is a regular contributor to WCW inSIGHT on culture, fashion, and lifestyle. He is also the head of the MBA Coaching & Career Development division of Whitefield Consulting Worldwide, whose unique coaching methodologies have helped countless professionals harmonise their professional aspirations with their developmental needs.
Visit: http://www.whitefieldconsulting.com
