5 boutique workshops in the Marais

Consumer habits have changed: people want beautiful, durable, and unique items. Talented designers have understood this well and are offering an alternative to fast fashion.

This tiny white shop has just reopened. Created in January 2020 by the young Flore, daughter and granddaughter of Marseilles embroiderers, the brand perpetuates the family tradition and sources antique sheets and lace from recycling centers and other flea markets, to make shirts that are both modern and timeless.

Flore, with a degree in fine arts and a diploma in fashion, loves to elevate and transform beautiful raw materials. Her guiding principle is to produce in small batches and to order. This allows her to listen to her clients, for example, when they want a longer skirt than the standard model or the same shirt but with short sleeves. She also offers sizing from size 34 to 48. Far removed from the concept of collections and dictates, her pieces are unique and durable.

Designed to be passed down like a bridal trousseau. Everything is made on-site, in the alcove where a white sewing machine sits—everything except the dyeing of antique linens in black, indigo, or amethyst. But everything is made in France. And it exports very well to Japan. Her clientele appreciates this creative expertise at reasonable prices and the direct contact they establish with the designer-seamstress.

Thanks to Instagram, her reputation is growing, building a community that continues to expand. For example, you can find a vintage linen blouse here, washed, restored, and sorted, priced from €195 to €295. Her must-have item is undoubtedly the lace collar, designed to be worn under a shirt or trench coat, priced at €195. Allow three weeks between ordering and delivery. But it's worth the wait for a piece that will last a lifetime.

Their philosophy: To offer a concept store with bags, clothing, shoes, hats, and jewelry. Above all, small series and unique finds. To make bags from recycled leather scraps, hides from major brands (dormant stock), and also fashion that reflects their style: practical, without sizing concerns, such as XXL jackets and elasticated waist trousers (sizes 36/40).

Some customers bring them an old leather jacket to be transformed into a bag. Two people work in the workshop next to the boutique. The design duo produces small batches (300 bags a year and 50 fashion pieces) and custom orders.

Today, wax print fabric comes from the Netherlands, which is even its homeland. The Michael 80s-style velvet jacket with a wax print lining costs €350. The oversized leather fanny pack with a climbing rope strap is €495. The same one in recycled fabric is €395. The hardest part will be choosing. 

A truly beautiful boutique, bursting with color and smiles, that has been a fixture on the street for fifteen years. This is the definition of Palmaccio, Christine's shop, named after her Italian father. A self-taught designer, she has always had a passion for fashion and jewelry and uses leftover fabrics and leather from haute couture.

However, she doesn't offer exorbitant prices because she wants to make her creations affordable and retain her clientele. She also doesn't have sales, for the same reason: a policy of tight pricing. There are few styles and few sizes, by choice, again. Made in France for self-made women.

Christine Palmaccio's world is a nod to Marseille and the Mediterranean light. The result is a profusion of shimmering colors, a blend of styles and eras. For example, the patchwork leather jackets evoke the 80s, while the leather and faux fur capes and collars recall the 50s and 60s. Everything is made in the basement, in a workshop run by a seamstress. 

The design, pattern, and first prototype are all created here. For production, accessories and some unique pieces are made on-site. Assembly takes place in Bobigny. For small runs, we keep the cutting in the shop to control fabric usage, minimize waste from scraps, and, most importantly, maintain control over material and color combinations.

The result: At Palmaccio, you'll find adorable Art Deco collars in leather and fabric for between 65 and 80 euros, stylish jackets for 390 euros, and blouses in precious silk for 165 euros. But also unique jewelry pieces that recycle antique beads, pillboxes, and more. It's hard to resist. 

Ultimately, you'll have the choice between a solid or liquid format, and a glossy, matte, gloss, or satin finish. The raw materials used are beeswax and castor oil. The price: 30 minutes of creation for 50 euros, including a free lipstick.

The workshop and creation service costs 90 euros. Once the color and texture are approved, a fragrance is added: mango/coconut, strawberry/blackberry, violet, vanilla/caramel, or cherry/almond. This boudoir is perfect for individuals or groups of friends, whether for a birthday or a bachelorette party.

The experience can accommodate up to twelve people at a time. Next comes the lab stage with a mold and a centrifuge. In five minutes, you have a brand new, unique lipstick. Refills cost €35 if you keep the original tube. Shine bright! 

Sande, like Sandrine, the creator of this luminous store that flirts with jewelry. Word of mouth has already had its effect since the opening last April, and the public, mainly American, is flocking there or ordering online.

The brand itself has been around for eight years. Its colorful style, inspired by 16th and 17th-century painting and architecture, as well as Greek mythology, contributes to its success. Quentin, a craftsman trained at the École Boulle, works in the workshop. He has a polishing table at his disposal. Sande jewelry is crafted with the care of a goldsmith. The chain is cut to order, and the rings are soldered, not assembled.

Sandrine, for her part, comes from the Loir-et-Cher region and grew up surrounded by Karl Lagerfeld and YSL jewelry. After studying at the École du Louvre, she completed an internship at Cartier. This led to her initial observation: the market offers either exquisite jewelry from Place Vendôme or costume silver pieces. Nothing in between. Hence the niche to exploit: costume jewelry.

Sandrine initially launched a collection of small heart rings in gold plating for 125 euros. This series will now be produced in 18-karat gold with diamonds. She works with unakite jasper beads, amazonite shells, freshwater pearls, and "solid pendant" turtles, in close collaboration with Parisian founders.

The turtle is €385, the chain €315. The aquamarine is €450, the pendant €248, and the earrings €270. You can personalize your jewelry, choosing the necklace and the pendant. And what if we opted for these adorable fish made… in India?