Monsieur is a woman! No, it is not a surrealist phrase from Magritte but a brand, Monsieur, created by a woman, Nadia Azoug.
This former sociologist with a tanagra physique has accomplished her dream: to establish herself in the world of small jewelry without being a jeweler, lapidary or gemologist.
In 2010, this self-taught woman launched herself with zero business plan, but a lot of common sense and instinct. She settled in the Marais, not far from Carreau du Temple in this old jewelers' district.
Its ambition: to offer jewelry “made in Paris”, more accessible than on Place Vendôme and more qualitative than costume jewelry.
Bingo! Success and recognition quickly followed. From 2011, his creations were spread over eight pages in Elle magazine, worn by Marion Cotillard.
And to think that this adventure was born in a bar in the 11th arrondissement where Nadia Azoug was the manager.
Gentleman Rings
There, more than a decade later, she discusses almost every time with a Parisian jeweler. “We talked about everything and nothing but also and above all about his job. Little by little, I understood that I too wanted to make jewelry,” says the woman who could also be called “Madame Monsieur.”
Purchase of raw materials, distribution, artisanal manufacturing, everything is imagined and manufactured by the small in-house team which has two addresses: the historic boutique on rue Charlot and the nearby workshop-boutique on rue Perrée.
The creations are handcrafted by the jewelers, for all to see. Each step, from foundry to enameling, including gilding and setting, is carried out by an experienced craftsman whose specialty is this.
Monsieur’s style? These are jewels of great finesse – in gold, vermeil or silver, enhanced with fine or precious stones but above all easy to wear. Prices vary from 30 euros to 6000 euros for tailor-made items. We just want to say: well done ma’am!
Monsieur – Boutique workshop
53 Rue Charlot, 1 Rue Perrée, 75003 Paris
Monday to Saturday 10 am to 18 pm
Tel: +06 50 02 01 75
Text: Katia Barillot
18.12.21
WANT TO SHOPPING ?
3 Belgian addresses in the Marais
Whether they are Walloons or Flemish, the French love the Belgians for their energy and their communicative good humor. Here are some Belgian addresses firmly established in the Marais.
The Top 3 jewelry stores/workshops
Le Marais, where jewelry was already made under the Ancien Régime, remains faithful to tradition. Look closely: almost every street has one or more jewelry stores. If only for the pleasure of the eyes, you must stop in front of their window to appreciate this French know-how inherited from previous centuries.
Topology, accessories designed for adventure
An accessories store, Topologie was created by Carlos Granon, a Frenchman based in Hong Kong, and Go Urano, a Japanese from Tokyo, two childhood friends who are passionate about climbing. After having been distributed at Merci, Fleux and elsewhere in Paris, their products are now sold in their own flagship store which has just opened...
NOW ON THE MOOD MARSH
The best tattoo parlors in Marais
Tattooing, an age-old practice, has long been the prerogative of convicts, dock workers, the underworld and sailors. Although it has become democratized, now affecting all profiles and concerning one in five French people, including 16% women compared to 10% men, it still remains taboo due to its definitive and transgressive nature.
Juliette Drouet actress, muse and mistress of Victor Hugo
At 14 rue Sainte-Anastase, from 1836 to 45 and at 12 from 1845 to 48, a few hundred meters from Place des Vosges, lived the muse and lover of Victor Hugo, Juliette Drouet née Julienne Gauvain.
Piccola Mia, the pizzas of the Republic
On the Place de la République, a brasserie with Italian accents has just opened, which quickly made people forget the old Pizza Pino. Welcome to Piccola Mia, the fruit of the joyful encounter between Italian chef Denny Imbroisi, pizza chef Julien Serri and mixologist Matthias Giroud who creates a creative cocktail menu.