Flâneuse in Paris, n. 1
A growing list of unique places for the curious
Inspiration often strikes those who nurture a curious state of mind. A few editions ago, we talked about how exploring lively cities can inform creativity and the need for keen eyes. It's been over a month since I'm in Paris, and during my time here, I've come across great businesses that I'm excited to share and chat about with you:
La Maison du Pastel.
Excellence and emotionally moving. If you find yourself with time in Paris on a Thursday afternoon, this is the most special place I could recommend a visit.
The lab sits in the countryside near Paris, and the shop in question is in Le Marais and welcomes the public once a week, from 2 to 6 pm, nestled in a serene courtyard.
Isabelle Roché and Margaret Zayer run the business while preserving its rich heritage and shaping its future. La Maison du Pastel holds the distinction of being the world's oldest pastel company, having served the most esteemed pastel artists for over three centuries, among them Edgar Degas, Odilon Redon, and Serge Poliakoff. Crafting over 1,800 colors in small batches using secret recipes, each pastel is meticulously rolled and cut by hand.
Their pastels are renowned for their outstanding color depth, minimal binder, and unique texture. On a personal note, I've been painting and drawing for many years in my free time, and I've never seen anything like it. It's a massage for the eyes and pure pleasure for the fingers. Not to be used, but savored.
The point is that this business works because of its type of brand and product. It is luxury by emotional appeal, heritage, and craftsmanship. It is not scalable, nor does it meet a basic need. High quality is not enough for luxury, it's about reaching beyond. It's in the little details where we find that touch of passion and madness needed to surpass clinical perfection. Excellence infused with feeling
Last comment: those who are in the store to guide the purchase of those who visit the store are Isabelle and Margaret themselves. It is a very different and truly unforgettable experience to be able to ask questions and learn from those who do it.
Violette and Co
All together. This business (in my reading) has four main objectives: 1. gather writings from feminist and LGBTQIA+ groups and other social issues 2. make them visible and accessible 3. sell the works, and 4. be a meeting space.
It's an easy-to-navigate bookstore, with an integrated cafe that's the icing on the cake. Having everything under one roof is brilliant: there, you can read, talk, meet people and ideas. A very special approach to thinking about third-spaces in cities.
Superfront
Customization and Revitalization. "Do lixo ao luxo" a saying from Brazilian Portuguese (my native language) that I often try to reach, I wish it made sense to use in English. Somewhat similar to From rags to riches, but translates as "from trash to luxury", employed when something or someone is finally acknowledged or appreciated at their true worth or has been upgraded to its better version.
At least in theory, one of the most important aspects of luxury should be that the raw materials are as noble as the final product—it's excellent from start to finish. However, the concept has its problems and exceptions, as it assumes that the perception of material nobility is intrinsic and immutable. Human history shows that the nobility of things is linked to social agreements that are transformed over time.
Nowadays, the preciousness of something lies mostly in the ability to create that fascinates the eyes (the preciousness of the material comes from its meaning, be it gold or straw). One of the best examples of this is the creations of Estúdio Campana. Their skill in creating furniture is great, whether using straw, Amazonian fish leather, or stuffed animals. Other great examples can be found in fashion and the clothing upcycling world, hence Marine Serre and Chopova Lowena.
Adjacent to these approaches is the idea of enhancing the worth of existing products, pre-made and currently owned. That’s where I came across Superfront.
In front of the store, there was a sign with this message (freely translated by me):
“We create designs for the most common structures of Ikea—so that you can add a more personal touch to your interior. You can create unique buffets, kitchens, wardrobes, bathroom furniture, and storage furniture with our design. Welcome.”
Ikea is definitely not trash, but it is known that it is not necessarily the products made to last through many movings in our lives or be passed on to the next generation. Superfront raises a subtle and extremely appealing approach to other aspects of luxury: customization and revitalization potential. It's making something that already belongs to someone more attractive, extending its life. An improvement that is possible: affordable and that doesn't need DIY talents.
Where else do we have this type of offer? What kind of product could be given this kind of new life?
Thank you very much for reading! Enjoy your day!
Signing off,
Ísis M. W. Brennan
If you liked this post, you might also like:
