True style is nothing new to Paris; the City of Light has long been regarded as a global tastemaker, every generation fostering a roster of the era’s brightest artists, philosophers and, of course, fashion designers. From Christian Dior’s “New Look” to Demna Gvasalia’s new Balenciaga, this eternal city of style blends the elegance of the past with fresh modernity. Only take a look at its countless vintage stores, on the Rue Tiquetonne or Rue Charlot, and you’ll see a landscape of hidden treasures and timeless style moments; here, to get you started, are six of Paris’s best vintage stores.
1. Espace Kiliwatch
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At the top of our list is Espace Kiliwatch, a trailablazer in Paris’s second-hand fashion scene and easily the most famous shop citywide. Inside their large store off Rue Etienne Marcel, you’ll find a curated assortment of pre-owned jackets, shirts, pants and more, as well as several newer items from leading brands; they also offer top-grade eyewear, footwear and the latest issues of countless indie magazines. If you’re in the mood for a MA-1 bomber jacket, this is your go-to shop—it’s the best collection this side of Paris (and with sensible mid-to-high price points). 64 rue Tiquetonne; kiliwatch.paris
2. Episode
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Another shop located on Rue Tiquetonne, off the busy Rue Etienne Marcel, is the Dutch vintage chain Episode. It’s Paris branch boasts a far better bang for your buck that Espace Kiliwatch, where you’ll find dresses from the 1980s, and a well-assorted bunch of leather bags, jackets, footwear, jeans and more—a well-priced stop for men and women, if you’re not afraid of a good old-fashioned rummage. 12-16 rue Tiquetonne; episode.eu
3. Kilo Shop
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A fixture in the local vintage scene, Kilo Shop is your classic weigh-and-go boutique, offering you second-hand clothes by the kilo. Filled with unique clothes and accessories, from classic Levi’s 501s to real fur jackets, each of its five Paris-based locations are an easy stop wherever you are—Le Marais, Saint-Germain, Saint Michel and beyond. Though it might take a deep dig through the store to find some good pieces, you’ll be happy you gave it a shot! Five stores across Paris; kilo-shop.fr
4. Les Metamorphoses
Photo via les-metamorphoses.com
If you like Art Deco and Art Nouveau jewelry, you must add Les Metamorphoses to your list of vintage gems—a diamond in the rough if there ever were one. Whether you’re looking for quality reproductions or authentic antiques, this is the place to visit for your pre-loved joaillerie; there’s really no store like it in Paris. (And it’s all an extremely fair price point, which is of course subjective, but we’re not complaining!) 15 Rue du Petit Pont; les-metamorphoses.com
5. Didier Ludot
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An institution in the Parisian vintage scene, Didier Ludot is the eponymous boutique of one particularly talented explorer, Monsieur Ludot himself. His Palais-Royal storefront is stocked full with classic, timeless and iconic discoveries, from original Chanel suits to authentic creations by Dior himself. But this isn’t your typical vintage store: Didier Ludot’s appointment-only salon offers the most stunning vintage haute couture confections you’ll have only ever have worn in your dreams. Molyneux, Balenciaga, Pucci, Féraud—if there’s a couturier who has created a masterpiece since the 1920’s, s/he will be there, an art piece on showcase in this fantastical cabinet of curiosities. 125 galerie de Valois; didierludot.com
6. Nice Piece Vintage
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Another cabinet of curiosities by a vintage explorer, Nice Piece Vintage by Bonaventure Kell has secured its place at the heart of lux Paris. Situated in a small boutique in Haute-Marais, this one-of-a-kind shop is far from your run-of-the-mill weigh-and-go or bin-diving second-hand outlets; it’s a meticulously curated exhibition of the couture creativity that was found after extensive scouting trips—locally and abroad—by Kell himself. Frequented by designers and stylists alike, the works of Olivier Rousteing and beyond have all taken root in this closet at some point or another. This secret gem of Paris is a precious space for inspiration, envy and a retrospective glance into the masterpieces of the past—and it’s, hands-down, one of the best stores in Paris (vintage or otherwise). 76 Rue Charlot; nicepiecevintage.com