This what is located on the small street of Marignan in the fashion centre of Paris (it is few steps from Avenue Montaigne), is something much more than a fashion store of a famous designer. Azzedine Alaia just opened a three-level boutique, all in white marble, where Alaia’s couture and ready to wear pieces are exposed. This is the second flagship of Alaia- the first one is much more cosier, and is also a home/studio of Mr. Alaia (located on rue Moussy 7). The new store is filled with art that was collected by the designer through his life- beautiful lamps, amazing shelves and sofas are just few that may amaze you here. There is even a garden in which you MUST drink some coffee during Summer… and of course the clothes here are masterpieces.
France
Paris: Colette
I know I am writing about Colette not the first time, but still… There is something addictive about the coolness of this store. This time when I came to the multi-brand store located in the heart of Saint Honore street, I noticed that Parisian’s simply wear their best clothes just to look as most fashionable and stylish as possible just for this place! So many fashionistas, bloggers, artists and fashion dictators come here, it is nearly impossible to concentrate on the goods sold here. Colette is more a cult than a typical flossy boutique. Definitely, this place full of Givenchy, Ashish, Piece Anarchive and french club music is a spot to be. And by the way- my shopping this time here was very rich…
Paris: Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Mandarin Oriental Paris is definitely the moment’s hottest destination in the city, where you are going to relax in luxury and with pleasure. With it’s personal care to the hotel guests, the hotel is a place where you may meet Anna Dello Russo on breakfast, or Riccardo Tisci in the bar. It is simply cool! With it’s huge garden that is temporarily decorated with Christmas ornaments and Christmas trees, Mandarin Oriental Paris always make me feel like at home. Relaxed, full of joy and happiness! P.S. The breakfasts here… they are amazing! Fresh fruits, juice, cold porridge and delicious eggs are my old-time favourites.
Coool. Piece d’Anarchive SS14
French art students learn about Jean Pierre Raynaud at school. He was the conceptualist who spent 25 years building his house, only to decide it was too perfect and, in 1993, tear it to bits. Piece d’Anarchive, the fresh label coming straight from Paris, is a buzzy, loudly printed and cool vibed brand, that’s pretty new in fashion world. Their first real collection happened last season, and their second is up here, for Spring. Piece d’Anarchive designs for men and women, and their look-books make me want everything! The new collection is inspired with famous monochrome prints that were created by Jean Pierre Raynaud. Shorts, dresses, shoes (!), tshirts… everything is in black & white checks. The womenswear looks really hot and cool, and menswear is simply omething I want for a Christmas present! Just look at these trousers and sweatshirts! Love it! More on http://www.piecedanarchive.com
Trompe l’Oeil. MMM SS14
That was one of the best Maison Martin Margiela collection for about three years! It was so Margiela… from unknown reasons, Martin Margiela house got a bit boring for few seasons- there was no amazement. But for Summer 2014 we have a real tromple l’oeil greatness. The collection was mostly kept in bordeaux that is a pretty heavy colour for Summer and it had every look having something… mysterious. The pretty usual sport styled clothing was much more changed into luxury with beautiful sequins, jewels and details, that reminded some kind of French Chateaux treasures. And the shoes were a bit psycho- it had it’s heel cut out in the middle, making it a stiletto with two heels… This is a very Margiela world, that is simply beautiful and not trivial. I love it!
Design & Culture by Ed 
