wanderlust: when in paris... visit ysl museum

Not far from Eiffel Tower, just walk along the Seine River towards the Lourve Museum, do stop by at the YSL museum. The museum was opened in October 2017 and it is located at 5 avenue Marceau. 

The museum focuses on the couturier's creative genius and the process of designing a haute couture collection. It seeks to address the history of the 20th century and the haute couture traditions that accompanied a way of life tha no longer exists.  

The Haute Couture Salons

After purchasing admission, this is the first stop; sit back, relax and enjoy a short video compilation of Saint Laurent's fashion shows. The salons were where clients were received for fittings following the presentation of each collection. 

Style (far end, in the photo)

Here showcases Saint Laurent's signature syle which is borrowing menswear and adapting to the female body. 

The History of a Collection

An opportunity to look at sketches and ateliers specification sheets which contain all details for creating garment along with fabric swatches. In the same area, some pieces of past collections are displayed.

Skills 

Haute couture houses collaborate with skilled craftspeople such as weavers, dyers, printers, embroiderers, plumassiers, goldsmiths and silversmiths. This collaboration has created exquisite pieces. 

Exoticism 

Pieces that are displayed here showcase inspiration drawn from exotic locations; Morocco, sub-Saharan Africa, Russia, Spain and Asia. 

Homage to Fashion

Saint Laurent also explored the history of fashion through his designs; incorporating the old with new. 

The Studio
Saint Laurent's studio. 

Cabinet of Curiosities 

A wall of lovely accessories such as necklaces, earings, brooches.All these are made from different materials; wood, metal, rhinostones, beads, feathers, ceramics and passementerie. 

Graphic Arts

When Saint Laurent was a young boy he liked to illustrate texts that he liked, imagining the characters, their attitude, their clothing and the settings of their adventures. 

Aesthetic Phantoms

Saint Laurent sought out his aesthetic phantoms among the writers, composers, painters and dancers he admired and he enjoyed interpreting their art in his designs. 

Museum details

The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris 

5 avenue Marceau, Paris 16th arr 

Opening times: 

Tuesday to Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm

Open Friday until 9 pm

Last entry: 45 minutes before closing time

Closed on Monday and January 1, May 1 and December 25

Early closing at 4.30 pm on December 24 and 31

Full price admission: 10 EURO

Hope you have enjoyed this post and the little tour of the museum. Till my next post, stay chic!

wanderlust: when in paris... visit a vintage store: mamie blue

It was good to visit Paris again. I guess, I was lucky. During this trip, I planned to visit a vintage store and I picked Mamie Blue, which I did not manage to visit in the past trip. And it did not disappoint. 

I had a quick chat with the owner (I assume) who is a friendly lady who asked how I discovered the shop and where I came from. After replying her questions, she reminded me that there are more items downstairs before she headed down. The shop is well curated with lovely vintage pieces of different eras of accessories and clothes. I felt like a kid in a candy store; so much to see and not sure where to begin...

Shop details: 

Mamie Blue

69 rue de Rochechouart

75009 Paris

Oh how I wish I can find such vintage store in Hong Kong! Did I buy anything from the shop? Hush.... (yes, I did!...)....Going to be secretive for a while. 

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. Till my next post, stay chic!

vintage finds from paris and london

Most of the time when I was on vintage hunting trips, luck was hardly on my side. However during the vintage hunting trips in Paris and London, I had a little bit of luck and also some extra money to spend - my so called vintage fashion fund. 

Vintage slip (perhaps from the 50s)

Vintage mother of pearl buttons 

I bought the vintage slip and vintage buttons from a store in Les Puces. And I also for the first time I tried bargaining as there few stains on the  vintage slip - just trying to push my luck a little. Well, if you don't ask, you will never know. The seller was kind enough to offer some reduction. As for the vintage buttons, I bought them for future sewing projects. Mostly probably a blouse or top.  

Vintage 90s does 50s dress 

When I was in London, I stayed in Notting Hill area and everyday, I passed by a vintage shop with no opening hours information. Such a mysterious shop! One Saturday afternoon, I purposely walked pass the shop hoping it would open. And indeed it was opened for business. Whether I had luck in finding something for myself or not, I was excited to explore the shop. As always, I would check out offer rack first and this 90s does 50s dress was calling out to me.  

Vintage bag (era unknown, brand: Rakhams for Harrods Store)

Looking for vintage at the Portobello Market was fun. However, sometimes it was either the piece was not my size or it was over my budget. When I was about to leave the market, I stopped by at a stall selling mostly pre-loved items. Then the lovely golden velvety bag stood out and caught my eyes. Without much hesitation, I decided to give the bag a new home, half way around the world!

I never thought during these vintage hunting trips I had luck. Now, it is a matter of time to wear the dresses. As for the bag, I think I will let it rest for now until a suitable occasion arise.

Have a great weekend everyone. Till my next post, stay chic!

wanderlust: vintage adventures in paris

Personally, I believe vintage hunting or thrifting is definitely not to be missed when visiting Paris. I think one of the reasons why Parisian women are so chic is that they incorporate vintage pieces into their outfit and make them their own style.

Prior to my visit, I came across a website of vintage, friperies (thrift or secondhand), luxury vintage (to name a few) boutiques directories. How cool is that? Click here to check it out. This really helped me in selecting which vintage stores to visit.

Little shop packed with vintage treasures - clothes, bags to shoes

Since I was staying in the 10th arrondissement (è) or neighbourhood, I started my vintage or thrift hunting in 18th è - Montmartre.

By Flowers
86 Rue des Martyrs

Next, I headed to 4th è, where all the branches of Free P Star are located. First I hit the 1€ bin then the racks. However, luck was not on my side this time, left all the branches empty handed. 

52 rue de la Verrerie, Paris 4è
61 rue de la Verrerie, Paris 4è
20 rue de Rivoli, Paris 4è

The highlight of my vintage hunting was visiting the famous flea market in Paris; Les Puces de Saint-Ouen ot Les Puces at Porte de Clignancourt. Les Puces is considered as the largest antique market and secondhand shop in the world. There 14 markets: Antica, Biron, Cambo, Dauphine, Django Reinhardt, Jules Vallès, le Passage, Malassis, Malik, l’Entrepôt, Paul Bert Serpette, des Rues, L’Usine & Lécuyer and Vernaison in an area of seven hectares.

I wish I had more time to spend here instead of couple of hours, believe me it is not enough. Even I visited only few markets which sell vintage, I think I could spend whole day here. To check out vintage, I visited Paul Bert and Dauphine.

In this shop I bought a vintage slip and some vintage buttons. The owner is a friendly old lady who speaks a little English (phew..). When asked where to find vintage stores in the market, she was kind enough to direct me to the right market - Dauphine. So, I walked to Dauphine and came across some vintage stores along the way. 

Finally, I arrived at Dauphine. Not only there are vintage or secondhand shops but also shops selling vintage furniture, vintage fashion magazines, old books and also vintage knick knacks. I could easily spend hours here especially shop selling vintage fashion magazines. I wish I could buy all the vintage fashion magazines!! 

For more information on Les Puces, visit these websites:

http://www.marcheauxpuces-saintouen.com/4en.aspx?sr=0
https://www.parisperfect.com/plan-your-trip/things-to-see/markets/paris-flea-markets.php
http://ohhappyday.com/2011/03/how-to-get-to-the-paris-flea-market/
http://www.tourisme-plainecommune-paris.com/sites/saint-denis-tourisme/files/content/files/guide_du_marche_aux_puces_.pdf

What do you think of vintage scene in Paris? To be honest, my post did not really do the justice. You need to be there to experience it. If I have another opportunity to visit Paris again (oh Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris has opened.... hhmm... another reason to visit Paris???), definitely I will spend more time in Les Puces.

Hope you are enjoying the weekend. Till my next post, stay chic!