Known as the epicentre of style, Paris is probably the world’s ultimate shopping destination, with its elegant streets and the best couture houses and fashion labels known to well-heeled mademoiselles everywhere. Chanel? Tick. Lacroix? Tick. Chloé? Tick. And the list goes on.
But Paris is also a treasure trove when it comes to vintage shopping, mainly because most Parisian women perceive it to be little better than second-hand clothing. The main vintage attraction, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen (locally known as ‘the fleas’), is one of the largest antiques markets in the world and covers a staggering seven hectares, so it can be hard to know where to start.
Enter retro queen Tara Munro. Mix together some fabulous shopping, a fashion lesson and a stay in a glam hotel and you’ve got the ultimate chic weekend break. The Ooh La La! package in Paris is just that. It takes the pain out of trawling for one-off pieces and allows you to see the city’s shopping gems at the same time. English style expert Munro begins the weekend by checking you in to the historic Edouard VII Hotel on Avenue de l’Opera.
Having previously discussed guests’ preferences, Munro sources vintage clothes, accessories and even homewares in time for your arrival and presents them in the comfort of your room, providing a masterclass in fashion history at the same time. Catering for most budgets, she’ll source 1950s prom dresses (from £60 upwards) to gorgeous hand-beaded flapper outfits (from around £200).
‘Most people love the idea of wearing handmade, one-off items,’ she says. ‘But so many of us don’t have the time, or the inclination, to scour the shops. Paris, with its untapped vintage market, is perfect.’ After admiring the outfits and enjoying a glass of bubbly, guests can then take a tour of Paris in retro Citroën 2CVs – stopping at Munro’s choice of vintage shops.
For stunning, jaw-dropping dresses, a must-stop is Didier Ludot (the Parisian master of vintage) in the Palais Royal (+33 1 42 96 06 56, didierludot.com). Other gems include Ultramod (3-4 rue de Choiseul), a beautiful old mercerie with original oak chests of drawers stocking ribbons, buttons, bows, feathers and lace, and Gabrielle Geppert, also in Palais Royal (31-34 Galerie de Montpensier), a tiny shop bursting at the seams with bags, sunglasses and mainly 1980s pieces.
Once your tour is done, head back to the hotel for some R&R and a delicious soak in the luxe marble tub. You can also opt for an evening at Crazy Horse (+33 1 47 23 32 32, lecrazyhorseparis.com), a modern take on the classic Parisian cabaret.
Ooh La La! prices upon request (+33 6 84 76 58 65, oohlalavintage.com). Rooms at the Edouard VII Hotel start from £297 per night (+33 1 42 61 56 90, edouard7hotel.com).
