Finding traditional materials in Paris

Working with old materials is a pleasure one cannot always enjoy. Today I happened to find a place where you can buy treasures from old times. Anything which is used by hat-makers you may find here: ribbons, velvet, silks, felt, old threads, grosgrain …. soooo inspiring!

It wasn’t until Marie-Louise, one of the ladies I met at Ecole Lesage, told me today about this place and showed me on the map where to find it, that I decided to go there right after class: taking a chance whenever it is presented to you. Irina, A Russian woman I just met this week, surely wanted to join me, in search of new treasures for our embroidery projects. So off we went!

Art Nuptia- Murmure-by-Spirit

Don’t think of a modern shop; it is like returning to old times when entering this place. Boxes piled up, small stairs which bring you to the cellar … it all looks quite chaotic. 

Actually this adds to the charm of it: you could image Coco Chanel wondering around to choose any new flower or ornament. Surprisingly the account is made up by hand. This takes time …

The ladies were so kind to help us, even when they wanted to close. All people available were helping us out on finding the right stuff. My advice for conduct in Parisian shops? Be more than polite and show your appreciation extensively. This helps a lot (as Dutch people are used to being rather straightforward so this might feel a little unnatural, but trust me: this is the way it works here!).

Old Fashioned Luxury

I like this one: all classic luxury!

When we left at 18.00 o’clock it was dark outside. The day had turned into night but we were extremely happy about what we just had discovered. This is place is to be remembered! Time for dinner.

Art Nuptia

(note: this shop has moved to a different location, so the pictures do not match the current location!) Now you may find the shop here:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Saskia ter Welle designs Women’s Wear and Advises on Personal Colour and Style. She teaches French Haute Couture Embroidery techniques and organises inspiring events on Personal Branding.