paris, my love forever

"Il est 5h, Paris s'éveille" - Jacques Dutronc

Dear readers,

In this month of July, as the holidays approach, I am delighted to show you unique Parisian pearls. Places full of soul, carried by founders whom I had the pleasure to know personally and who have been able to instill an inimitable identity in their establishments. From the shop to hardware, through gourmet tables, these places breathe Paris, the city that has been my home and muse for 40 years! đŸ’«

In every corner of the capital, I never stop hunting for hidden treasures, these nuggets that make up the soul of Paris.  I am constantly amazed by the creative energy and spirit of renewal that animates this city.

The song “Il est cinq heures, Paris s’éveille” by Jacques Dutronc perfectly captures the Parisian atmosphere that I love. He sings the morning effervescence of the city, its timeless soul, its immortal boiling. Never really asleep, Paris awakens and comes alive with an unmatched beauty. Just like in this song, I hope to share with you the essence of Paris! ✹

And let’s not forget that summer is one of the best times of year to go out and explore these places. The sweetness of sunny days, the light and cheerful atmosphere invite to escape and explore. It’s the perfect time to fully experience the unique experience they offer.

Whether it’s an afternoon of shopping at the Bien AimĂ©e boutique, an inspiring visit to the L’Amour Fou hardware store or a gourmet break at Pain GrillĂ©, each place offers an unforgettable Parisian summer experience… Don’t forget to take a look at “Klin d’Oeil”, paradise of Do-It-Yourself, and visit the small oasis of Marin Montagut, a place full of charm that embodies its creator’s passion for travel and art.

So, without further ado, let’s go together to discover these Parisian nuggets. 

Enjoy your reading!

With Love

Daniela 💗

creative jewel: the universe klin d'oeil

Welcome to Klin d’Oeil, your Parisian destination for all things artisanal and creative. Located in the lively district of Haut-Marais, this joyful kingdom of “Do It Yourself” is the work of two passionate sisters: Émilie and Virginie Capman. 

Initially organizers of creative events and ephemeral art exhibitions, they opened Klin d’Oeil in 2013 to offer a permanent space to their colorful and playful vision! 💛

The Klin d’Oeil shop is a true crossroads of craft innovation. Here you will find a wide range of products ranging from jewellery to clothing, from home decoration items to beauty products, all carefully selected for their quality and originality. In addition, the space also serves as a workshop where courses are regularly offered, allowing you to get your hands on disciplines such as ceramics, embroidery or cosmetics.

And as if that were not enough, Klin d’Oeil also houses a charming cafĂ©, a friendly place where you can relax after a shopping or workshop session, while enjoying homemade cakes and craft drinks! 🧁

The key points to remember: 

– Klin d’Oeil is much more than a shop, it is a vibrant place where sharing and creativity are king. If you are looking for handmade products, are looking to learn a new craft skill, or just want to enjoy a coffee in a friendly and inspiring environment, Klin d’Oeil is the place. 

– Sisters Emilie and Virginie have created a space where every corner, every product has a story to tell, and it is this personal touch that makes Klin d’Oeil special.

What I like: 

– The sparkling and colorful atmosphere that reigns. It is hard not to be inspired by the eclectic mix of products, the variety of workshops offered and the sisters’ obvious passion for what they do. 

– The coffee is an added bonus that adds to the friendly atmosphere of the place. 

– What really touched me was the sisters’ willingness to give a platform to artisans and creatives, foster a sense of community and encourage everyone to explore their own creativity. Klin d’Oeil is not only a place to shop, it’s an experience, a place where you can be yourself, learn and discover…

a treasure hunt in the heart of paris

The 11 rue Madame in Paris hosts a true hidden treasure. This discreet and charming address hosts the store of the incomparable Marin Montagut. It is here that the creative magic of this last takes life and form, marveling all those who cross the threshold of this shop.

Marin Montagut is a name that evokes a world of artistic delicacy and fascinating curiosities. He launched his first products at Merci – hand-illustrated cards called Bonjour Paris and Bonsoir Paris, London, New York. We sold them like rolls, filling the card turnstile with these mini guides drawn and colored! 💌

Later, Marin opened his own space to share his unique vision of the world. These maps, revealing the hidden addresses and unsuspected treasures of the world’s greatest cities, day and night, were the beginning of a singular entrepreneurial adventure.

Upon entering the Marin shop, the visitor is immediately seized by an atmosphere of wonder and discovery. Each item is carefully selected and designed to evoke stories, inspire inspiration and arouse the desire for discovery. The Marin Montagut shop is a must-visit destination for a unique gift or simply to spend an extraordinary moment! ⭐

The key points to remember: 

– A meeting place between art, history and craftsmanship. Each object, each creation reflects Marin’s attention to detail and his love of beauty. 

– It is no coincidence that this shop has become one of the most coveted addresses in Paris for those looking for unique and charming gifts.

What I like: 

– The ability to diffuse the extraordinary into the ordinary.

– A living testimony of this philosophy. 

– I love to get lost among Marin’s creations, discover the stories behind each piece and feel the passion that drives it. But above all, I like the fact that every visit to the shop turns into a real treasure hunt. You never know which jewel you will discover next. It is a place that, like its creator, never ceases to surprise and amaze.

l'amour fou

Combining the useful with the pleasant, that’s what offers hardware L’Amour Fou through a selection of aesthetic objects, not accessories! 💌

In the heart of Paris, 2 minutes from the Bastille, in a charming little street, is L’Amour Fou. Far from being a traditional hardware store, L’Amour Fou is a space where utility and beauty meet and blend harmoniously. Founded by the creative duo of ClĂ©mentine Dupont and Antoine Martin, two design and craft enthusiasts, the shop offers a range of items that reinvents the very idea of utility.

When you enter L’Amour Fou, you are immediately struck by the beauty and quality of the exhibits. From table textiles made of natural fibres to design pots and coffee makers, as well as character-creating screwdrivers and hammers, each object is a true work of art! ❀

Clémentine and Antoine have created a place where every everyday object becomes remarkable thanks to a qualitative and refined confection.

The key points to remember:

– Crazy Love is not only a store, it is an invitation to see the world differently, it is about rediscovering everyday objects through a new perspective. Eco-designed tableware, for example, combines bold aesthetics with ecological awareness. There are also original table textiles made of natural fibres, which give a touch of sophistication and naturalness to any meal.

– But beyond its products, what really distinguishes L’Amour Fou is the passion and expertise of its founders. ClĂ©mentine and Antoine welcome you warmly, ready to share with you their knowledge and love for design and craftsmanship.

What I like: 

– The constant attention to detail and quality. Each object is carefully chosen for its functionality, but also for its aesthetics.

– Crazy Love shows that utility doesn’t have to be boring. Pots can be elegant, coffee makers can be design, and even screwdrivers and hammers can have character.

– The atmosphere of the shop has a lot of charm. You feel a real passion for craftsmanship and design, a desire to make everyday life more beautiful. 

– Le Amour Fou is a true tribute to the art de vivre Ă  la française, where every detail counts and every moment is an opportunity to celebrate beauty. 

– A real invitation to transform the ordinary into remarkable.

le pain grillé

Hidden a few steps from the Forum des Halles, in the rue du Jour, is a Parisian jewel: Le Pain GrillĂ©. This confidential address, founded by the famous stylist agnĂšs b. is her personal interpretation of the tea room, with an atmosphere that evokes a large country house kitchen!🧋

Agnùs b. is a well-known figure in the neighbourhood, having opened her first fashion shop in an old butcher’s shop in the mid-1970s. At the time, it had created an unprecedented atmosphere in the heart of the capital, mixing fashion, culture, and even birds in freedom.

Le Pain Grillé, which can accommodate up to 20 people, is inspired by childhood memories of Agnes B., holidays and road hauliers on the National 7. This place offers a simple but refined menu, designed by chef Kévin Koçkaya, including eggs, sandwiches, salmon, and a variety of seasonal vegetables and fruits. The space is managed by Timothée Le Pape, who ensures a attentive and professional room service.

The key points to remember:

– Le Pain GrillĂ© offers a quality culinary experience, from morning coffee to afternoon tea, not forgetting wine and champagne.

– The menu is concise and fits on an A5 format. Each dish is carefully created to offer an explosion of flavors. Ingredients are carefully selected from Terroirs d’avenir, reflecting agnĂšs b. ’s commitment to quality and French know-how.

– Le Pain GrillĂ© is the logical extension of the brand agnĂšs b., demonstrating the stylist’s commitment to go beyond fashion trends and to invest in other aspects of everyday life. The Toasted Bread also reflects its involvement in local production, the brand’s overall philosophy: the majority of products used are fresh and local.

What I like:

– The fusion between past and present, intimacy and conviviality, simplicity and elegance. The country house kitchen atmosphere evokes childhood memories, while the refined menu offers a modern approach to bistro cuisine.

– The team of Le Pain GrillĂ©, with KĂ©vin Koçkaya in the kitchen and TimothĂ©e Le Pape in the dining room, offers an impeccable, attentive and warm service. Their passion for food is palpable and contributes to the unique atmosphere of the place.

– The commitment of agnĂšs b. to quality, French know-how and sustainability. These values are reflected not only in its fashion, but also in the culinary experience offered by Le Pain GrillĂ©.

the fragrance as a legacy

Maison Bienaimé opened its first boutique in the heart of Paris at 30 rue Saint-Roch. This «old» brand in art deco style has been rediscovered, completely dusted and restored to the taste of the day by Cecilia Mergui with accuracy and authenticity.

The history of the brand “BienaimĂ©” goes back to the 1920s, when Robert BienaimĂ©, a young and talented “nose”, began to make people talk about him in the very closed world of Parisian perfumery. In 1925, he created his first fragrance, “Éclat d’Amour,” a bold blend of jasmine, vetiver and musk that quickly won the hearts and noses of Paris. 

Over the years, Robert continued to create iconic fragrances such as “Autumn Trail” in 1932 and “Waltz of Flowers” in 1940. With his creations, Robert not only established his reputation as one of the greatest perfumers of his time, but also laid the foundation for what would become an institution in the world of French fashion and style. 

However, after Robert’s death in 1965, the BienaimĂ© brand could have disappeared. It was without counting on the intuition and determination of CĂ©cilia Mergui, who finds a BienaimĂ© powder during a flea market. Working alongside CĂ©cilia at SĂ©zane, I was able to see first-hand the passion and vision that drives this woman! 💗

Discovering the story of Robert and the rich tradition of BienaimĂ©, CĂ©cilia decided to relaunch the brand. By combining Robert’s legacy with a modern, forward-thinking approach, she has been able to breathe new life into BienaimĂ©. Today, the brand is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, one that dares to go off the beaten track while respecting its history and heritage.

The key points to remember:

– I discovered its new setting and the products that are there, which speak of both know-how and nostalgia.

– BienaimĂ© is not just a shop, it’s a multi-sensory experience.

– Upon entering, the visitor is greeted by a symphony of textures, colors and scents that evoke a subtle blend of past eras and contemporary aesthetics. The products offered are as diverse as they are distinctive: everything is carefully selected to reflect the brand’s philosophy. Each piece tells a story, each product is the reflection of a unique know-how, all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

What I like:

– Love the atmosphere of the shop. The architecture, which revisits with elegance and subtlety the Art Deco era, is a pure feast for the eyes. Every detail, from the choice of materials to furniture, helps create an enchanting and inspiring atmosphere.

-The music is not to be outdone. It is like the soundtrack of a film, which accompanies and reinforces the emotion of the scene. It gives the tempo and almost makes us dance with the rays.

– The warm and personalized welcome of the saleswoman. At the same time guide and advisor, she perfectly embodies the spirit “BienaimĂ©”: professional, passionate and above all, human.

– BienaimĂ© is more than a shop, it’s a place where time seems to stop, and where you feel truly… loved.

To conclude, these 5 examples demonstrate perfectly that each brand must think of its own identity in order to differentiate itself and continually attract customers in the store.

Building a strong brand is based on fundamental principles, whether personal, artistic or musical brands. The same logic applies to the customer experience in retail. 

Each brand must think with its DNA to its own clientele, in order to distinguish itself, maintain the attractiveness of its stores and ensure constant consistency.

This is exactly the type of support that my Retail APPUNTAMENTO agency offers. We understand the importance of a unique and differentiated customer experience in the fashion, cosmetics, design and lifestyle industry. 

Whether you are an emerging brand, a VDN or a well-established brand, we’re here to help you develop a strong identity and create a memorable experience for your customers! đŸ€—

Our professional and accurate approach allows us to understand in depth your brand DNA, your values and your target audience. Working together, we will design customized strategies to set you apart from the competition and create engaging interactions with your customers in-store.

We know that each brand is unique, and that’s why we make it a point to customize our services according to your specific needs. Whether it’s optimizing the customer journey, creating attractive showcases, offering in-store entertainment or developing innovative loyalty programs, we will be there to support you at every step.

If you would like to work with an agency that understands the importance of the customer experience in retail and will guide you with professionalism and creativity, I invite you to contact me. Together, we will create an experience that will make your brand shine and build loyalty! đŸ’«

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to learn more about our services and to contact me to discuss your specific needs. I look forward to working with you and contributing to your brand success.

There will be no newsletter in August, it is the pose of summer, which allows you to visit all these places or reread the old newsletters.

Thank you again for all your feedback and loyalty.