The Best Shops to Buy Fashion Books in Paris
Fashion lovers around the world dream of shopping in Paris, but instead of just perusing the many clothing and accessory shops, consider checking out these amazing repositories of unique and sometimes even rare fashion-focused books and magazines available in the world’s fashion capital.
Even if you aren’t willing to fill your carry-on with books and risk an overweight charge (you can always pay to ship some treasured tomes back home,) a visit to a “librarie” (aka “bookshop” - a library in France is a Biblioteque!) is one of the most Parisian activities around. While most of us have romanticized visions of wandering through the Left Bank’s dwindling collection of picturesque bookshops, these charming and modern shops are really the best place to find the kind of books to satiate your hunger for the very best of fashion tomes.
Number 1 has to be the most well-known among fashion and design lovers. It stocks an enormous amount of magazines, books, periodicals, postcards, etc., all dedicated to fashion art and design. Started by the brother-and-sister team, Alexandre and Marie Thumerelle, in 1996, this shop also boasts a small gallery in the back, holding events like book signings, art exhibitions, and more. It’s located in the North Marais right across the street from the Square du Temple, one of Paris's most adorable parks, providing a perfectly picturesque place to peruse your purchases. Shopping here is only available in person, so you’ll have to get yourself to Paris. If you ask me nicely, I might be able to shop and send it to you!
Foundation Azzedine Alaïa - 18 Rue de la Verrerie Another favourite of mine is also in the Marais area but this time in the south part of the arrondissement. The Foundation Azzedine Alaïa is not only a wonderful museum to see and learn about the work of this master couturier, but it also boasts one of the most accessible fashion libraries in Paris. It has many large coffee table books featuring the catalogues of fashion exhibitions from Museums around the world, as well as short biographies of designers, smaller books on fashion and postcards of Monsieur Alaïa and his creations. Like other fashion museums, you don’t have to enter the museum to shop at the bookstore, but I highly recommend it as it’s always very thoughtfully curated. You’ll find a very cute café attached with seating in the courtyard with a view of a sculpture called The Breast (for obvious reasons) by his long-time friend, César Baldaccini.
7L - 7 Rue de Lille Founded in 1999 by Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld, this bookshop was also the photography studio where he shot many campaigns for Chanel. After the couturier’s death, the bookstore was eventually bought by Chanel in keeping with their commitment to being a large supporter of virtually every aspect of arts and culture in Paris. While the front remains the bookstore, the studio houses Lagerfeld’s collection of over 33000 books as a nouveau salon where director Laurence Delamare hosts actors, musicians, designers, and others for concerts or even just topical conversations only for the exclusive subscribers to the “Friends of 7L”. Books are available to order online with many specially curated books on art, design and fashion. Just a stone's throw from the antique shops and art galleries dotted behind the Musée d’Orsay, it’s worth seeking out.
Saint Laurent Babylone - 9 Rue de Grenelle Also in the 7th arr. is the newest fashion bookstore cum event space by the CD of Saint Laurent, Antony Vacarello. Named after the area of Paris where Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, lived and loved (Sevres-Babylone), its textural interior full of honed marble and raw plaster is what Wallpaper magazine called “Paris’ most stylish book shop.” The perfect backdrop for not only books but art exhibitions, special events and book signings, you can even pick up specialty Saint Laurent lifestyle objects and decor pieces.
While I am in Paris in May, September, and October this year, I have spots available to tour some or all of these bookshops, including some I didn’t mention! If you’d like a guided tour of Paris with a focus on fashion and design, let me create something special based on your interests! Curated and personalized tours are available both in real life while I am in Paris or online, with self-guided tours I create just for you. Email me to get started or to inquire!