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There is a substantial market in Paris for used designer clothing. This category includes both haute couture designers who also create ready to wear collections and name designers who don’t create haute couture, but are, nevertheless, very well known such as Agnès B., Azzedine Alaia, Kenzo, Sonia Rykiel and Corinne Cobson. The market is big because many women here want to be at the height of fashion at all times. So, they sell off their designer clothes as soon as the season changes even if they have hardly worn them. The stores which sell these clothes on consignment are known as dépot-ventes. The prices are not necessarily low, but are much less than brand new. If your budget permits, it’s worth checking out some of these stores for high fashion at moderate to high prices instead of stratospheric. Most are very fashion conscious themselves and will only carry items that are in excellent condition and "à la mode." Be aware that with this kind of merchandise there are no returns or exchanges. So, if you need or want to be totally "in", you may still want to check out these stores. Some of the styles are classic, and sometimes styles remain basically the same for a couple of years. Or, you simply don't care (like me) as long as it looks good on you! Many neighborhoods have a dépot-vente hidden away somewhere. But, if yours doesn't, or you want more choices, here is a selection of some favorites from "Best Buys". Alternatives 18, rue du Roi de Sicile, 4th arrondissement, Métro St. Paul, Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11-1 and 2:30-7 Tel: 01.42.78.31.50. Most of the clothing in this small store has been left by fashion models. So, you can count on the latest styles and “in” designers such as Matsuda, Yamamoto and Michel Klein. There are men’s suits, and women’s separates and jackets. Misentroc 63, rue Notre Dame des Champs and 15, rue Vavin, 6th arrondissement Métro Vavin, Open Tuesday to Friday, 10:30 to 1 and 2 to 7 Tel: 01.46.33.03.67. Two boutiques featuring men’s and women’s designer clothing. The shop on rue Vavin is more youth oriented while the one on rue Notre Dame des Champs is more classic. In one or the other you’ll find clothing by Yves St Laurent along with Agnès B, in addition to Hermès scarves. They mainly have ready to wear, with an ccasional true haute couture item. Reciproque 88-123, rue de la Pompe, 16th arrondissement Métro Rue de la Pompe Open Tuesday to Friday 11-7:30, Saturday 10:30-7:30 Tel: 01.47.04.30.28. Welcome to the biggest complex of clothing resale stores in Paris. Founded in 1978 by Nicole Morel, it now takes up practically the entire block! Prices here are high, but the selection and range is unbeatable. Be prepared for a great collection of designer scarves and shawls and a whole rack of Chanel suits. (Don’t worry, the missing buttons have been removed on purpose and will be sewn back on at no extra cost at the time of sale.) Guerrisol 19-33 ave. de Clichy, 17th arrondissement Métro Clichy Open Monday to Saturday, 10-7 Tel: 01.42.94.13.21. It isn’t glamorous; it doesn’t sell designer cloths; it’s in a poor work-a-day neighborhood, and it’s one of the best known stores in Paris for used clothes (used with a capital U). There are piles upon piles and racks upon racks of used clothes spread out over several stores. You simply can’t beat the price. The secret is that they buy used clothing collected by nonprofit associations all over Europe. After being washed, ironed and disinfected, the items are then sent to the various stores. So, if you have an eagle eye and are willing to spend some time sifting, bargains (that’s with a capital “B”) can be found. by Jeanne Feldman author of Best Buys and Bargains in Paris |
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