Sales of vintage clothing, handbags and accessories are booming internationally. Suddenly, it’s one of the most significant trends in the fashion business and the market is still growing. Going with the trend, some major department stores are adding vintage departments. In Paris, vintage and resale shops are also booming, with new boutiques springing up in every neighborhood.
Here’s a list of our top picks for vintage shopping in the "City of Light:"
Didier Ludot
Didier Ludot, was a pioneer in the luxury vintage market, when he opened his shop in 1974. Happily celebrating 50 years in business, Ludot now has three storefronts. The first—located at 24 Galerie de Montpensier—is the exclusive haute couture boutique, which sells clothing from Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Patou, Balenciaga, Madame Gres, Herbert de Givenchy and Pierre Balmain, with many of them designed by the original designers. The second two shops are next door to each other and stock ready-to-wear designs, shoes, bags, luggage and accessories.
Note that entrance to the haute couture shop is by appointment only. To make a reservation, call +33 1 42 96 06 56.
Gabrielle Geppert
Just a few doors down from Didier Ludot, on the same side of the Palais Royal, Gabrielle Geppert sells the highest quality vintage handbags, jewelry and clothing. She has had her shop at 31 Galerie de Montpensier for 24 years and has vast knowledge of every brand she sells. We recently paid her a visit, and we commented on an unusual-looking Hermes bag, and she shared the period it was manufactured, how it was made and how to distinguish it from the newer models.
Chanel, Dior, and Hermes bags are her specialty, and be sure to ask her to show you her sunglass collection, with dozens of styles hidden in draws.
Hier Vintage
The northern part of Le Marais, zip code 75003, has seen a surge in vintage shops, with over 15 new shops opening in a five-block radius. One to note is Hier Vintage.
Stephane Verdino has been in the fashion business for over three decades, originally designing chic handbags and small leather goods. In 2016, Verdino switched gears and opened a high-end vintage store, Hier Vintage, one of the first in the Marais (located at 8 rue du Pont aux Choux). Men’s and women’s clothing with labels such as Martin Margiela, Balenciaga, Celine and Dries Van Noten are tightly packed on racks, so have some patience. Another specialty Hier Vintage carries is original, printed invitations from fashion shows from the 1990s, and early 2000s, which are now collectibles.
Tip: Verdino is expanding his business and will be opening a vintage book, magazine and coffee shop in 2025.
Gaijan
Specializing in only Japanese designers, Gaijan—also located in the trendy Le Marais zip code—has a niche market. Lines such as Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Kenzo, Junko Koshina, Final Homme and Junya Watanabe are in excellent condition. You can find the storefront nearby to Hier Vintage at 20 rue du Pont aux Choux.
Important to note: Vintage shops do not offer the 12 percent VAT refund that is typically available on goods purchased in the European Union.
Related Stories
Paris Insider: Three Boutiques to Shop for Handmade Jewelry
On Site: A Tour of the Recently Reopened Hôtel Balzac, Paris