Jasmin Scott is the founder of Auckland-based jewellery brand Jasmin Sparrow, and regularly visits Paris for selling appointments. She also has impeccable taste and style, with a love of vintage.
Paris is arguably the best place to shop vintage in my opinion. It’s one of my favourite things to do while travelling and Paris is where I’ve had the most success. There’s so much on offer, from the high end archive stores that are open by appointment only, to stores brimming at the seams, you need a lot of time and the right mindset to hunt out the hidden gems.
Lots have become tourist destinations, listed on Paris vintage guides across the internet. I prefer those I’ve stumbled upon by chance. I have fond memories of discovering a store, rummaging through what’s on offer – so different to what we can get here in New Zealand – wiping some dust away and bartering (in amateur French) with the owner. I’ve walked out with vintage Céline toilet and makeup bags, Hermes cashmere, 90s Moschino – pieces I’ll have forever and hand down to my daughter one day.
Below is a must-visit guide that I always share with friends travelling to Paris, covering my top list of clothing, jewellery and furniture spots that shouldn’t be missed.
FASHION
Seventh floor of the Printemps Haussmann
An entire floor of the department store dedicated to pre-loved designer and vintage pieces – such an amazing idea, I wish more department stores would do this. Lots of local vintage and designer consignment stores rent a space here so it’s a one-stop shop. Carefully curated and nicely spread out, it’s less overwhelming than visiting some of the independent vintage stores. From here I’ve purchased a pair of Bally snakeskin look shoes and Bally black trousers.
A beautifully curated selection of clothing and accessories – the jewellery was a highlight for me. I didn’t buy anything but left feeling very inspired.
An amazing selection of iconic 90s pieces, think Issey Miyake, Calvin Klein, Jil Sander; all beautifully curated. Open Saturdays or by appointment. I left with a classic Moschino black singlet – simple and timeless.
Lots of special pieces in here, quite eccentric with an eccentric owner. There are two stores next door to one another.
An amazing selection of top designer vintage, with price tags to match. Pieces that leave you in awe, definitely worth a visit.
Lots of gems – some were a bit too Y2K for me, but I visited with my sister-in-law who walked out with a few dresses. The prices aren’t too bad. Lily-Rose Depp, Lila Moss and Gabriette are fans.
Feels more ‘American vintage’ than the other stores I’ve suggested: think denim, vintage tees, sportswear and leather. I walked out with an old football jersey which I’ve worn loads. Good prices, lots to rummage through.
A mix of vintage and designer, well organised and the prices aren't too bad. I walked out with a red cashmere Hermes sweater and a few vintage belts.
FURNITURE AND ARTEFACTS
A large antique market in Saint Ouen. One area of the market consists of stalls carefully curated by various antique dealers, containing beautiful furniture, art and collectables. Interior designers from across the globe famously come here to source for clients. I love this area of the market and have visited multiple times. It then flows onto the street where vendors sell clothing, knick-knacks and knock offs – it becomes a flea market which feels slightly overwhelming, but if you have time to rummage there is no shortage of treasure to be found.
I love bringing friends here. I visited with friends Wynn of Wynn Hamlyn and Leon of Saint Leo on my last trip to Paris. We sourced a few pieces to display jewellery for my upcoming sales appointments.
JEWELLERY
A few high end vintage jewellery stores that are well worth visiting, even if it’s just for a look. All of these are on Rue Saint-Honoré in the 1st arrondissement.
The window display draws you in – jewellery, watches and artefacts are set against a deep blue velvet. I tried on Cartier watches and vintage gems; all on the expensive side. Coco Chanel was one of their frequent customers and the first person to sign their guestbook.
Specialising in antique, vintage and contemporary jewellery, Dary’s is a family-owned and operated business. Designers on offer include Hermès, Bulgari, Cartier, Van Cleef, Boucheron and Buccellati.
To get to the store you walk through a very sweet Parisian courtyard, into a treasure trove brimming with jewels. The store offers varying price points, from costume clip-ons from €20 to vintage designer pieces in the thousands. The owner Marion pulled out all of her archive pieces from out the back for me to look through – I walked away with a few pairs of clip-on earrings, and lots of ideas!
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