II.2.2. SKIP THE GROTESQUE PROFITS : "REAL" PARIS'S AFFORDABLE SHOPPING

MENU: 2.2.2. Skip the grotesque profits

MARKETS AND THE GARMENT CENTER: DEALS AND WARES

THAT ARE WORTH THEIR COST 

Wholesalers in 18th-century houses

In brief

• Wares at a neighborhood market

• A street where (some) wholesalers sell retail

• At last a brand to appreciate

• Woolens for Heads of State

• Knowledge of the past brings an extra dimension

• "Les Boulevards," once luxury's planetary heart

• If you absolutely must buy globalized brands

*    *    *

Next,

Wares at a neighborhood market

WARES AT A NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET

THAT UNDER THE 13TH'S AERIAL MÉTRO IS TYPICAL

(MARCHÉ VINCENT AURIOL, UNDER LINE 6 IN THE 13TH)

A smaller market that is just as pleasant is 10 minutes away. The two relay each other on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. A larger market, 10 minutes away in another direction, is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays (at place d'Italie). 

Meat, fish, fruits, vegetables

Everyday articles at a fraction of store prices: housewares, electronic accessories, toothpaste, magic markers, batteries, crayons, brushes, belts...

  

Flowers

Cheese

These cheeses from farmers in central France are better than those at supermarkets or even organic chain stores.

Herbs

Clothes

 

Furniture

Violins

# # #

Immigrants enrich it with...

• Everyday products at lower prices — here, organic eggs  —  and in the background, imports such as the olive oils, honey, dates and figs:

I buy those products from this amiable Moroccan.

• Home cooking.

Moroccan and Lebanese specialties, prepared on the spot

"Where are you from?" "China." (Big smile.)

• Crafts (please click and scroll down).

• Beauty products, plastic sandals, boubous.

Amelia Nsulia and husband John, from the Republic of Congo

• Cordiality.

Supermarkets are anonymous.

Markets have a soul.   

*     *     *

Next,

A street where (some) wholesalers sell retail

A STREET WHERE (SOME) WHOLESALERS SELL RETAIL

DISCOVER "LE SENTIER,"* THE GARMENT CENTER

*"The path" connected the Saint-Denis and Montmartre rampart gates.

     Adapted from a Mappy plan

For why the area turned to clothing production, please click.

# # #

Rue Saint-Denis, whose sinuosity reveals the trade route:

Wholesaling is omnipresent:

Window signs: "Urgently seek mechanic," "Seek knitwear producer" 

# # #

Stores that do not sell retail usually have a sign that says so:

"No retail sales"

If there is no sign, walk in and ask.

Lys Fashion

220 rue St. Denis

No sign

 "Do you sell retail?" "Not normally, but once in awhile it's ok." 

# # #

You will find novelties, classics... 

Isadora Diffusion

231, rue Saint-Denis

And deals:

Avoid Saturdays,

when many shops close for Shabbat.

*    *    *

Next,

 At last a brand to appreciate 

AT LAST A BRAND TO APPRECIATE

 

XULY.bët:* FASHION BY A DESIGNER WHOM WATCHING THE STREET FROM HIS BIKE INSPIRES

*"Watch out!" in Wolof

 Web site photos except those of the workshop

 Founder, designer and boss, Mali's Lamine Kouyaté (in French)

New York Fashion Week, 2016 / Zoom

Backstage

# # #

144 rue Saint-Denis

Web site, 2024

The red stitching recalls the ties that unite us and the blood we share:

Web site photos from 2022, here and below

As well...

 Invitation to Open House 

" We are so proud to see our dress on the unique RIHANNA!" 

# # # 

For recent collections, please click.

# # #

Open house

  

XB & crew invite you...

Model Chrystèle and architect

Florian Coignet, assistant, and art gallery owner

# # #

Upcycled materials, and production in the workshop itself

# # #

To visit the workshop by appointment,

 order via Internet or register for open house invitations:

www.xulybet.com 

*     *     *

Next,

Woolens for Heads of State