VINGT Paris Magazine

O Kari Hammam Montorgueil

Text: Susie Hollands 

Karima Lasfar is doyenne of O KARI Hammam in the heart of Montorgueil, the pinnacle of years of her passionate and detailed research.  Brought up in Algeria before moving to France the ritual of the Hammam is indelibly linked to her culture and way of life.

Karima knowledgably explains the history; Hammams originated in the Roman Empire, where a high importance was attached to public bathing. Later, adopted by Byzantine and Arab cultures, they became a symbol of the l'art du vivre of Islamic civilisation and retain a central importance due to their role in the purification ritual (which usually takes place on a Thursday evening in preparation for Friday's prayer).  Hammam literally means "eau chaud" in Arabic.

Patyka - Beauty is Organic

Text Susie Hollands The small natural beauty boutique PATYKA on rue Rambuteau, 3rd arrondisement closed its doors recently, but Patyka products are still available in selected stores around Paris. Their products are impeccably produced in an old fashioned way with the very best ingredients.  You might think French women are still for slathering on the latest Dior or big brand wonder cream but the really savvy ones turned to luxe-organic products years ago.

Ways to Say Black by Swarovski

Text: Mabli Jones

The little black dress or the LBD: fashion’s favourite cliché. It’s the go-with-everything, easy route to chic...where would we be without it?

Ever since Coco Chanel first freed women from the stuffy, constricting clothes of her era, it became an instant classic and has been tirelessly re-invented by every designer since, in every decade and season, creating a long heritage of iconic versions: Chanel’s simple shifts, Audrey Hepburn breakfasting at Tiffany’s in Givenchy, Alaïa’s electrifying cling in the 80s, to more recently, Balmain’s coveted rock'n'roll glamour. The little black dress, if you will, is fashion’s canvas.

This concept is expressed perfectly in Crystallized Swarovski Elements exhibition ‘Ways To Say Black’.  Swarovski’s latest in a long line of exciting collaborations with the fashion world has given 22 of the current most innovative design talents, both established and emerging, the chance to reinvent the LBD in their own signature styles using Swarovski crystals. The showpieces which have been previewed so far demonstrate the range of possibilities the LBD provides, from Lanvin’s delicate grace, 3.1 Philip Lim’s pretty futuristic version, to Givenchy’s directional use of embellishment. The stunning results of the project will be published in a book and displayed in a touring exhibition, starting this Thursday at the Hotel Pozzo di Borgo in the 7th arrondissement, and culminating in the final auction in New York, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and La Ligue contre le Cancer.

Astier de Villatte Creates a Shakespeare and Co. Notebook

Furniture and ceramics designers, Ivan Pericoli and Benoît Astier de Villatte, spend their childhood in the region of Rome, Benoît at the Villa Médicis, and Ivan in the countryside, but they only met at the Beaux Arts academy in Paris. Both paint portraits, draw and received prestigous prizes from the Beaux Arts academy. In 1996, without knowing anything about  “les arts de la table,” they created  their first “dream objects,” furniture and fruit dishes inspired by old objects found at night on the sidewalk, at Emmaüs or at the flea market in Vanves.

Their first stand at the Salon Maison et Objets in 1996 had a wild ambiance and four years later, the famous Boutique Astier de Villatte at 173 rue Saint Honoré opened it's doors on their furniture, dishes, glasses, cups, roman scarves, blankets, but also practical jokes and peepshows.

Their most recent collaboration is a new notepad for Paris' favourite bookshop Shakespeare and Co. Check out their website - it matches the eccentric character of this fabulous Parisian brand.

Boutique Astier de Villatte
173 rue Saint Honoré
75001 Paris

Paris Vintage Shopping

text by ARTIFICE.

Vintage Couture trend started on the red carpet in Hollywood where it was broadcast worldwide: Julia Roberts collected her best actress Oscar wearing Vintage Valentino, and put Couture Vintage on the fashion map. Of course, vintage collectors have always known about the beauty and workmanship of these couture pieces, but the mass market fashion audience was not totally aware of what industry insiders have always known: Vintage, is not just a style, or a piece, its an approach to dressing that has found its place in the fashion spectrum and can work for everyone’s wardrobe budget.

How do you work that Vintage Vibe into your own wardrobe? We like the idea of mixing up vintage pieces to create fashionable looks that are personal and unique. With a chic vintage fur or a little beaded top over your favorite skinny jeans, you can stretch your fashion budget; I enjoy the sheer fun of having something that no one else has making my personal style original. How can you put a price on that?

Merci

The opening of the concept store MERCI by Marie France and Bernard Cohen, founders of the childrenswear couture house Bonpoint has caused a minor Parisian sensation.

At first glance the store could be mistaken for an Urban Outfitters with its eclectic mix of color and clothing . This 1000m2 loft comprises a literary café, a florist, a combination of furniture and clothing - both new and rare vintage finds - at a variety of prices - disguised in a sleek layout. But more than a trendy shop with some serious "bobo" attitude, all proceeds are donated to charities.

A place where you can lose yourself between retro chic and futuristic designs. You can also find labels such as Paul Smith, Stella McCartney, APC and some vintage Yves St Laurent at 3 euros a pop.

Merci
111 boulevard Beaumarchais
75003 Paris

Photo: Pointcommun

Herboristerie de la Place de Clichy

Herboristerie de la Place de Clichy has one of Paris' most beautiful shop facades. The wooden interior from the 19th century will take you back in time and houses 900 different types of plants to aid you with any kind of health complaint or beauty need.

You are able to have a little consultation with the chemist himself with the issues in hand (problems getting to sleep, stress, or some other real or imagined ailment). 

One of their best-sellers is a slimming cure (une tisane pour maigrir - 10 day cure is 17euros) which is based on seaweed and will apparently modify one's appetite. Other beauty products are an anti-cellulite cure (French women's holy grail product) and essential oils of a very high quality.

Vélo Express

Adrian K. Sanders writing for I V Y paris

The last time I recommended a bike shop, things seemed all good. Vintage Vélo gave me an amazing deal on a truly classic bike, a 1949 Peugeot in fantastic condition.

Apparently, this was more of a fluke than a reflection of their good service.
At least three different people I've heard from have had unpleasant experiences, with some complaining that the bikes they received were downright dangerous.

Since then I've found a place that is extremely reliable, and a little less flashy. Vélo Express on Daumesnil near Gare de Lyon is just a good old fashioned bike shop, where you can find cheap bikes just like at Vintage Vélo, only with a three month garantie and a bike that works right out the door.

Vélo Express
64, Avenue Daumesnil
75012 Paris

Aux Bains Montorgueil

The Bains Montorgueil is like stepping into a scene in Arabian Nights and it's Moroccan decor creates an intimate space.

Located on two floors, this hammam has an oriental lounge, massage room, steam baths and a mosaic pool for cooling off.

The staff are friendly and attentive relaxation time. Massages and exfoliation with savon noir start at 70 euros with facials at 50 euros.

Open Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10h to 21h.
Reservations are a must: 01 44 88 01 78

Aux Bains Montorgueil
55 rue Montorgueil
75002 Paris

meilleurAmi

Established in 2008 and based in Paris, meilleurAmi is a publishing house dedicated to men's accessories.

Their bags reveal traditional principles, each handcrafted by French artisans. Models are designed to improve with age, and are made with vegetable tanned leather. Colours can change with humidity and sun; the leather quietly wears in with use. Every edition is limited in number.

You can catch meilleurAmi in unexpected spaces, such as at the ArtyDandy concept store and Librairie Ofr. Currently at the florist shop Hysope and Cie (104 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003) for the week.