Photo: courtesy of Centre Commercial Paris
Being able to work from wherever you want (and meeting a French man) broadens your horizons. And brings you to different places. One place I visit at least once a year is the romantic city of Paris. And while generally, you would hear women dreaming about visiting Paris for a big shopping spree; you’d be surprised by the great and hidden addresses the city holds to score some unique menswear.
Let’s face it – even if Paris has many brand stores of marques you can get almost everywhere, shopping in the city of love just hits differently. Plus, next to these well-known places, there’s much more to discover. Read on for my tried-and-tested favorite menswear addresses to visit during your next trip to Paris. It’s a merge of a local’s knowledge and a Personal Stylists’ take. If you prefer to discover (most of) these places in video format – click here.
Centre Commercial, Rue de Marseille
Photos: Centre Commercial
The first thing you notice when you step inside Centre Commercial is the clean-looking interior, friendly staff, and extensive collection of beautifully displayed menswear items, with the footwear brand Veja dominantly featured. That’s no accident: In fact, Centre Commercial was set up by the gentlemen behind the footwear brand, which was founded in 2005.
High School friends Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion established Centre Commercial in 2010 with a clear goal: to create a place where their passions and inspirations come together and merge. A place that combines fashion, design, and ecology. All brands you find in-store are selected with great care, keeping sustainability, ecology, and sophisticated aesthetics at the forefront.
The perfect, one and only stop before starting your apéro
Why do I love Centre Commercial? It’s a one-stop shop, housing a unique selection of brands (for both men and women, so a great destination to take your travel companion after a coffee at Nut Butter Atelier Buddy Buddy down the street). Think labels such as A Kind of Guise, Norse Projects, Ordinary Fits, Sunspel, Birkenstock, Adieu, and more.
From apparel to footwear, accessories, wallets, and jewelry to toiletries: if you’re not a great fan of shopping like most men: this is the place to get everything you need in one go and continue straight to the apéro.
Centre Commercial: 2 rue de Marseille, 75010 Paris
Centre Commercial Kids: 22 rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris
Homecore, Rue de Marseille
Photos: Homecore
When exiting Centre Commercial, it’s almost impossible not to notice the store Homecore across the street on Rue de Marseille. The French brand was founded in 1992 and identifies as the First Hip Hop brand in France, driven by the fundamental values of the “Peace, Love, Unity and Having Fun”-movement. The store does feel warm and at peace and holds a lot of colorful, fun garments.
Functionality meets style
Homecore’s specialty is creating harmonious but functional clothes that reflect the vision of founder Alexandre Guarneri. This translates into workwear-style attire with many earthy, natural tones and comfortable fits. Homecore is by far your best address for cool workwear pants, that perfect soft hoodie, and ensembles: co-ords, casual suiting, and one-of-a-kind two-pieces.
Rue de Marseille is not the only place to get your Homecore goodies. Another boutique is to be found on Rue du Temple. And if you’re not visiting Paris anytime soon, you can shop Homecore from your lazy chair online or in various boutiques across Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Homecore, 41 Rue du Temple, 75004 Paris
THE NEXT DOOR, Rue Beaurepaire
Photo: The Next Door
Are you more into unique streetwear and high-end designers? Within 3 minutes’ walking distance of Centre Commercial and Homecore, you will find THE NEXT DOOR – (so much more than) a streetwear-infused department store. The space could be an atelier. An atelier showcasing the finest streetwear labels, most-wanted footwear collabs, plus furniture, art, and other objects – think vinyl, coffee table books, and magazines.
Skate culture meets luxury
Established out of skate culture in 1999, founder Nicolas Ivars sets sail with a skate shop he opens in his hometown Avignon, called Circle. Later, The Next Door is born, increasing in popularity and success, fusing skate attire with a more luxurious approach. Not only does the department store attract customers from France, but also international customers now find their way to The Next Door’s carefully curated collections, which results in the need for a physical store – opening in Paris in 2010.
What you’ll find in the 550m2 Paris flagship store are beautiful pieces by high-end designers such as Junya Watanabe, Acne Studios, Visvim, and Suicoke next to the newest Salomon sneakers, Nike releases and unique collaborations like Marni x Carhartt and Asics x Dime. Need a quick break? If you’re up for a mid-shopping yoga session, you can, without leaving the building. On the second floor of the department store, you can book a dynamic Hip Hop Vinyasa class or a more relaxed Yin Yoga session.
THE NEXT DOOR, 10 Rue Beaurepaire, 75010 Paris
Merci, Boulevard Beaumarchais
Photos: Merci Paris
Still situated just in the must-visit fashionable neighborhood of Le Marais lies Paris’ most famous concept store: Merci. While Merci is a well-known store, it doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a mention. With a broad collection of menswear, womenswear, and interior brands, leaving the store empty-handed is impossible. Should you have already bought enough at the above-listed addresses, the concept store is the ideal last stop to stock up on souvenirs.
Especially the in-house label has many options the receiver can actually use. Think the iconic Merci branded tote, a cool cap, a cozy mug, or a lighter. But you don’t visit Merci only to shop for their in-house brand. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in brands like Rains, Barbour, Patagonia, and Blundstone, where there are also plenty of options for those who adore Japanese fashion; think brands like OrSlow and Ordinary Fits. Scandi enthusiast? Wander around racks full of the latest collections from NN07 and Nudie Jeans.
And yes, this address will surely make your female company happy, too. Step in Merci, part ways to the designated section, and meet after shopping in one of Merci’s in-house cafés.
Are you looking to update your activewear wardrobe too? Walk around the corner to Rue des Filles du Calvaire, where you stumble on Distance Running Store. It’s the best address for running and sportswear attire and shoes by brands such as On Running, Nike, Hoka, and New Balance (and super helpful and friendly sales assistants!).
Merci Paris, 111 boulevard Beaumarchais 75003 Paris
Other menswear destinations you don’t want to miss in Paris
Here’s a list of other (brand)stores you want to save for your next trip.
- American Vintage (French-founded soft knitwear for year-round)
- Galeries Lafayette Homme, to shop brands such as
Les Deux
KnowledgeCotton Apparel
ARTE Antwerp
Maison Labiche
A.P.C.
Rue de Tokyo
Maison Standard. - Samsøe Samsøe brand store
- Maison Kitsuné
- Axel Arigato brand store
In need of good menswear, but no time for a trip to Paris?
No problem. I’ll make sure you look and feel your best with minimal effort. Let’s elevate your personal style and build the interesting but functional wardrobe you’ve always dreamt of. The only thing you need to do is to tell me about your lifestyle, needs and wants, and I’ll do the rest. Book your Personal Styling session now and get 10% off with code THEMALEREPORT.
