Manolo says, this English woman, she has discovered the dépôts-ventes de Paris!
Every time I went to Paris, I looked for haute couture in all the wrong places. I'd sit in smoky cafés for hours, studying Parisian women, hoping to see traces of the legendary style shown in fashion magazines and films. But the vast majority of looks were pared down and polished, with minimal accessories - not the high-voltage glamour I'd expected in Paris.These shops they are not the secret! When the Manolo is in the Paris he always visits the Réciproque, to see what the people they are buying and wearing.
Then, on a recent visit, I decided to look at some of the city's many resale (or upmarket second-hand) shops. Voilà! Here was the distinctive, glamorous style I'd been searching for, the racks of dazzling designer creations usually seen in glossy magazines or expensive boutiques.
Looking at, touching and trying on these beautifully made items - in a hassle-free environment - was a fashionista's dream. Most of the clothes in these shops (known as dépôts-ventes) are European or Japanese ready-to-wear, with a sprinkling of haute couture. They are usually fairly new and in good condition (some are brand-new designer samples) and they come in a variety of sizes and styles. The items generally cost a quarter to a half of the original price...
