Homegoods at Autour Du Monde

People often ask which stores are an important barometer of what’s fresh in and around Paris. There are the obvious spots (Merci Merci, Colette, Tom Greyhound)…and Le Marais and Pigalle at large, but I never go without paying a visit to Bensimon’s home and lifestyle store, Autour Du Monde.

Here are a few snapshots from my most recent visit. Things were quite modern and geometric. As usual, there were pink and yellow florescent accents to compliment linen homewear. It’s also worth noting the clever ceramic, lighting and bedding items that were a reminder that we’re still in a color-blocked trend cycle. One of my favorite collections was the all-over print tennis sneakers – a collaboration with Corso Como, Milan’s best known concept store. They almost look like something Shantell Martin would draw.

June 22, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik

Athleisure & Collaboration in Paris

Athleisure is a term that’s been thrown around a lot over the past year. It’s quickly becoming the main course of fashion, at least in terms of everyday activewear. When we think of it’s presence here in the states, it feels either mass, or somewhat unattainable financially. Having just returned from Paris, it was interesting to see how athletics have been incorporated into everyday life- from a stylish and wearable angle.

The extremes seem to be closing in on a central point thanks to an array of on-point collaborations. Here are a pair of Adidas Stan Smiths covered in a floral brocade with a matching jacket by Pharrell Williams.

The look is a fun one that’s unisex and extremely current for where we’re heading in the category. These versions are by CLOT and Rod Laver Vin. If you find yourself in the London, Paris or Berlin this summer, make sure to pop into No42, as they’re showcasing the best and the brightest in the experimental side of the field.

June 17, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik

Raquel Allegra: To Live and Dye

We love Raquel Allegra. Her textiles have a natural beauty to them that make you feel effortlessly put together. We’ve written about her collection and her patterns in the past, and wanted to share this recent collaboration with Merci Merci in Paris. To live and Dye in LA is an installation that overtook the store’s entrance and side wall. Everything about the strung up shirts, hombre gradient, mirrored case and chunky knit wall was breathtaking.

October 20, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Shades of Pink Around the Globe

In America, the color pink is often associated with youth culture. If you’re trying to be younger, or more feminine, or even more girly, you go for pink- it’s the defacto color of the female gender. Move across the Atlantic though, and you’ll find that pink serves as a cool, edgy accent. Vivid, florescent tips, paired with white or cream send an entirely different message- one that the French and the Swedes have embraced for a long time. Then, we have Karen Mainenti’s humorous painting that captures the conflict and dichotomy of color and the sexes. Here’s a quick round up of some favorite applications:

1. Hanro’s handmade dip-dyed paper torn window display in the Meat Packing District in Manhattan 2. A DIY maxi skirt on a pair & a spare 3. Very cool coasters from the Caribbean restaurant Glady’s in Crown Heights, Brooklyn 4. Youth retail display at ABC Carpet in Manhattan 5. A spectacular painting I took a photo of at my airbnb in Stockholm earlier this Spring 6. Revlon No.450 Gentlemen Prefer Pink by Karen Mainenti

July 24, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Patterns from Les Papiers Peints

The Parisians love hot pink. They also love mustard. These designs are from the company, Les Papiers Peints, and showcase a variety of paper goods and wall decals. This faux headboard is a fabulous and economical alternative to the usual wooden or quilted variety. Click here to see more from their beautiful boutique.

July 10, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Duvelleroy x Tigersushifurs x Hand Fan

This collaboration’s a fun one- it merges old world artistry and a hint of stuffiness with a fresh vision of French music and design. Duvelle Roy, a couture fan design institution has teamed up with the young guns at Tigersushifurs to create this playful line of psychedelic hand fans. Tigersushifurs is the fashion brand behind the electro label founded by Joakim Bouaziz. It’s run by Lauren and Audrey, two sisters who have built the line into a preppy-geek unisex collection. You can purchase on either website, or at Colette.com

May 21, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik