The best fashion and art bookshops to discover
Paris, capital of fashion and art, is brimming with unique bookstores where creativity, history and savoir-faire come together. Here’s a selection of the best places to stroll, discover treasures or find rare books.
Ephemera: a bookshop dedicated to fashion
Created by Pascal Monfort, Ephemera is a unique place. With a carefully selected collection of early issues of iconic magazines such as ID and Six, and rare archives such as Corinne Day’s first photos of Kate Moss, this bookshop is a fashion lover’s paradise. Initially conceived as an ephemeral boutique, it has become a fixture on the Parisian landscape.
📍 29 rue de Trévise, Paris 9e.
Galignani: a historic institution
Founded in 1801, Galignani is a jewel of history. With its 1930s wooden décor and view of the Tuileries, it attracts lovers of fine books, English literature and rare works such as those by Turkish photographer Ahmet Ertuğ.
📍 224 rue de Rivoli, Paris 1st.
Yvon Lambert: between bookshop and art gallery
Yvon Lambert is a hybrid of bookshop, publishing house and art gallery. Located near the Cirque d’Hiver, it offers an eclectic selection of rare books, posters by great artists such as Basquiat and Twombly, and contemporary novels. A must for art lovers.
📍 14 rue des Filles du Calvaire, Paris 3e.
Cahier Central: a meeting place for young talent
Since 2021, Cahier Central has been showcasing little-represented artists, offering a vast collection of rare books, committed magazines and fanzines. Located between République and the Canal Saint-Martin, this dynamic bookshop also sells unique accessories, such as Winona Ryder-inspired caps.
📍 26 rue du Château d’Eau, Paris 10th arrondissement.
Taschen: the iconic publishing house
With its design by Philippe Starck, the Taschen boutique on rue de Buci boasts an impressive collection combining art, photography, cinema and architecture. Recent treasures include the limited edition of the book David Bailey. Eighties or NASA’s Mars archives.
📍 2 rue de Buci, Paris 6e.
7L: Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy
Founded by Karl Lagerfeld in 1999, the 7L bookshop in the Carré des Antiquaires houses a vast collection of books on photography, design and the art of living. Acquired by Chanel in 2021, it remains a place of inspiration, with regular cultural events.
📍 7 rue de Lille, Paris 7e.
Azzedine Alaïa: a bookshop in tribute to a legendary designer
Housed in Azzedine Alaïa’s home, this bookshop blends fashion and art in a setting designed by Jean Prouvé and Serge Mouille. Carefully selected books celebrate the designer’s universe and offer rare editions on fashion and art.
📍 18 rue de la Verrerie, Paris 4th arrondissement.
Assouline: luxury and the art of living
The Assouline bookshop is a perfect blend of art and luxury. With its emblematic red walls and vintage objects, it offers unique works such as the latest book on Serge Gainsbourg or limited editions of designer bookcases.
📍 35 rue Bonaparte, Paris 6e.
Also read: The best fashion films to (re)watch before Fashion Week
