The city of Paris has long been known as the epitome of fashion excellence—the beating heart from which fashion and design trends flow outward, eventually stretching all the way to our North Star State.
But they do not reach us on their own. From 50th & France’s curated sensory boutique SENTI to North Loop’s eclectic home goods shop J. Atelier, the Twin Cities harbors an abundance of businesses that gather inspiration from the innate romanticism of French culture. “French people understand that small things matter. Details are not an afterthought, they are everything,” says Jennifer Liang, owner of J. Atelier.
This summer, we chatted with French-inspired businesses across the Twin Cities to curate a local Parisian-chic product guide—bringing the allure of French style, beauty, and design to your doorstep.
Shop Country Club (St. Paul)
Amanda Morell, owner and curator of St. Paul vintage store Shop Country Club, is always chasing the effortless sophistication she sees in Parisian street style. “There is this element of casual cool that French people create with simple pieces like a trench coat or oversized aviators,” she says. “Those are definitely staples I curate at Country Club.” Last fall, Morell had the chance to show a Fall/Winter vintage collection on the runway at Paris Fashion Week, an experience which further enhanced her French-inspired selections on West Seventh Street.
spring picks: Le Bon Shoppe Boyfriend Socks ($15): Pair these athletic socks (pictured below) with your favorite walking sneaker to evoke an effortless street-style aesthetic;
Vintage aviators (prices vary): Accessorizing with oversized aviator sunglasses evokes that signature air of French snobbery (in a good way).
SENTI (50th & France)
Since her first visit to Grasse, France, SENTI owner Jen Knoch knew there was something magical about the way senses are valued and experienced there. “I’m so drawn to the French way of embracing fragrance as a true accessory and extension of style. My SENTI shoppers are very savvy and approach fragrance this way in their daily lives.”
spring pick: 1,000 Flowers Ode 10 ml Vial Spray ($52): A true burst of spring, this complex floral fragrance produced in Grasse, France, will enhance your daily sense of style and confidence.
provided by SENTI
Pumpz & Co. (Galleria Edina)
Known for its ever-prevailing sense of French luxury, Pumpz & Co. in the Galleria does the bulk of its sourcing in Paris and maintains a stunning selection of vintage Chanel accessories. Contemporary French brands like Carel Paris and Kilometre Paris stand out among the boutique’s impressive lineup of luxury designers.
spring pick: Vintage Chanel gold pendant ($4,200): To imitate French style is to let accessories be the star. Sourced from Paris, this vintage Chanel pendant is equal parts bold and elegant, sure to add a refined finish to any ensemble.
provided by Pumpz
J. Atelier (North Loop)
As a home goods shop, J. Atelier is guided by its reverence for the French way of life, which owner Liang believes has the ability to enhance people’s wardrobes, homes, and daily confidence. “We always have a taste of France in the shop. It is our go-to for travel inspiration and buying,” she explains. “A favorite with customers is our Maison de Vacances brand of textiles—high quality and so perfect for adding depth to a room.”
spring pick: Maison de Vacances Throw Pillows (prices vary): Add a pop of luxe velvet to your home this summer with these decorative throw pillows, a true testament to the sustainable practices of French design.
provided by J. Atelier
Clare V. (Multiple locations)
While born in Los Angeles and raised in St. Paul, designer Clare Vivier found her true home in France, where she met her husband Thierry Vivier, learned the French language, and infused an all-encompassing sense of Parisian charm into her brand. While no longer based in Minnesota, Vivier maintains a connection to her roots—often conducting pop-ups up at local businesses, including Paris Dining Club in Minneapolis.
spring picks: St. Martin Top ($265) and Zoe Skirt ($275): The stripe is an endearing French motif that will never go out of style, and this breezy blush pink coordinated set offers a subtle, feminine take on the pattern.
