12 Best Paris Stores & Boutiques to Buy Your Boudoir Lingerie

“Do not be troubled for a language, cultivate your soul

and she will show herself.”

– Eugene Delacroix, French Romantic artist

 

As a boudoir photographer working in the stylish, romantic city of Paris, I have come to know all the superior brands of boudoir lingerie available here, the timeless classics right through to the daring, or even quirky ones, along with the best stores and boutiques where you can find these styles.

Your choice of lingerie is one of the most important decisions you will make with regard to your boudoir photography session. To a degree, it directly influences the feel and look of each individual final print, and the overall appearance of the album as a whole.

Having the professional experience of photographing a wide range of different body types, skin tones and looks, I am more than happy to advise what would work best for you (and what wouldn’t). However, I happily understand that your personal preference is of paramount importance to your entire boudoir experience, and that is what counts – for both you and me.

The list of Paris lingerie stores and boutiques that are featured here is a reflection of this professional experience, and has been compiled with you in mind. It represents the superior brands available here, the collections that photograph really well, and all of which have an extensive range of styles, colors, fabrics and, most importantly, good, old-fashioned choice. The list itself is in alphabetical order, and it’s not meant to be extensive – rather, and quite simply, the best of what is here – which, in turn, represents some of the best and most stylish lingerie brands in the world.

#1. Agent Provocateur

Renowned for their eye-catching and sensual styles, Agent Provocateur is a global brand and supplier of lingerie, stylishly designed with luxury-feel fabrics. Originally, a British lingerie retailer founded in 1994 by Joseph Corré, the son of Viviene Westwood, and his then-wife, Serena Rees, Agent Provocateur now has stores all over the world, including the U.S., Russia, Dubai and Hong Kong, and you’ll find their Paris store here: Printemps Haussmann, 64 boulevard Haussmann; (33-1) 42-82-44-60.

#2. Atelier Amour

If you are looking for something more daring and provocative than even classic lingerie, look no further than the playful, erotic styles of Atelier Amour. In late 2015, Rachel Bouchon put her 15 years’ lingerie experience into creating a new concept in erotic intimates. Her Atelier Amour brand has created a new erotic-chic range – clearly designed or the most passionate of lovers. Prepare to even be a little shocked at Les Rituelles, 6 rue Houdon; (+33 1) 84-20-20-24.

#3. Aubade

Founded way back in 1875 as a traditional girdle and corset maker, Aubade continues to be a famous, stylish and unique brand in Paris. Now more famously known for its beautifully designed and brightly-colored, high-end lingerie, with their printed motifs, Aubade’s ongoing and innovative advertising series “Lessons in Seduction” says all you need to know this about this clear Parisienne favorite. Their small and friendly boutique, located at 22 rue du Vieux Colombier; (+33-1) 45-48-16-62, and one of eight in Paris, has a friendly staff who are more than capable of professionally advising women on what would look good, as well as advising men on what to buy as a special gift.

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#4. Cadolle

Staying with the traditional theme, Herminie Cadolle is actually credited with inventing the bra in 1889, and so liberating women from the corset (it really can’t get any more traditional than that). Their little, red and gold-painted boutique at 4 rue Cambon; (+33-1) 42-60-94-22 continues to hold a place in the hearts of Parisienne women, and still sells stylish undergarments that mold your body beautifully into the perfect shape. For the higher-end bespoke version, simply go around the corner to the by-appointment-only Loft Couture at 255 rue St-Honoré; (+33-1) 42-60-94-94.

#5. Carine Gilson

Carine Gilson, a graduate of Fine Arts at the Antwerp Academy, is renowned for her exceptional lingerie designs, described on her website as “An Ethereal Temptation”  – all are utterly gorgeous and completely, 100% handmade, using only the finest natural silks and French lace. Regarded as both refined and romantic in look and feel, the current collection features virtually transparent black nothings and peachy satins, with their delicate and lacy motifs. An ethereal temptation indeed. You can find them at 18 rue de Grenelle; (+33-1) 43-26-46-71.

 

#6. Eres

Eres, more synonymous with sophisticated, yet discrete body-sculpting swimwear in France, added their first lingerie collection to much critical acclaim towards the end of the 1990s. Their style continues with a modern, minimalist look, using innovative fabrics of feminine colors and near-nude shades, and their Paris store is located  at 2 rue Tronchet; (+33-1) 47-42-28-82.

#7. Esquisee Lingerie

Designed to be contemporary, comfortable and beautiful, the limited collections of Esquisse are based on a modern and innovative prêt-à-porter spirit. An integral part of the Slow Fashion movement, Esquisse designs and produces limited collections of high quality lingerie, and all of their lingerie is only produced in Europe – in France, Italy and Portugal. See their latest collection at Galeries Lafayette, 40 bd Haussmann; (+33 1) 42-82-34-56.

#8. The Lace Atelier

Family-owned and only established in 2014, The Lace Atelier is the idea of Christine and Hélène, who met as children in primary school at Le Lycée Français. After their creative lives went in different directions, they finally reunited back in Paris, and together, they established The Lace Atelier, headquartered in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, to provide luxurious wedding day lingerie, and lace robes for their bridal clientele. Delicate fabrics, including French lace from their family-owned mills, as well as silks and chiffon, embody their lingerie. Find them here: 21 boulevard Haussmann; (+33 1) 56-52-94-85.

#9. Le Bon Marché

Le Bon Marché (which translates to “the good market” or “the good deal” in French) is one of the oldest department stores in Paris. Founded in 1838, and revamped almost completely by Aristide Boucicaut in 1852, it was one of the first modern-style department stores. The lingerie department here, softly-lit yet spacious, is the perfect opportunity for the traveling consumer to see for themselves a range of brands and styles, from basics by Dim and Triumph, to snappy young styles by Stella McCartney, and onto to luxurious offerings by Carine Gilson. Le Bon Marché can be found at 24 rue de Sèvres; (+33 1) 44-39-80-00.

#10. Le Petit Secret – Sexy Chic Lingerie, Paris

Le Petit Secret, which you can find at: 27 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud; (+33 6) 58-95-55-65, is definitely for the more daring and provocative among you. Their beautiful lingerie, very bold in design and a little naughty with it, uses satin, tulle, and refined lace in both their underwear and corsetry, often with the addition of sophisticated prints. The lingerie you find in this little boutique is designed for the “alluring, spicy, but never vulgar woman.”

 

 

#11. Marjolaine

Marjolaine specialises in luxury lingerie and loungewear, using a combination of silk and beautifully delicate French and Calais lace, where the lace designs are individually cut out and stitched to the silk – a technique known as Appliqué. It’s an incredibly time-consuming technique that can’t be successfully simulated, and has to be executed by skilled human hands. As Marjolaine’s website advises… “Suivez vos envies et laissez vous tenter.” Follow your desires and let yourself be tempted. Find Marjolaine lingerie at: Un Amour de Lingerie, 80 rue Montmartre; (+33 1) 42-36-15-54, and many other high-end boutiques in Paris.

#12. Princesse Tam Tam

Princesse Tam Tam’s is charmingly evocative of the 1950s retro look, and their lingerie and swimwear designs have been  described as “young, contemporary, fun, and affordable:” They complement all their collections with ‘50s style high-waisted culottes, dainty boxers, and pointy bras, either in bright, plain colors or with the use of graphic prints.

Princesse Tam Tam’s creative source is Loumia Hiridjee, a young woman of Indian origin, born in Antananarivo, Madagascar, along with her sister – Shama Hiridjee. And if you think you’ve heard the name Princesse Tam Tam before, it is inspired by a film by Edmond T. Gréville, in which Joséphine Baker shows off in underwear. Find their wonderful boutique here: 4 rue de Sèvres; (+33 1) 45-48-27-49.

Paris is blessed with world-famous labels and designs – if you choose to purchase your lingerie here (as many clients do), please don’t do it at the last minute. In case of any issues, I also keep a range of amazing products at my Paris studio for you to purchase. These lingerie pieces are hand-picked and carefully chosen by myself – for their style, their look, and how well they actually photograph – an important consideration.

If you have any questions at all about what to wear for your boudoir photography session, or you wish to ask about something else entirely, no problem – please feel free to connect with me, and let’s make all of these wondrous things happen for you.

 

– Gloria Villa