Not far from the Marais, enormous, eco-friendly concept store Front de Mode immediately impresses passers-by with its grand, bluish exterior. As you enter, a sign informs you of the boutique’s key ethical objective: they say they strive, above all, ‘for a 21st century fashion ecosystem’.
The clothes are attractive and varied, and the shop just as magnificent as the window display suggests. The owners have selected no less than fifty designers, covering a vast array of styles and sections: children’s clothes, organic cosmetics, jewellery crafted by Touareg tribes, ‘deconstructed’ dresses, light, short-sleeved shirts and hipster-ish sweatshirts with Paris-themed slogans. Many items are made in France, while others are ‘upcycled’, like handbags created from scraps of fabric initially destined for car factories.
Front de Mode’s concept is interesting, but unfortunately, it may be best to browse and not buy here. With tank tops costing as much as €500, swimming costumes €150 and espadrilles €50, the shop’s ethical approach doesn’t extend to appeasing low incomes.