Reciproque is the largest luxury designer consignment store in Paris, with over 7,500 square feet of sales space. It’s touted as the destination for designer bargains and not to be missed if you are a lover of fashion. I would have to demur and say, yes, it can be missed.
I trudged up to the 16th arrondissement with great anticipation.
I found rooms stuffed with tired, outdated designer stuff.
The prices were not that tempting. While it’s true that they are well stocked, (i.e. lots of Hermes scarves) Reciproque’s jammed packed inventory does not invite the thrill of the hunt but instead seemed like too much work. So after a cursory review of the goods, I left empty handed and disappointed.
I went across the street to see their luxury jewelry store, but again, was disappointed with the selections, which all seemed like costume jewelry.
Perhaps one needs to keep on checking back for fresh merchandise. It’s obvious that I will need to return to Paris to scout out other more promising consignment stores.
Happenstance is a wonderful way to discover a fashion designer. I had just popped in to the Dries van Noten boutique along the Seine, on my way to the Musee d’Orsay, when a window display in a boutique made me stop in my tracks! The boutique’s name is Moon Young Hee, and it is right across from the Louvre, on the Left Bank. The rough hewn walls, warm polished floors and minimalist design complemented her clothing.
