When brands throw parties in store, I’m never entirely sure what to think. Firstly all that champagne in such close proximity to often expensive clothing makes me a bundle of nerves, and secondly there is always something a bit odd about dancing around to a DJ essentially in a shop that’s open a little bit later than usual. Nevertheless, what I do love about in-store soirees is that they are a great way of meeting brands face to face, and you often discover new labels that you hadn’t heard of previously, which is exactly what happened on Wednesday night.
I was back in town to speak at Social Media Week, when Eleven Paris‘ PR invited me to join them at exactly one of these dos. I had passed the store on Carnaby Street the week before and done a little “ooh!” – check watch – no time to stop, but mental note that this place looks hot, type thing, so was delighted to swing on by. I am so glad I did.
Eleven Paris is achingly cool and oozes that “I don’t give a merde” swagger that Parisian youths pull off so well. You may have seen their t-shirts (above) stocked in Urban Outfitters and Selfridges, featuring the likes of Lenny Kravitz and Kate Moss declaring that “Life is a Joke”, but as much as I love the tees (and I really do), it’s the rest of their more serious AW collection that blew me away.
Standout pieces in womenswear had to be a neoprene black sweater with zip details that I fell for, a graphic print shirt entitled TORN, and this soft leather jacket I’m wearing above with asymmetric gold zip and faux-fur lined collar. Although I didn’t see it in store, there is also a two piece burgundy suit in their lookbook that I am literally swooning over. All the clothing felt high quality, and none felt ludicrously expensive – if you like The Kooples and Zadig & Voltaire, this will be right up your street.
And if you want to do it comme des garcons? Well firstly thanks to the skinny boys of France, trousers are available from W27″ and up so girls you will definitely be able to slot into a pair of pants. I particularly liked the CHARLIE drawstring trousers, that fitted snugly and were available in a really nice burgundy and slate colour. The men’s outerwear is gorgeous, but if you’re London based I recommend popping in store as their website doesn’t offer any material/product information (just me?) so it’s worth having a perooze in person.
I may not be at Paris Fashion Week, but I found Eleven Paris to be parfait.
