Paris fabric shops that sell beautiful lace? Paris dress shops that sell beautiful lace dresses?

June 26, 2007 10:40 AM

Paris fabric shops that sell beautiful lace? Paris dress shops that sell beautiful lace dresses?

I am going to Paris later this summer for a week. While there, I would like to buy beautiful lace to make a dress with, or jump to the chase and just buy a beautiful lace dress. For the dress, yes it's a wedding dress, but I don't want a train or a veil or sequins or beads. It's all about the fabric. I am willing to travel on day trips outside the city if this will get me better prices or selection on fabric (I doubt this is the case with dresses...). It would be great to find both Guipure and Alecon lace. It would be awesome to find some that is paisley or some other interesting non-flower-based pattern.

posted by Eringatang to clothing, beauty, & fashion (6 comments total)

Going solely by where fabric was purchased last season on Project Runway (i know, i know): Tissus Reine. They have lots of fabrics, apparently. How much lace, I don't know. They do have it though, on the ground floor, along with silks.
posted by contessa at 10:52 AM on June 26, 2007

There's a street, I believe in the Marais, that has all sorts of fabric and fashion stores. According to one of the guidebooks I had it was a good source for discounted fabrics. Unfortunately, my memory fails me as to its exact name. I am absolutely sure it was in the 4e or the 3e, within these boundaries. (which is definitely walkable)
posted by desjardins at 11:34 AM on June 26, 2007

I've had a few friends come to Paris specifically to shop at La Droguerie. IANA seamstress but that place seems to have everything one could imagine.
posted by DefendBrooklyn at 12:23 PM on June 26, 2007

Try looking in or asking on A Dress A Day?
posted by needled at 12:46 PM on June 26, 2007

It is my understanding that the Belgians are know for lace, so it might be worth a detour to Brussels.
posted by heh3d at 2:23 PM on June 26, 2007

Do go to where Tissus Reine is - it's the Paris fabric district. Absolutely do not miss the Marché Saint Pierre - I think lace is on the second or third floor. If they don't have what you're looking for, they will probably know where to find it.

My recommended plan of action would be to buy a pack lunch before taking the metro to Abesseses, eat while sitting on the stairs in front of the Sacré Cœur, then walk down, turn left and explore rue Nodier, Orsel, etc.; IIRC, there is even a shop specialising in buttons further up rue Nodier.

The Marais is indeed the fashion district, but I've never seen fabric stores there. I may be wrong.

Obligatory google map of Montmartre.

Do wander around. Avoid the tourist trap restaurants near Place du Tertre. Don't visit the Sacré Cœur.
posted by stereo at 5:59 PM on June 29, 2007