Heritage Brand Blends Tradition and Modernity with Art-Focused Space
Au Départ, the first French luxury leather goods brand established in 1834, has opened a new flagship store in Paris. This marks a significant step in the brand’s long history, reaffirming its dedication to high-end craftsmanship and timeless design. The store is located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, a key destination for French haute couture.
Following in the footsteps of its original late 19th-century locations, which were situated near iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Palais Garnier, the new boutique combines history and contemporary flair. The space reflects a connection between the past and present, providing visitors with a sensory experience that bridges tradition and innovation.
Inside, the design plays with contrasts, balancing raw concrete walls with marble fixtures and brass detailing. This juxtaposition highlights the essence of Au Départ’s timeless yet functional designs. The ground floor houses the brand’s signature leather goods and heritage archives, while the upper floor introduces a new creative venture: the Au Départ Art Collective.
The brand teases its artistic direction with an installation by Diana Kim and Scott Ponik (Stand Up Comedy), transforming the store’s window display into an unconventional art gallery. The installation features vintage Au Départ travel trunks “cosplaying” as talking clams that open and close, emitting the brand’s signature lavender hue. As they interact, they symbolize the ecology of time, revealing pearls formed within the clams. Upon closer inspection, viewers will discover Au Départ’s latest luxury creations, including the Belleville and Tuilerie bags, hidden inside the trunks.
Store Address:
20 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
