The discreet space brings under-the-radar labels to Rue Saint-Honoré, reflecting a broader turn toward hyper-curated retail
In a quiet move that reflects luxury’s pivot toward intimacy and craftsmanship, Nimette founder Nima Krings has opened a private salon in Paris dedicated to emerging and independent Japanese designers. Tucked above the Balenciaga flagship on Rue Saint-Honoré, the appointment-only Le Salon Nimette opened in May and offers a hyper-curated selection of clothing and vintage from labels rarely available outside Japan.
The salon features pieces from designers including Anrealage, Taakk, Akiko Aoki, and Osakentaro, as well as vintage pieces from designers like Comme des Garçons, all hand-selected by Krings during regular trips to Japan. The concept evolved from Nimette’s online shop, launched in 2023, as Krings sought to create a more tactile, storytelling-driven fashion experience. Designed in collaboration with architect Marie-Anne Derville, the light-filled space is intentionally minimalist. It was built to center the garments and their narratives rather than overwhelm them.
Instead of emulating traditional luxury salons, Le Salon Nimette focuses on discovery and dialogue. The client experience is guided by stylist and curator Melissa Gaudron, who builds personalized edits and helps shoppers engage with unfamiliar designers. Krings, who grew up around artisans in Guinea, says her goal is to reconnect people with the origin and intent behind what they wear. The showroom also features pieces from Mongolia, with plans to expand to Brazil, South Korea, and parts of Africa—places where local craft traditions remain strong.
Operating largely by word of mouth, the space aims to support designers who might otherwise struggle for visibility in the crowded Paris market. With more events planned for the year, including dinners and a showcase during Paris Fashion Week, Krings is betting on a slower, more meaningful model of fashion retail. The salon is a response to fashion fatigue: a space built for intention, and the kind of visibility that earns attention instead of chasing it.
