From hidden-gems to places to people-watch, from bookshops to beauty spots – here is some inspiration, celebrating the independents in our local neighborhoods around the world.
This week’s selection has been curated by Nour Hammour Doughan, the Lebanese-born designer who founded her eponymous label, Nour Hammour, in 2013. The brand is based in Paris, and specializes in effortlessly cool outerwear that’s designed specifically to make women feel empowered.
Discovering independent brands as well as individuality are two things Nour champions: “I’ve always loved choosing outfits and dressing up, discovering new labels and being unique with style.” So naturally we had to find out where this founder goes for inspiration.
FOR FOOD
Caché Paris is a little hidden gem in the 20th district. Best ambiance with great food and wine, escape for the night and get a New York feel of restaurants. Make sure to order the ceviche de Daurade and the cheesecake, both are to die for. (Trust us).
FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING
On the western side of the Canal Saint-Martin along the Quai de Valmy, one of the trendiest and best people-watching spots in all of Paris. You can sit and observe the hip Parisians that picnic with their cheese and wine. You'll also find artists sketching or painting or writers journaling.
Every Sunday on the two streets that run parallel to the canal, Quai de Valmy, and Quai de Jemmapes are vehicle-free, reserved for only pedestrians and cyclists, which creates a new perspective to explore the city.
FOR BOOKS/RECORDS
0fr. is the best bookstore in the Marais. It’s perfect for super niche publications of fashion, design, architecture, and photography.
Shakespeare and Company is known as one of the oldest bookstores in the world – Shakespeare and Company always hold a certain level of mysterious majesty. Nothing beats the experience of pursuing the shelves and finding hidden gems that you know you will love. You will sometimes hear the piano playing, a lounging cat, and very friendly staff – it is a writers and readers' dream.
Superfly Records in the Marais has the coolest assortment of Bossa, Funk, and Disco music. If you are into discovering cool vinyls – you’ll love this place.
FOR WELLNESS
Oh My Cream is my absolute favorite clean beauty store – it stocks really amazing niche beauty and skincare brands from Ilia to Tata Harper – which sometimes are hard to find in Paris.
I also love Aime Skincare’s new store and Holidermie’s new pop-up at Le Bon Marche.
FOR SHOPPING
Paris and French people are famous for timeless, and effortless style. And shopping in Paris, in addition to mastering chic clothing, accessories, and interior items, is a fantastic way to discover the city, neighborhood by neighborhood, store by store.
Shopping is known to be a cultural pas-time in Paris, it's all about the atmosphere and the environment, like the beautiful layout of the Bon Marché for example. It makes it less about the actual purchases and more about the ultimate cocoon for inspiration.