Tuesday, February 24, 2009

BENSIMON

You are probably thinking, more plates?   Didn't she just write about tableware and a cute little shop to find them in yesterday.  The answer would be yes but here is an explanation and a look into how my brain is wired.  Doing research online-found these great porcelain plates by designer Laurent Meurgey--did some more research as to where I could find them and ended up on Bensimon.com and thought I would be utterly remiss if I didn't send you off in the direction of one of their shops.
  

A little family story of two brothers, Gilles and Yves Bensimon and their grandfather who started importing American second hand clothes into France at the end of World War II.  Fast forward about 40 years and these two gentleman started bringing surplus uniforms and work clothes to Paris, customizing them as they did.  Fast forward 10 years later and they entered into the world of designing their own line of clothing that is functional, fun and comfortable. Their 'La Tennis Bensimon' (think simpler Chuck Taylor's) come in oodles of colors and are a staple in young French women's wardrobes.  You'll see them everywhere.  

In addition to great clothes, they have taken their design expertise into home decor which is the section of their shop that I head straight to.  Pillows in bright colors and patterns, scented candles that they have created, plates by Laurent Merugey and others, wall coverings and bed linens that really inspire one to start fresh and jam their lives with lots of color.  Just walking in the place, you can't help but feel happier.  The shops are in stark contrast to some of the dreary, rainy Parisian days that make one yearn for the sun.  

Find a shop near you and grab some sunshine!

Additional information:    
8 rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003 
111 rue de Turenne 75003
54 rue de Seine 75006
57 rue du Cherche Midi  75006

Photo credit:  laurentmeurgey, bensimon

8 comments:

The Antiques Diva™ said...

54 Rue de Seine... that's just steps away from my old home in Paris... and now whenever I stay in a hotel (and not with friends) in Paris I tend to stay in Hotel de Seine. On my next trip to Paris, I'll have to pop by the store! Merci Bien!
Toma, Aka, The Antiques Diva

Anonymous said...

You know when they say men are from mars, women from venus, well here's reason number 1431 why that just happens to be true:

the majority of your readers may have looked at the title of your post, bensimon, and known immediately that you were referring to a parisian shop.

Me?

I thought of an old ND centreman, Ben Simon, who played four years for The Coach back in the mid- to late-90's.

That's why I keep reading Paris & Cie. You edumucate me.

Phivos Nicolaides said...

Although I don't like much shopping, your post is very informative and a good one!

Kim said...

Toma--you must visit. The shops are a fun adventure.
Chubbs--men are from mars(you being no exception I am sure) but i certainly can understand the confusion on this one and did not mean to deceive or give false hope that this would be a post about hockey. FYI-the bensimon you are thinking about is playing in germany.
Philip--you don't like to shop?? What's that all about;-) Thanks for your kind words.

a supreme blog said...

hi kim! learn more about bensimon shoes at www.thebensimongirls.com! they're hard to find in the US but you can find exactly where to shop for them at our site!

Kim said...

Hey girls, those are them exactly. Love your blog.

jenny said...

We love Bensimon too & are bringing a little of their French style to Edinburgh in Scotland at our Bohemia boutiques.
Our new Summer collection of La Tennis by Bensimon is starting to arrive with gorgeous colours from fushia pink to a lovely blue/grey. You can see them online at:
www.bohemiadesign.co.uk
Happy walking!

jenny said...

We love Bensimon too & are bringing a little of their French style to Edinburgh in Scotland at our Bohemia boutiques.
Our new Summer collection of La Tennis by Bensimon is starting to arrive with gorgeous colours from fushia pink to a lovely blue/grey. You can see them online at:
www.bohemiadesign.co.uk
Happy walking!