The French view of tradition and the appreciation of old things is also reflected in their fashion. For Parisian women, well-worn vintage items are an essential part of their wardrobe and a part of everyday life. Paris is teeming with vintage shops, but one that has been gaining popularity since its opening in May of this year is Le Marche Noir, which sells vintage items from Africa. Located in the Marais district, an area where many fashionable artists gather and constantly creates new trends, the interior, inspired by Africa in the early 20th century when it was a British colony, has an exotic atmosphere that mixes the lush African nature with European nobility. Many visitors find themselves stopping in their tracks to explore this unique space, which is, in a good way, a world away from the Parisian cityscape.
The interior of Le Marché Noir is inspired by early 20th century Africa.
Women's dresses and accessories are eye-catching near the entrance, while further inside you'll find men's outerwear, sweatshirts, and unisex outerwear and tops. Although the items are vintage, they are all clean, with no loose stitching and are all of high quality. They also carry traditional ethnic clothing, which is what first comes to mind when you think of Africa, but the majority of their products are clothing from the 1970s to the present day. In fact, the second-hand clothing they sell was originally donated to Africa by European countries through the Red Cross and other charitable organizations. The usual distribution pattern is for items to be handed over to local traders and sold at street stalls or shops, but Le Marché Noir aims to support the livelihoods of merchants by purchasing them at a high price.
The store mainly carries clothing from the 1970s to the present day
The owner, Amah, who lived in Togo until the age of 12 and then moved to France, travels around Africa for several months twice a year to select products. "These are vintage items that have crossed many eras and borders, finally returning to their homeland," says Ama. Aiming to promote the circulation of goods and the economy, the shop serves as a bridge connecting her native Africa with France.
Owner Ama lived in Togo until she was 12 years old before moving to Paris.
An original line designed by Ama will also be available for sale soon. The first item, a cape made from a durable fabric called "Kyante," handmade in Ghana and Togo, is nearing completion. The loafer-style shoes, which were created in collaboration with Moroccan artisans and are still in the prototype stage, are currently being adjusted for comfort.
The store also plans to sell an original line, including shoes that are still in the prototype stage.
"I don't want to stock ordinary, run-of-the-mill items, but special items that you can't find anywhere else. The feeling when you come across and put on such items is like a moment when you realize who you are. Rather than being stylish, I want to create a store where customers can establish their own style and discover items that express their unique individuality."
The adjacent store opened as a salon de thé serving African cuisine, but has now been reborn as an interior design shop selling tableware imported from Africa. The basement space has also been expanded, and from January next year it is scheduled to open as a shop and style office. "We will continue to express the African spirit and pass on culture through fashion." This store allows you to experience different African cultures while in the heart of Paris. Inspiration, surprises, and fateful vintage items await you.
【Le Marché Noir】
Address: 18 Rue Perree, 75003 Paris
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday / 8:00 - 22:00
The interior of Le Marché Noir is inspired by early 20th century Africa.
Women's dresses and accessories are eye-catching near the entrance, while further inside you'll find men's outerwear, sweatshirts, and unisex outerwear and tops. Although the items are vintage, they are all clean, with no loose stitching and are all of high quality. They also carry traditional ethnic clothing, which is what first comes to mind when you think of Africa, but the majority of their products are clothing from the 1970s to the present day. In fact, the second-hand clothing they sell was originally donated to Africa by European countries through the Red Cross and other charitable organizations. The usual distribution pattern is for items to be handed over to local traders and sold at street stalls or shops, but Le Marché Noir aims to support the livelihoods of merchants by purchasing them at a high price.
The store mainly carries clothing from the 1970s to the present day
The owner, Amah, who lived in Togo until the age of 12 and then moved to France, travels around Africa for several months twice a year to select products. "These are vintage items that have crossed many eras and borders, finally returning to their homeland," says Ama. Aiming to promote the circulation of goods and the economy, the shop serves as a bridge connecting her native Africa with France.
Owner Ama lived in Togo until she was 12 years old before moving to Paris.
An original line designed by Ama will also be available for sale soon. The first item, a cape made from a durable fabric called "Kyante," handmade in Ghana and Togo, is nearing completion. The loafer-style shoes, which were created in collaboration with Moroccan artisans and are still in the prototype stage, are currently being adjusted for comfort.
The store also plans to sell an original line, including shoes that are still in the prototype stage.
"I don't want to stock ordinary, run-of-the-mill items, but special items that you can't find anywhere else. The feeling when you come across and put on such items is like a moment when you realize who you are. Rather than being stylish, I want to create a store where customers can establish their own style and discover items that express their unique individuality."
The adjacent store opened as a salon de thé serving African cuisine, but has now been reborn as an interior design shop selling tableware imported from Africa. The basement space has also been expanded, and from January next year it is scheduled to open as a shop and style office. "We will continue to express the African spirit and pass on culture through fashion." This store allows you to experience different African cultures while in the heart of Paris. Inspiration, surprises, and fateful vintage items await you.
【Le Marché Noir】
Address: 18 Rue Perree, 75003 Paris
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday / 8:00 - 22:00
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