It’s that wonderful time of year in France and elsewhere in the northern hemisphere – the light is changing from glare to gold and it’s time to harvest and explore.
With that in mind, and as a frivolous aside, allow me to introduce: Departement Feminin, a fresh, fashionable, somewhat expensive, and delightfully retro new venue. Departement Feminin’s bricks-and-mortar (does anyone actually use bricks and mortar anymore?) location is in Toulouse at 1, rue Maurice Fanvielle, 31000 Toulouse. It’s open Mondays from 2 pm (14hr) to 7 pm (19h) and Tuesday – Saturday from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. (19h.) You can call at: 33 5 34 449962.
But the best news is their incredible, charming, enticing website. It’s mostly black and white or soft grays. The graphics look like pen and ink drawings, something like Hilary Knight’s Eloise. When the site loads, instead of that boring circular arrow or hourglass, a pair of women’s legs in black high heels strolls along the page which is designed to look like an old-fashioned store – with wallpaper and picture frames. The legs slow down as they approach a frame, which allows one to flyover and view the item therein. They combine old and new, e.g., Balenciaga and Rick Storm(?). The site is in English or French as you choose. It’s, for want of a better term: “retro French”.
The stuff is great – I so want the Celine leather jacket. Ah well, it’s about the adventure, not the acquisition.
Give it a look at:
http://www.departementfeminin.com
Next time: Absinthe is back! It’s Ganesha’s birthday! Let’s cook! French TV!