Saturday, 3:17 p.m. Force of habit usually draws me along the Canal Saint-Martin to meet our favorite Parisian ringleader at her café du canal. Yet, I must confess to a hopeless whim—taking a detour via rue de Marseille.
I moved to the 7th arrondissement not long ago, and I am still learning its syntax. The diplomats of rue de Grenelle, the antique dealers around rue de Beaune, the endless lunches on rue du Bac, the quiet strolls in the Catherine Labouré garden.
My new apartment is also a blank page. When I decide to change my life, I do it from floor to ceiling, from my shoes to my hair. Before joining the girls at the café, I need a few things from Centre Commercial.
My wishlist:
The Muscari glass, handmade by Margot Courgeon. Spring, bottom's up.
Abel's Laundry Day. Tunisian neroli, bergamot, passionfruit. A perfect match for my Casa Parini sheets.
The Lava dress by Baserange, in fine linen. A journey around the world in four stops, paired with the Soar cardigan.
The Los Delfines necklace by Simuero. Golden dolphins and a lemon-yellow stone. The Mediterranean close to the heart. A southern girl, and proud of it.
A little history…
When Veja founders Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion opened Centre Commercial in 2010, the name was intentionally tongue-in-cheek. Inspired by the writings of philosopher Bernard Stiegler and sociologist Mike Davis on consumer society, it suggests the exact opposite of its literal meaning: a shop where the goal is precisely not to sell everything.
Today, the curation blends brands like Studio Nicholson, RIER, Paraboot, MAN-TLE, Simuero, Baserange, and Veja—chosen as much for their aesthetic language as for their craftsmanship, expertise, and transparent sourcing. In 2010, the boutique became Paraboot's first Parisian stockist, at a time when the French heritage house was already a success in Japan and Korea but remained relatively quiet in Paris.
The lifestyle selection now brings together Frama, D.S. & Durga, Comme des Garçons Parfums, Studio Arhoj, alongside books, stationery, homeware, incense, and skincare. The universe has since expanded in the neighborhood with Centre Commercial Outdoor and Kids, and, more recently, a new address at 26 rue de Charonne.
