…and perhaps the world. I am completely serious. And yes, that is saying something.
Meet Zaia. She opened her boutique in Aix-en-Provence last October, having chosen an up-and-coming neighborhood in the South of France over her previous digs in Paris.
In France, surprisingly I find that we can rarely call any retail environment “curated” (a word that is slung around a little too loosely in the States) save for Colette and Caravane in Paris and a few worthy exceptions. But every object in Le Sérail has been considered down to its finest detail.
Zaia works with not only artisans but designers in both India and Marrakech to create exquisite pieces of the highest quality possible. Her direct relationship with them keeps the prices incredibly reasonable considering, what the French call un rapport qualité-prix. The above clutch is of such finesse that it would be deeply treasured and handed down–how often can that be said for an item that costs 248€?
I came across the store in my wanderings with the beautiful and very glamorous Dash and she was drawn to the tunics in the window like a moth to a flame. All hand stitched in India and yet, can I tell you? Even in Rajasthan, I did not come across such fine craftsmanship. Can you see the delicate beading along the collars? Amazing.
In my excitement, I admittedly forgot to do my job as well as I should. I did not take any photos of the giant heavily grained leather shoppers that any woman would want, let alone ask the price. Nor how much are the metallic woven pillows that line her shop. Folks, I know it is in poor taste to play the “I have travelled the world card” but in this case, let me insist with all honesty (and of course with absolutely nothing to gain personally) that I thought this to be one of the most finely curated (there is that word again) boutiques that I have seen anywhere.
And it is tiny to boot! Quality trumps quantity everytime. And are you ready for the good news? Yes, she ships internationally. She doesn’t have a website yet but I am sure that if you contact her, she will be willing to help you as best as she can.
Le Sérail
5, rue Jaubert
Aix-en-Provence
Tel. +(33) 4 42 63 03 26
Email: zm**********@***il.com
or for those of you visiting Morrocco:
Boutique Akbar
Place Bab Fteuh, Medina Marrakech
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your site unintentionally, and
I am surprised why this coincidence did not took place earlier!
I bookmarked it.
Students supplement core classes with electives offered throughout Parsons and the rest
of The New School in fields such as design and technology, anthropology, psychology, and environmental and urban studies.
I am in love with those metallic clutches. So unique and sophisticated…..
laura
Hello Ingrid! Thanks for stopping by and I am glad that you enjoyed the post about the store–it is so gorgeous!
Merci Laura! That is very kind of you! Glad that you enjoyed it!
Heather,
I have so enjoyed visiting your blog. Now I am going to read your other entries about patinas and dream houses,
Ingrid
Small, exquisite and carefully crafted. Who can ask for more in a boutique.
Leave it to you Heather to seek out such a wonderful place! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Loree, I finally checked out your TWO blogs–amazing! What a fascinating life you lead…