…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!
Save for small retirement funds! Ouch!
Ooh, be afraid, be very afraid…but it is worth it!
Bah, you are right girl you do never know! I was there not all that long ago and if only I had that address then…
Yes my friend, I think that between us, if money were no option, we would have bought out the shop! I can't think of anything that I didn't want! I do hope that you get a certain caftan *cough cough hint MG*…
Gros bisous…
Thank you Genie! Wishing you the same and that you get to vistit Marrakech as it is so beyond wonderful!
Everything looks scrumptious!
(And small is beautiful.)
This sounds like a must do… but a dangerous venture I fear 😉 xv
Best online shopping trip EVER! And thank you for including their address in Morocco, because you never know…..
I can vouch for this one, it is without a doubt the best boutique I have ever been into and the quality and beauty of Zaia's stock is beyond sublime, I could have spent a fortune in there as I wanted to buy everything!
Heather I am still dreaming about those caftans…and the evening bags…and the cushions and the…
XXX
I would love to visit Marrakech but this shop is the next best thing! The shot of the tunics and the detail just made me hungry to see more! Hope that you have a lovely weekend!
Bises,
Genie