Boutique Spotlight:
Simonne & Lisa B.

Now, Simonne et Lisa B.'s selection is wide and entails designers from all over the world, but the spirit is still the same. Marie-Aude makes it her mission to spot new and emerging talent, sometimes among the designers who come to the boutique presenting their creations, but most often from the information she finds online. 

“It is also very important for me to select designers who have the greatest respect for people and for their environment. Materials are natural, products are all ethical and helping local production, whether it is baby alpaca used by artisan women in Peru or traditional hand-made lace from Calais, in the North of France.”

The name of the boutique, Simonne et Lisa B., is a tribute to Marie-Aude's grandmother and great grandmother, both of whom were designing dresses in Paris at the beginning of the 20th century. The logo of the shop is a reminder of this tribute. 

And this true family affair doesn't end there! A year after the opening of the boutique, Marie-Aude’s daughter, Hélène, came back from Barcelona to join the team. She had been working in Spain for years in international business and thought her mother’s project was so unique and exciting that it was the perfect next step for her career. 

When choosing the neighborhood, Marie-Aude was careful to select a creative one, where designers play a big role. 

“There are only three truly creative neighborhoods in Paris: Abbesses, Bastille and Le Marais.” She set her heart on the former partly because it is more visited by tourists who really like her shop, her very international selection and her personality.

Marie-Aude took over the space from a framing workshop. “I was immediately struck by the charm of the place, although it was still cramped with framing machines and dust when I first saw it.” 

She kept the authentic style with stone walls and exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, and added touches of modernism and contemporary furniture to be in line with the young designers she’s featuring.

Clients are of all ages, “from 17 to 77.” The range of prices is wide and the designer pieces have the right balance between classical and more unusual creations. For sure, when you buy something from Simonne & Lisa B., it’ something very unique. For most items, only a few pieces are available! 

Filles à Papa is a brand designed by two sisters from Belgium. Both studied at Esmod, where Marie-Aude is teaching, and won several prizes early in their careers. Their style is definitely glam-rock as you can tell from this legging, for instance, that combines contrasting black, silver and grey geometric patterns, or this oversize t-shirt with letter-print inspired by the US flag. 

Cropped USA Tee, Simonne & Lisa B.

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Silver and Black Leggings, Simonne & Lisa B.

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ToT is a very young brand, created in 2011, again by two sisters. Bessie and Bertha were born in Hong Kong, but grew up and studied in Australia, then in Paris. One of them designs in Paris while the other manages the production in Hong Kong. Their creations are feminine but can be combined in multiple ways to obtain a retro or contemporary style. 

Long Sleve Embellished Top, Simonne & Lisa B.

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Sarah Sumfleth is a designer from the north of France who decided to work with a typical material from her region: lace, traditionally made in the city of Calais. She incorporates small lace details in tops and sweaters and uses this material in a very innovative way: romantic, but also a bit rock. Overall very feminine!

Long Sleeve Lace Detail Tee, Simonne & Lisa B.

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Short Sleeve Embellished Top, Simonne & Lisa B.

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