You heard it here first ladies and gents: I have discovered French luxury accessory heaven. Mecca. Paradise.
Darling Kyra had been whispering in my ear about this little tucked away gem for a while and so it was on a Sunday morning that I met Shannyn and her mother Terry of Parisian Street Society who have been collecting what you are about to see for years.
For someone who can generally talk the leg off a chair, I was momentarily speechless when I walked into PSS.
Trips to Paris and friendships forged with Parisian optometrists, collectors and shop owners have meant that the stock in Parisian Street Society has literally been hand picked by Shannyn and Terry.
The shop has been open since May but as it is tucked away down a little lane off Toorak Rd it does fit nicely into that ‘hidden gem’ aspect of Melbourne, and I have to say it was very tempting to keep it all to myself! A find like this had to be shared however because a visit alone just to see the Lacoix, Chanel, Hermes, Rykiel, YSL, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Balmain and the extremely rare vintage pieces will amaze you. Shannyn can tell you the story and provenance of every single piece in the store which is no mean feat considering the considerable size of their collection.
Aside from the archival pieces from the well known Parisian houses, you will also find Jerome Dreyfuss leather bags (Isabel Marant’s husband), hand selected items of clothing and Parisian Street Society’s very own pieces. I’m wearing a skirt designed by Shannyn in these pieces which they lent me to wear the the French High Tea over the weekend as well as the Chanel bag and jewels.
You can find Parisian Street Society at shop 7 101-105 Toorak Road, South Yarra, Melbourne or you can check out the blog.
Myself and Shannyn Alexene of Parisian Street Society
Kyra, Shannyn and I having a coffee at the French cafe next door. It’s a coincidence but it’s all sorts of perfect. They even put the Chanel double C on the latte’s for Shannyn and Terry!
These are original vintage Catherine Deneuve glasses that were only ever sold in France.
Jerome Dreyfuss bag.
