Démocratie: Where Parisians can govern their style at irresistible prices
De·moc·ra·cy | /dəˈmäkrəsē/ (noun): rule of the majority.
Just as its definition delineates, Démocratie makes customers the sovereigns of their shopping experience. Tucked into a quiet area along Rue de Turbigo, the innovative concept store offers a unique exploration of the essence and evolution of style in its many forms. Upon entering the store’s bright and modern interior, you’d never assume that the space was once a quaint bookstore originally owned by the father of Démocratie’s founders - sister duo Kimo and Diana. In conceptualizing Démocratie, the two former globetrotters sought to create a store that was fresh and gave reign to the shopper in determining how French style is to be expressed.
Standing in stark contrast to the trendy fast fashion brands located just a stone’s throw away in Forum des Halles, Démocratie is unpredictable and bold with the inventory they circulate through the store. With its eclectic and understated window displays, Démocratie may appear as just another consignment store to passerbyers. Yet, as soon as you step foot through the black industrial doorway of the unassuming concept store you realize it’s anything but. Compared to typical vintage stores that tend to be overcrowded with product and overstimulating to the eye, Démocratie is minimalistic in its layout and sharp in its selection. Rather than cumbersome floor racks stuffed with merchandise, Démocratie displays a smaller, more curated array of product on sleek copper rods that extend from the ceiling’s exposed piping. As you browse the racks you’re met with an ambiance that’s similarly minimal. The store is illuminated only by the sunlight that cascades through its front windows and the subtle lo-fi music that wafts through unseen speakers sets an atmospheric mood. In navigating the space, your eye is immediately drawn to the ornamental tables displaying ultra-trendy accessories and curated outfits that are situated right in the center. You then gravitate out to the periphery of the room, where you’ll find categorized racks of men’s and women’s clothing on one side and a varied collection of vintage records on the other.
Somewhat of a drugstore of styles, Démocratie allows the opportunity to discover young Scandinavian, British, American and Asian ready-to-wear brands that highlight the individuality of fashion from around the world. The selection is a combination of vintage and current, where second-hand garments meet recognizable labels, like Minkpink and Somedays Lovin’. Keeping in line with the stores name, Démocratie serves everyone, whether a millennial or a baby boomer, a local or a tourist. Thus, the aesthetic is one that’s multidimensional, offering retro and streetwear styles alike. Their selection outside of clothing mirrors this same ideal. As you scan the shelves that line Démocratie’s stark white walls, you’ll find the books atop them to pay homage to a variety of photographic works. Tucked into the front corner of the shop are crates of vinyls for music enthusiasts of all genres, whether a soul lover, a hip-hop fanatic, or a disco junkie. It’s nearly impossible to leave Démocratie empty handed, especially when the price point averages around 5-25€, with even their most expensive merchandise never exceeding 100€.
Between its combination of fashion, culture, and music, Démocratie infuses a fresh flare into this Parisian concept store, modelled after those often found in London or Berlin. There is, democratically, something for anyone and everyone. So that being said, are you ready to rule?