A new shop has recently opened in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with the proud intention to be in synch with the spirit of the area. It is called Bernardin, after the name of the owner.
This is a shop, not a brand. Its character comes from the owner’s flair in putting together a consistent house style. Each item has been carefully chosen, trying to represent the best of its kind, or indeed to be one of a kind.
J Keydge tweed and corduroy jackets, superb two-ply Gauthier shirts, De Bonne Facture raincoat in Japanese cotton, Murdock beard oil, Merz b. Schwannen t-shirts, Stetson caps, Begg of Scotland scarves, Di Carlo socks, Gloverall duffle-coats…
One could describe Bernardin’s repertoire as based on international curiosity with a French bias. The overall tone of the shop is very appealing, a classic but colourful display of items that straddle the fence between casual and chic.
Also, the cosiness of the place begs to be explored—Oscar Peterson and Roy Eldridge were playing when I came in, on a vintage tangential vinyl record player, which is always a sign of taste.
It opened barely a month ago so the supply is constantly expanding.