Great news from Paris this morning, where the docks of the Seine are getting new life: La Cité de la Mode et du Design, a new space devoted to fashion, culture and design, makes its debut today. We hear the unique contemporary space will house restaurants, cafes, designer boutiques, event space for cultural events, a concert venue, nightclub, and the Institut Français de la Mode fashion and management school. Situated directly on the banks of the Seine between the Gare d'Austerlitz and BNF, this former warehouse space has undergone a major architectural renovation by French and New Zealand architects Dominique Jakob and Brendan Macfarlane (responsible for the Georges restaurant at the Centre Pompidou).
New foodie destinations in the grand cultural space include Le Baron, the first rooftop nightclub in Paris; Cafe Praline, an Italian tea salon where coffee and hot chocolate are made with antique machines; and Moon Roof, a rooftop space that acts as a modern bistro, lounge, and venue for stand-up shows and live music.
An exhibition showcasing designer Cristóbal Balenciaga’s heritage, life story and fashion, called “Cristóbal Balenciago, Collectionneur de Modes” will run through October. The exhibit, hosted by the Musée Galliera, which is currently closed for construction, showcases over 70 costumes and clothing items, plus 40 coats and dresses, all created between 1937 and 1968. Photographs, accessories and sketches by the designer are also on display.
Another upcoming hotspot in the Cité de la Mode et du Design is Wanderlust cultural space, set to open May 30 by Savoir Faire Group, who are behind the popular clubs Social Club and David Lynch’s exclusive Silencio. This unique space will house an 80-seat open-air cinema, a nightclub, an outdoor bar, terrace (the largest in Paris), an indoor and outdoor restaurant run by Benjamin Darnaud, performances and exhibitions. Set to be open in the summer from Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 6am, we hear the destination will host weekly electronic concerts, weekend yoga classes followed by brunch, flea markets and more.
Photograph courtesy Nicolas Borel