A Cool Founder Shares Her Little Black Book
A Cool Founder Shares Her Little Black Book
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A Cool Founder Shares Her Little Black Book

Paris-based Alice Violier Amzalak is the founder of vintage eyewear platform Seconde Vue – the destination fashion insiders turn to for rare, archival frames. Known for her distinctive eye and carefully curated edits, we asked Alice to share the places she loves most, from cultural spots and under-the-radar vintage gems to the best places for matcha and the brands currently on her radar.
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Images: @SecondVue; Oji; Schiaparelli; @Aliceamzalak
@AliceAmzalak

Alaïa and Schiaparelli are two brands that never let me down. The silhouettes are, season after season, so breathtaking; I love everything about these two fashion houses. 

When I need something sexy and very feminine, I’ll go to La Galpa – it makes the most flattering pieces. Rowen Rose is also a go-to. The pieces make you feel more confident immediately. If I want to wear leather, I’ll go to Stouls

For everyday pieces, I really love The Attico and Alfie Paris. I’m out and about in the city all day, so I need comfortable and stylish pieces and these brands offer exactly that. Alfie is all about effortless femininity – very 90s-inspired and I just love everything.

The BEST MARKET IN PARIS IS ST OUEN ON SUNDAYS but the French flea markets in the little towns outside of Paris are always worth the trip too.

Vinted is my best friend. I think I go on the platform every day and my favourites list is endless. The brands I’m searching for the most are Thierry Mugler, Gianfranco Ferré, Sportmax, Ungaro, Escada, Jean Paul Gaultier. 

Antic Tonic has some of the best vintage jewellery. You really have to go and see the collection for yourself. The last thing I bought there was a pair of vintage earrings – gorgeous, gold with blue stones. 

The best market in Paris is St Ouen on Sundays but the French flea markets in the little towns outside of Paris are always worth the trip too. 

Le Marais is the best place for vintage shopping. I always find pieces at A Vintage Touch in Saint Ouen, at Marché Vernaison, or Chez Sarah. Some of my other favourites include Petite ChineuseNuovoThe RoomRevoir VintageCurated By and Kanelle Vintage. Of course I’m biased, but Seconde Vue for vintage eyewear.

@MysteryJoyJewellery; @SecondVue

I also love the 7th arrondissement. There you’ll find Le Bon Marché and other independent brands and stores worth discovering. 

MysteryJoy does incredible fine jewellery. For hats, my go-tos are Anthony Peto or Maison Krasnova. And for gloves, I’m always going to ACABA Gantier

Fondation Pinault is the museum I visit most often. I love this place so much; the architecture is so unique. 

I’m a matcha girl. So, my order will be a matcha latte with coconut milk and no sugar – Matcha Ya in Le Marais does an amazing one. 

When it comes to interiors and collecting objects and art, some of my favourite places include La Galerie Gram, St Ouen at Marché Paul Bert, Galerie Boketto and Galerie Paradis. I also love to source objects from my family. I like the idea of taking an object that someone I love has chosen but doesn’t want anymore, and making it last in another space. 

For a culture fix, I love La Gallery Perrotin. The exhibitions are always very dynamic and contemporary. It’s a space where you can discover artists who are really shaping today’s art scene.

The Fondation Alaïa is also one of my favourite places to visit in Paris. It feels very intimate and highlights the incredible craftsmanship and artistry behind fashion, which I find really inspiring.

@AliceAmzalak; @SecondVue; Stouls; @MysteryJoyJewellery; Rowen Rose; Galerie Boketo; Bar Hemingway

I’ve recently discovered an artist called Ema Gaspar – @EMA_B_G on Instagram. My brother came across her on his last trip to Japan and I fell in love with her work and her world. She has created a very imaginative, fairy-tale-like universe. I like her use of colours and all the details she adds to her drawings. 

I love Bar Hemingway at the Ritz because it feels timeless, almost like a hidden world inside the city. It’s one of those rare places where you can really feel the history of Paris. The atmosphere is intimate and elegant – almost like stepping into another era.

Joa is one of my favourite restaurantsLe Relais de L’entrecôte is another. At Joa, the menu changes a lot with the seasons. If I’m going for brunch, I have the scrambled eggs with cheddar and bread. They also have the best homemade pastries – the cookies are insane and you have to try the babka. Le Relais de L’entrcôte only has one option – meat with sauce and French fries – but it’s perfection. 

It’s one of those rare places where you can really feel the history of Paris. THE ATMOSPHERE IS INTIMATE AND ELEGANT – almost like stepping into another era.

Biologique Recherche is one of the most iconic skincare destinations. The flagship spa on the Champs-Élysées is known for its ultra-personalised facials and very precise skin analysis, where treatments are tailored exactly to your skin’s needs. You don’t book a specific treatment, you just book an hour and then they will do exactly what you skin needs at that moment. The products are very concentrated but don’t contain any artificial fragrances, which I love.

For a wellness experience, Suisen is a must. It’s a Japanese wellness house based in Le Marais. When you step inside, you feel transported to Japan, with Tatami, cedar wood, Shiatsu massages, and even green tea rituals after treatments. It’s incredibly calming and feels like a true escape from the city. 

When I leave Paris, I head to Normandy or, if I have more time, Corsica. I’m usually going to my home or some friends' houses but I’d also recommend Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy and Hôtel Version Maquis Citadelle or Cala Di Greco in Corsica. 

When I need time out, I go to La Maison du Tui Na for a Chinese massage. The massages are based on traditional Chinese techniques, so they’re quite deep and precise. It’s amazing for releasing tension and restoring energy – you walk out feeling so much lighter and more relaxed.

Follow @ALICEAMZALAK@SECONDEVUE

Oji; @AliceAmzalak
Schiaparelli

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