By Lauren Jade Hill
Considered one of the world’s leading interior designers, and named the 2017 Icon of Design, Timothy Corrigan is celebrated for the timelessly elegant interiors he creates. Owing to his success, Corrigan’s work has appeared across the world, but the designer divides much of his time between Paris and Los Angeles. And it’s in Paris that the designer finds inspiration for his work. “Creative inspiration truly is everywhere you look in Paris,” he tells us, “I see something new and inspiring every time I walk down the street.”
“To me, Paris is the most beautiful city in the world,” he continues, “I can’t spend enough time here, whether I’m in the museums and galleries, or just walking the streets. An appreciation for culture and history is a part of the DNA in Paris; you cannot help but feel it when you are here.” From the Place de la Concorde and the Place del la Madeliene, to the neighborhood of Nouvelle Athenes, the designer gives us his insider tips on what to experience in the city.
WHERE TO SHOP
“The covered passages of old Paris, especially Galerie Véro-Dodat, Passage de Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne, are a treasure trove of tiny little shops, which span fashion, art, books and design. These are a must for visitors to Paris.”
Eric Bompard
“Here you can get cashmere in every color and style. I love their ultra-fine crewnecks and cardigans, which are perfect for the mild California climate.”
eric-bompard.com
Le Bon Marche
“A civilized and sophisticated department store set in the heart of the left bank’s high-end 7th arrondisement, Le Bon Marche is far from the crowds of Galleries Lafayette and Printemps department stores.”
lebonmarche.com
Notify
“This cutting-edge denim atelier offers ready to wear and custom-made jeans in your choice of fabric, thread color and style. It is located just around the corner from Colette.”
notify.fr
La Bonbonnière
“Go here for traditional hand-made chocolates. My favorite treat is the candied orange rinds dipped in dark chocolate.”
la-bonbonniere.com
Buly 1803
“Since it opened in 1787, Buly has specialized in fragrances, lotions and potions for France’s leading ladies and gentlemen. The shop is something of a cabinet of curiosities with bottles and packaging that recall the days of Napoleonic France. The on-site calligrapher will inscribe your purchase for an extra personal touch.”
buly1803.com
WHERE TO GO FOR ART
Sylvain Levy-Alban
“One of the most special antique dealers in Paris, Sylvain has the most extraordinary eye for one-of-a-kind pieces.”
levyalban-antiques-paris.com
Artcurial
“Among Paris’s most famed auction houses, this one is based in the historic Hôtel Marcel Dassault, right on the Champs-Elysées.”
artcurial.com
Drouot Auction house
“This is one of the oldest institutions in Paris. On any day you go, there are multiple auctions taking place, featuring items ranging from Hermés scarves to priceless paintings. It is fun to just go and watch.”
drouot.com
WHERE TO EAT
Le Voltaire
“As an iconic and ultra-chic Parisian riverfront restaurant, with beautiful boiserie (wooden paneling) and golden lighting resulting in the most romantic of settings, this is where the Paris elite dine.”
levoltaireomaha.com
Le Grand Véfour
“Nestled in the corner of the Palais-Royal, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, this is where Napoleon wooed Josephine. Gorgeous 18th century verre eglomisé (gilded glass with metal leaf) cover the ceiling and walls.”
grand-vefour.com
Restaurant Guy Savoy
“This gourmet institution recently moved to the top floor of the oldest factory in France, the French mint. A series of dining rooms decorated in shades of charcoal and brown boast 10 foot high windows overlooking the Seine.”
guysavoy.com
Miznon
“Located in the heart of the Marais, this rowdy standing-room-only lunch spot serves delicious chicken pita, steak and whole heads of grilled cauliflower.”
facebook.com/miznonparis
Bread & Roses
“Around the corner from Hermés and the other shops of Saint-Honoré, this modern cafe is a great place to stop for a quick salad made with the freshest ingredients.”
breadandroses.fr
Restaurant 1728
“Beautiful architecture, food, music and art come together in the restored salons of the 17th century Hôtel Mazin La Fayette.”
restaurant-1728.com
WHERE TO GO FOR THE BEST VIEW
Bateaux-Mouches
“As touristy at is may seem, nothing beats a sunset cruise on the Seine. The vantage point of the city from the river can’t be beat, especially once the lights go on. I always bring a bottle of champagne and some champagne flutes.”
bateaux-mouches.fr
WHAT TO READ BEFORE YOU GO
“Without a doubt, the best book to help you understand the city of Paris today is How Paris Became Paris by Joan DeJean. It explains how Paris became the spectacular city it is, and a place you cannot help but fall in love with.”
Timothy Corrigan will soon be launching a new wallpaper collection for Fromental in England, a collection of trims and fringes for Samuel and Son’s in New York, and two new collections of plumbing fixtures for THG-Paris. Look out for the designer’s upcoming residential projects in London, New York, Chicago and California.