In the heart of Lyon, France, a unique shopping experience awaits at the Carrie Bradshop, a vintage store that pays homage to the iconic character Carrie Bradshaw from the beloved television series "Sex and the City." Imagine strolling through the city, surrounded by the aromas of French cuisine and the charm of medieval architecture, only to stumble upon a vibrant pink sign that beckons you inside.
Upon entering, you are transported into a world where vintage meets glamour. The interior of the Carrie Bradshop is a delightful blend of early 2000s displays illuminated by disco lights, with walls adorned by posters from "Sex and the City." The items for sale feel as if they have been plucked straight from Carrie Bradshaw's closet, featuring an array of silk scarves, oversized sunglasses, printed miniskirts, and colorful tops that define her eclectic style.
Accessories are a highlight of the store, offering everything from designer handbags to bold statement jewelry, allowing visitors to recreate the unforgettable outfits worn by Carrie and her friends. The store is not just a retail space; it’s a nostalgic journey for fans of the show.
Owned by Yvo Deprelle and Patrick-Pierre Olinger, the Carrie Bradshop opened its doors in 2010 after the duo bonded over their shared love for "Sex and the City" and vintage fashion. Their backgrounds are as eclectic as the items they sell: Deprelle worked as a fashion editor in Lyon and Paris for prestigious publications like Marie Claire and Euronews, while Olinger was raised by an antiquarian father, instilling in him a passion for uncovering vintage treasures.
Fifteen years after its inception, the shop continues to attract a diverse clientele, including celebrities and local fans, all eager to experience the spirit of Carrie Bradshaw. The recent revival of the series in the sequel "And Just Like That..." has only amplified interest in the store, drawing visitors from around the globe who want to immerse themselves in the world of one of television's most beloved characters.
"Everyone knows Carrie Bradshaw, and everyone takes pictures of our bright sign," says Olinger, emphasizing the shop's role as a cultural landmark in Lyon. Unlike the rise of online resale sites, the Carrie Bradshop offers a tactile, physical shopping experience that celebrates the joy of fashion without taking itself too seriously.
Deprelle notes that Carrie was one of the first TV characters to make second-hand clothing fashionable, a concept that resonates strongly with today's shoppers. "Carrie Bradshaw made second-hand clothing chic," he explains, recalling her famous line about searching for a $7 vintage dress to pair with her $300 shoes. This philosophy of mixing high-end pieces with vintage finds is a guiding principle for the store.
The Carrie Bradshop also features a curated selection of men's clothing, complete with a section decorated with a striking poster from Yves Saint Laurent's M7 fragrance campaign, showcasing a sensuous male model. This adds another layer to the store's eclectic offerings and ensures that there is something for everyone.
As the store embraces the resurgence of early 2000s fashion, it has seen a notable increase in Gen Z visitors eager to explore the trends of that era. The owners find joy in selling pieces that tell stories, especially rare items from legendary designers like Elsa Schiaparelli and Chanel, which add a historical context to the shopping experience.
"It’s always fascinating to sell someone an outfit from an era they never knew," Deprelle remarks, highlighting the cultural exchange that occurs within the store. This notion of a cultural transaction is at the heart of the Carrie Bradshop, where every garment is a piece of history that continues to engage with the present.
Just under 4,000 miles away from Carrie Bradshaw's fictional New York City, the spirit of this iconic character thrives in Lyon, reminding us that fashion is not just about clothing but about storytelling, nostalgia, and personal expression. The Carrie Bradshop stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Carrie Bradshaw and the timeless appeal of vintage fashion.
As the store celebrates its anniversary, it continues to inspire new generations of fashion enthusiasts, proving that the essence of Carrie Bradshaw is alive and well, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural shifts.
