& More 2015
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sabelle Meniaud and her husband Guillaume
have recreated the South of France in Barbados
with their concept store Un Dimanche à Paris La
Suite after the huge success and cult following
of her premier boutique in the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre;
Un Dimanche à Paris. ‘La Suite’ in French means ‘what is
coming next’, hence the moniker, and speaks of the passion
and creativity of Isabelle and Guillaume.
Guillaume designed the interior of the store which also
serves as a showroom for his work at CID where attention to
detail and authenticity is paramount. Antique (19th Century)
iron balustrades from a chateaux in France grace either side
of the entrance, reclaimed wood applied in a parquet style
grounds the room and an ingenious mezzanine provides an
intimate alcove beneath where dressings rooms and ladies
apparel reside. Marble columns elevate fashionably dressed
mannequins in the shop windows and fossil marble obelisks
grace the Café. Guillaume also sources fine antiques and
beautiful reproduction pieces for the store and of course,
also for his clients.
Carefully curated by Isabelle, La Suite is not only a boutique
but also rather a lifestyle store that offers an entirely unique
experience in Barbados that is typical of the perpetually
sunny south of France. The layout and décor of the store is
reminiscent of visiting a charming private home in Provence
or Antibes. Antique tables, reproduction bureaus and
cabinets display an eclectic range of wares, from an ornate
soup tureen, oversized bowls and whimsical ornamental
objets d’art to clothing and accessories to antique fixtures
and furnishings. An exquisite antique Venetian mirror stands on
a dresser flanked by a pair of crystal candelabra while a pair of
gold strappy sandals looks perfectly placed next to a collection
of Isabelle’s family photos in antique frames. Rare and extraordinary paintings repose on a salon chair or vintage
easel and plush throws and cushions are stacked on a bergère.
Wherever you rest your eye there is always an interesting
tableau; attention to detail and authenticity is paramount,
everything is placed and displayed in a relaxed and eclectic
attitude yet grouped together specifically by Isabelle’s keen
eye to tell a story rather than just for display. This is not just
a business but also rather a labour of love! A classic design
element in French country décor is employed here with the
juxtaposition of fine luxury objects with those made from
more humble and rustic materials such as basketry, jute rugs
and wire bird cages. Most of the merchandise is bespoke or
crafted by families that have been in the same business for
many years, sometimes generations. The world famous (and
one of the few non French products in store) Santa Maria di
Novella range of toiletries has been made in Tuscany since
the 12th Century!
Almost everything in the store is sourced from the South
of France region ranging from, but not limited to, women’s
and men’s apparel and accessories, parfums and handmade jewelry to soft furnishings and ceramic tableware.
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