What do you think?
Rate this book
Paris: Made by Hand: 50 Shops Where Decorators and Stylists Source the Chic & Unique
There’s a new trend among the young designers and decorators of an embracing of an aesthetic called fait main . Literally, this means “made by hand,” but in this case it includes not only new items fashioned by hand but vintage objects and found objects that are valued as they are, or that may have been reworked. What unites them is the “handprint” of a talented creator.
Stylist Pia Jane Bijkerk has discovered more than fifty places–organized into walks–that embody this style. Some are shops owned by professional chineurs , people who hunt out objects sought after by interior decorators, architects, and stylists. Other places aren’t really shops but primarily studios, where, if you stop by, you can purchase something directly from the artist. You’ll find a designer who makes glass jewelry; a couturier who sells fabric remainders, a few garments, and handwoven scarves; one boutique set up like a home, where reworked vintage housewares are displayed. Another place offers hand-knit baby clothes, another reworked antique French linens.
Also included are nearby cafés, bakeries, cheese shops, and tearooms with artisanal foods that reflect the spirit of “made by hand.” This is a book for all lovers of design and decorating.
Stylist Pia Jane Bijkerk has discovered more than fifty places–organized into walks–that embody this style. Some are shops owned by professional chineurs , people who hunt out objects sought after by interior decorators, architects, and stylists. Other places aren’t really shops but primarily studios, where, if you stop by, you can purchase something directly from the artist. You’ll find a designer who makes glass jewelry; a couturier who sells fabric remainders, a few garments, and handwoven scarves; one boutique set up like a home, where reworked vintage housewares are displayed. Another place offers hand-knit baby clothes, another reworked antique French linens.
Also included are nearby cafés, bakeries, cheese shops, and tearooms with artisanal foods that reflect the spirit of “made by hand.” This is a book for all lovers of design and decorating.
216 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2009
63 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 4, 2009
If you haven't yet discovered Pia Jane Bijkerk's blog spot, youre in for a treat: http://blog.piajanebijkerk.com/
October 1, 2011
I lived in Paris 10 years ago and still visit every 2 or 3 years. I would definitely take this book with me the next time I visit. The size is just perfect to carry around and there are a lot of interesting shops featured that are new to me.
Pia Jane Bijkerk is a well-known blogger-photographer-stylist. Her work as a stylist certainly put her in good stead to find cool off the beaten track shops selling interesting artisan, handmade, vintage and unique ware. Unfortunately, a lot of them are expensive but I couldn't resist checking them out and rummaging through the treasures inside. The book would probably be of interest to Paris residents or regular visitors but I don't know how attractive it would be to a first-time tourist with limited time in the city unless he/she has a special interest in such shops.
The book is nicely structured with the shops listed geographically according to Paris districts, and useful information is provided like the shops' addresses and websites. But a map with the shops marked would have been helpful, especially to new visitors to the city.
While I appreciated the information in the book, I found the photography somewhat dark and moody, although that may be popular now with the off-focus /soft focus trend thanks to apps like Hipstamatic (this book is now 2 years old though). I didn't think that style worked well with a book like this, where you want to display the products and not just the shops.
As a Paris lover, I like the book. If you don't know the city well, it may not be on your must-have list.
Pia Jane Bijkerk is a well-known blogger-photographer-stylist. Her work as a stylist certainly put her in good stead to find cool off the beaten track shops selling interesting artisan, handmade, vintage and unique ware. Unfortunately, a lot of them are expensive but I couldn't resist checking them out and rummaging through the treasures inside. The book would probably be of interest to Paris residents or regular visitors but I don't know how attractive it would be to a first-time tourist with limited time in the city unless he/she has a special interest in such shops.
The book is nicely structured with the shops listed geographically according to Paris districts, and useful information is provided like the shops' addresses and websites. But a map with the shops marked would have been helpful, especially to new visitors to the city.
While I appreciated the information in the book, I found the photography somewhat dark and moody, although that may be popular now with the off-focus /soft focus trend thanks to apps like Hipstamatic (this book is now 2 years old though). I didn't think that style worked well with a book like this, where you want to display the products and not just the shops.
As a Paris lover, I like the book. If you don't know the city well, it may not be on your must-have list.
October 18, 2011
This is a book for all lovers of design and decorating, but beware, it might not be your cup of tea. I found it to be a disappointing read, although the photographs are beautiful. The size of the tiny booklet was disappointing too.
From the editors : There is a new trend among the young designers and decorators of Paris called fait main, which means "made by hand". In this case it includes not only new items fashioned by hand but vintage objects and found objects that are valued as they are, or that may have been reworked.
Stylist Pia Jane Bijkerk has discovered more than fifty places that embody this style. Some are shops owned by professional chineurs, people who hunt out objects sought after by interior decorators, architects, and stylists. Other places aren’t really shops but primarily studios, where you can purchase something directly from the artist.
You’ll find a designer who makes glass jewelry; a couturier who sells fabric remainders, a few garments, and handwoven scarves; one boutique set up like a home, where reworked vintage housewares are displayed. Another place offers hand-knit baby clothes, another reworked antique French linens.
From the editors : There is a new trend among the young designers and decorators of Paris called fait main, which means "made by hand". In this case it includes not only new items fashioned by hand but vintage objects and found objects that are valued as they are, or that may have been reworked.
Stylist Pia Jane Bijkerk has discovered more than fifty places that embody this style. Some are shops owned by professional chineurs, people who hunt out objects sought after by interior decorators, architects, and stylists. Other places aren’t really shops but primarily studios, where you can purchase something directly from the artist.
You’ll find a designer who makes glass jewelry; a couturier who sells fabric remainders, a few garments, and handwoven scarves; one boutique set up like a home, where reworked vintage housewares are displayed. Another place offers hand-knit baby clothes, another reworked antique French linens.
April 21, 2010
If you love hand made stuff - everything from chandeliers to fabric items - you'll love looking at the beautifully photographed Paris workshops in this book. The writing is good enough too, but I'll be picking it up again and again for the pictures. Wonderfully done. It's the next best thing to being there, well, at least for now.
August 17, 2009
A beautifully illustrated small guide to chic shops and studios in Paris where things—from umbrellas to shoes to jewelry—are handmade. "Paris may very well be one of the last remaining international cities that strives to protect and nurture her artisans," writes the author in her introduction.
September 7, 2010
Although it was an interesting book, it really can't be fully appreciated unless you're in Paris. Definitely a great book to flip through for visiting the off-the-beaten-path Paris. Someday I'll pick it up again! Beautiful photography.
May 11, 2011
one of those hard butterscotch candies you suck on.
February 20, 2012
Super great little book about obscure beautiful shops in Paris. If I ever go, this is one of the books I'd take.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews