By Ilira Naselli Flores

All over Europe are rising a lots of indipendent shops, bazaars and concept stores which aim to contrast fast fashion, consumism and to bring back the joy of going shopping and to admire the taste of the owners who choose carefully the products to sell.

They are informed about what they are selling, their selection is pure storytelling. When you go in you feel a special atmosphere, everything has is own character and when you buy it, you know you’ve bought a real snazzy!

I’ve asked some question to one of the most beautiful boutique in Europe, to discover their world, how they began, their relationship with sustainability and which criteria they adoperate to select their charming pieces.

Babel concept store in Paris was founded by Vanessa Doger, a designer. She gives pride of place to young french designers particularly when it comes to promoting ethical, environmentally friendly production methods.

When did you start this business?

In 2013

How do you select the products you sell?

We buy products that we love, that we are passionate about and that we would buy for ourselves

How would you describe your style?

Chic vintage style a crossroads between DIY, vintage uypcycling and antique

Do you think is necessary to give an alternative to fast fashion retail?

Of course , it’s essential to stop this.Our grand parents and parents used to buy clothes that would last for decades , with natural fabrics and deying. We are not used to this anymore but it is just a matter of education and mind changing. In Babel we only sell vintage clothes and we do upcycling of any clothes that is not proper for selling. We love to find old objects for their history and aesthetics.

With your store do you support other small businesses?

By buying and selling small brands made in France organic, recycled and short circuit.

And why is important to support small business?

To take up priority challenges, particularly regarding sustainable development, ecology through proximity, creation of local jobs and promotion of specific and regional skills.

It was a pleasure to communicate with Babbel concept store and to know better their world.

In this historical moment, with climate change, discarded fast fashion piling up in the desert, it’s nice to have options.

Photo Cover: babelparis via Instagram