Breadcrumbs ![A Cool Brand Founder’s Insider’s Guide To Paris](https://media.sheerluxe.com/4-lW72kmuU0XXacQZ7VM_7Wa6ks=/500x221/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fsl-site-assets-020326-hero-lbb-2.png) ![A Cool Brand Founder’s Insider’s Guide To Paris](https://media.sheerluxe.com/zF7GyyATRZJSWHjc6_0egINTQYE=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fsl-site-assets-020326-thumb-lbb-2_0.png) [Interviews](/fashion/interviews) / 02 March 2026 # A Cool Brand Founder’s Insider’s Guide To Paris As the founder of Paris-based fashion label ALFIE, Alice Fresnel is known for her sharp eye and effortless aesthetic – and that same sensibility shapes how she lives her life in the French capital. From vintage hunting in the Marais to coffee at Coutume and dinners at Le Chardenoux, here are the names and places she returns to time and again… ByElaine LloydJones [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50627) Images: @BenchyParis; @AlfieTootsie; Guest In Residence; @AlfieParis_ All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/A9Fz6TKNUSs18ar1lRamzx1qEAo=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsl-020326-paris-lbb-1.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/alfietootsie/?hl=en) @AlfieTootsie **The first city that comes to mind when thinking about fashion is Paris.** It is a city where clothes suggest a life, not a look; a city built on the eternal push-pull between masculine and feminine, a concept that sits at the heart of everything [ALFIE](https://www.alfieparis.com/pages/the-brand) does. **The French brand I think does effortless style best right now is** [**Lemaire**](https://www.lemaire.fr/?country=GB)**.** It’s all about refined, timeless tailoring. And [Courrèges](https://www.courreges.com/en-gb), because it represents the French woman of yesterday and tomorrow. They both balance history and modernity perfectly. **When I’m hunting for timeless wardrobe staples rather than trends, I go vintage.** I love digging for pieces from the 90s (my current obsession is Tom Ford’s [Gucci](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=37933&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gucci.com%2Fuk%2Fen_gb%2F)) – things that have real presence and have stood the test of time. **Italian women are some of the chicest people I’ve seen.** I love how they instinctively know how to combine patterns, bold colors and just pile the jewellery on. It’s that fearless mix which always sparks my creativity. [**Le Bon Marché**](https://www.lebonmarche.com/fr) **is my absolute favourite place to shop in Paris.** It’s timeless, always has something new and feels perfectly curated – plus, ALFIE is stocked there too. The VINTAGE STORE I always drop into is Thanx God I’m A V.I.P. Without hesitation, you’ll find some of the COOLEST ARCHIVE PIECES there. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/eclxDAtOZ7-E4mHUHR0xqD7DS9M=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsl-020326-paris-lbb-2.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/alfietootsie/?hl=en) @AlfieTootsie; @AlfieParis_ **The vintage store I always drop into is** [**Thanx God I’m A V.I.P**](https://www.instagram.com/thanxgodimavip/?hl=en)**.** Without hesitation, you’ll find some of the coolest archive pieces there. **A brand I recommend to friends time and again is** [**Guest In Residence**](https://guestinresidence.com/en-gb)**.** Partly because it’s a friend’s brand but mostly for the quality and designs. I always go to the men’s section or size up in women’s to get that oversized look and the cashmere is just the softest. **The best fashion investment I’ve ever made has to be my python** [**Alaïa**](https://www.maison-alaia.com/en-gb/) **coat from Azzedine’s era.** It’s a statement coat that turns even the simplest outfit into something special. **When I’m short on time but still want to feel put together, I keep it simple:** vintage [Levi’s](https://www.levi.com/GB/en_GB/) and a white crew-neck tee. Then I add a long statement coat, ideally with a pattern. It instantly elevates the look and turns it into something strong, effortless and memorable. **The shoes I can wear all day are my Fairy shearling-lined flats from** [**The Row**](https://harveynic.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l3IdCh/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harveynichols.com%2Fthe-row%2Ffairy-brown-shearling-flats-902707-tann-kangaroo-103889%2F)**.** I’ve had them for years and they feel like wearing slippers. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/rJJn1ScSOWJfWvRsRanHrDAFRpo=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsl-020326-paris-lbb-3-v1.png) ](https://www.instagram.com/alfietootsie/?hl=en) @Nenthe; @AlfieTootsie; @AmieGrayling; @AlfieParis_; @BenchyParis; Guest In Residence **The bag I rely on daily is my** [**Prada Galleria**](https://prada.prf.hn/click/camref:1100l3Hiir/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prada.com%2Fgb%2Fen%2Fwomens%2Fessentials%2Fprada-galleria%2Fc%2F10102EU) **in lime green.** It’s such a statement color but weirdly, it pairs easily with almost anything. It adds a bit of colour and personality without ever feeling over the top. **Right now, the trend I’m really loving is colorful leather gloves.** They’re such an easy way to add interest to any outfit. I pair them with neutral coats or oversized knits to make my look that little bit more playful and unexpected. **The Instagram account I follow for inspiration is** [**@Nenthe**](https://www.instagram.com/nenthe/?hl=en)**.** It describes itself as a ‘visual archive of feelings’, and that’s exactly what it is. **The beauty product I can’t live without at the moment is my** [**Medicube Jelly Mist Serum**](https://amzn.to/4tWJV05)**.** I found it during my Seoul trip earlier this year and now I can’t go one day without it. **The restaurant I‘d recommend in Paris is** [**Benchy**](https://www.instagram.com/benchyparis/?hl=en)**.** It’s a Japanese café in the 7th and you should try any of their sandos. The ONE PIECE in my wardrobe I COULDN'T IMAGINE BEING WITHOUT is my Gotham cream leather coat from Nour Hammour. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/zzIVxfszZFd1bCKL0J-l5FYxgyg=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F02%2Fsl-020326-paris-lbb-4.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/alfieparis_/?hl=en) @AlfieParis_ **The one piece in my wardrobe I couldn’t imagine being without is** my Gotham cream leather coat from [Nour Hammour](https://nour-hammour.com/gb-en/products/gotham-black?Color=Black&Size=34). I’ve never been stopped in the street so much by people asking where it’s from. It is just one of these pieces that feels like me every time I put it on. **The city is full of hidden gems but some are best kept as exactly that.** Places lose their magic the moment everyone knows about them. I like the idea that a few things still feel like they belong just to you. [**Le Musée de l’Orangerie**](https://www.musee-orangerie.fr/en) **is my favourite art gallery.** It houses the breathtaking Water Lilies triptychs by Claude Monet. Seeing them in those light-filled oval rooms feels almost meditative and it’s honestly one of my favorite artworks ever. **My mother’s apartment is where I go to get away from it all**. It’s the place that feels the most personal and inspiring to me. There’s something about being surrounded by objects with history and emotion that no hotel or designed space can really replicate. **For a beauty refresh, I always go to the** [**Ambassade Biologique Recherche**](https://embassyofbeauty.co.uk/)**.** The treatments are incredible and the products are honestly the best of the best. **For as long as I can remember, my favourite fragrance has been** [**Bal d’Afrique**](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=47568&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.byredo.com%2Fuk_en%2Fp%2Fbal-d-afrique-eau-de-parfum) **by Byredo**. I’m definitely a creature of habit and it feels completely timeless to me. Recently, Dior Beauty sent me a bottle of [Cuir Saddle](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=47916&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dior.com%2Fen_gb%2Fbeauty%2Fproducts%2Fcuir-saddle-Y0000167.html%3Fq%3Dcuir), which I’ve been really enjoying. *Follow* [@ALFIETOOTSIE](https://www.instagram.com/alfietootsie/?hl=en) *&* [@ALFIEPARIS\_](https://www.instagram.com/alfieparis_/?hl=en) *more from* Fashion [View All Fashion](/fashion) ![Join Sapna & Lu At A Special Festive Event](https://media.sheerluxe.com/k1MedfHojE7Tk3g2lbtVu0ZpBj4=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F12%2Fsl-site-assets-011225-thumb-hero-boodles-2.jpg) [Shopping](/fashion/shopping) / 01 December 2025 [## Join Sapna & Lu At A Special Festive Event ](/fashion/shopping/join-sapna-lu-at-a-special-festive-event) ![18 Mega High-Street Heroes](https://media.sheerluxe.com/BAqj-kh1Mzg_QpTfLVH-K66WrEY=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F12%2Fsl-site-assets-011225-thumb-x-mega-party-high-st-heroes.jpg) [High Street](/fashion/high-street) / 01 December 2025 [## 18 Mega High-Street Heroes ](/fashion/high-street/18-mega-high-street-heroes) ![3 Cool Ways To Style These Cult Leggings](https://media.sheerluxe.com/JBW6FngGUGQIWvzzuQf1itNckag=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F12%2Fsl-site-assets-011225-thumb-hero-lulu-1.jpg) [How To Wear](/fashion/how-to-wear) / 01 December 2025 [## 3 Cool Ways To Style These Cult Leggings ](/fashion/how-to-wear/3-cool-ways-to-style-these-cult-leggings) ![The Round Up: Chunky Knits](https://media.sheerluxe.com/PHEE4lr2SC1PvG3lJAg1GRrSD9U=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F12%2Fsl-site-assets-011225-thumb-chunky-roll-necks.jpg) [Shopping](/fashion/shopping) / 01 December 2025 [## The Round Up: Chunky Knits ](/fashion/shopping/best-chunky-roll-necks) ![3 Cool, Off-Duty Looks At FLANNELS](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ldcPqIZeY07mdMYcPdUQdwzlHUA=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-site-assets-271125-thumb-com-flannels-1.jpg) [Shopping](/fashion/shopping) / 27 November 2025 [## 3 Cool, Off-Duty Looks At FLANNELS ](/fashion/shopping/3-cool-off-duty-looks-at-flannels) ![The Black Friday Sale You Won’t Want To Miss](https://media.sheerluxe.com/B64hRL0vwdr21QTgAplyHVNBc0Q=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-site-assets-271125-thumb-mango-2.jpg) [High Street](/fashion/high-street) / 27 November 2025 [## The Black Friday Sale You Won’t Want To Miss ](/fashion/high-street/the-black-friday-sale-you-wont-want-to-miss) ![A Night With SheerLuxe & The White Company](https://media.sheerluxe.com/WJ7gnLw0VTyUWOYPZpLo29_JYwM=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-portrait-271125-the-white-company-dinner.jpg) [Fashion](/gold/fashion)/ 27 November 2025 [## A Night With SheerLuxe & The White Company ](/fashion/shoots/a-night-with-sheerluxe-the-white-company) ![25 ASOS Pieces To Snap Up This Black Friday](https://media.sheerluxe.com/2uU48Q2KHTQeGaPBt6sW2G_oORY=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-site-assets-261125-thumb-asos-black-friday-2_0.jpg) [High Street](/fashion/high-street) / 26 November 2025 [## 25 ASOS Pieces To Snap Up This Black Friday ](/fashion/high-street/25-asos-pieces-to-snap-up-this-black-friday) ![One Piece, Three Ways](https://media.sheerluxe.com/iyDJfeI662w40AtJPEhj2AetE4Q=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-gold-171125-site-assets-one-piece-hero-thumb.jpg) [Fashion](/gold/fashion)/ 17 November 2025 [## One Piece, Three Ways ](/fashion/shopping/one-piece-three-ways) Share This Story [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?display=popup&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com&u=https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Ffashion%2Finterviews%2Fa-cool-brand-founders-insiders-guide-to-paris&t=A+Cool+Brand+Founder%E2%80%99s+Insider%E2%80%99s+Guide+To+Paris) [ Pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Ffashion%2Finterviews%2Fa-cool-brand-founders-insiders-guide-to-paris&description=A+Cool+Brand+Founder%E2%80%99s+Insider%E2%80%99s+Guide+To+Paris&media=) [ E-mail ]() DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. 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