Growing up in Paris, Alexandre de Betak thought he might become a photographer. “It all started for me when I was seven years old, and my grandfather gave me an Instamatic camera, the little Kodak 127,” he told The Business of Fashion. But photography required patience, and de Betak craved action. Before long, he discovered that he was better suited to producing fashion shows.
At 19, he got his first opportunity, putting together his first show for the Spanish designer Sybilla Sorondo. By 20, he had launched his agency, Bureau Betak. Four years later, he produced Miu Miu’s debut runway show. Word spread. Soon, Dior, Michael Kors, Rodarte, and Jason Wu came calling. He has since produced over 1,500 exhibitions and events. Most recently, De Betak turned his attention to design, founding the creative studio Takbe.
Here, the French polymath shares his guide to antiques and furniture stores in his hometown, many of which inspire his work.
Antiquités Arthur Bruet
Brilliant for large-scale pieces and large-volume orders. They always have items with unusual proportions, like a 1980s trestle wood table I now sit at every day in my office. A must-visit in the Paul Bert Serpette market. (instagram.com)
Anti Matière Intérieur
Christophe Guérard is an artist who creates new sculptures and furniture weekly, which he then sells at his stand at Paul Bert. On a recent visit, I bought beautiful wood and stone columns, as well as postmodernist, punk, Inca–style floral vases. I also found an incredible antique painter’s scaffold for a project I’m working on. (instagram.com)
Cyril Grizot
Another exceptional stand at Paul Bert that never fails to inspire. Cyril is an original, old-school dealer who specializes, among other things, in the artist Yonel Lebovici. (instagram.com)
Galerie Kopek
Manolo Vosse is one of the newest and youngest dealers at Paul Bert. He’s a fantastic character, and his eye is remarkably sharp. With pieces from all over the world, his stand doesn’t have a unified identity, and that’s what makes it so special. (instagram.com)
M.u.l.t.i Studio
Another stand at Paul Bert, M.u.l.t.i Studio is owned by Benoit Ginaudeau. Last year, I purchased two amazing giant tree trunks from him, and they’re now in my house in Mallorca. (instagram.com)
Nou et Renoult
Also in Paul Bert, Emmanuel Renoult is a generous and brilliant dealer of early-20th-century pieces. He specializes in the designer Jacques Adnet and has a beautiful collection of glass pieces. (instagram.com)
Remix Gallery
Remix is the first and only stand in Paul Bert focused solely on postmodernism and the 1980s. (instagram.com)
Voss
An indescribable, fantastic, and slightly crazy dealer in Paul Bert. Its owner always sells unpredictable pieces and never follows trends, which I love. (instagram.com)
Jeff French Vintage
Located in Marché Vernaison, Jeff French Vintage has the best selection of workwear pieces. I own many and stop by whenever I’m there. The owner always plays loud techno music in his closed-door stand. (instagram.com)
Marcel et Jeannette
Also in Marché Vernaison, Merry Liuzzo and Virginie Chorro curate an incredible collection of antique fabrics and clothing. It’s a treasure trove for anyone drawn to timeless materials. (instagram.com)
A Vintage Touch Paris
Sasha Alexandre runs one of my favorite vintage clothing stands in Marché Vernaison. I can’t leave without a bag full of new things. All my jeans come from him! (instagram.com)
Pulp Galerie
This is a young gallery specialized in the Italian designer Gaetano Pesce, as well as German postmodernist works from the 1980s and 1990s. I found an amazing Gerd Arens lamp from 1989, edited by the Pentagon Group, at their booth at the PAD design fair. (pulpgalerie.com)
Pheromones
Joseph Daaboul specializes in large pieces, including incredible antique vitrines. I once saw one so big I could take a nap in it! (instagram.com)
Produits Dugay
A vintage drugstore that specializes in furniture restoration. It has everything you need for caring for stone, leather, and wood. They also sell materials to electrify old lamps, which is why I usually go there. (instagram.com)
