Beyond the polished facade of iconic landmarks lies a gritty, raw underground scene that beckons the adventurous and the avant-garde. Call it a ‘je ne sais quoi’ or the cities hidden side, but this is what has captivated visitors and natives of Paris across centuries of European exploration. Draped in a history of rebellion that translates to an innovative creative scene, where artistic revolutionaries await the spotlight.
UNCLE has collected some institutions that defy categorisation to pinpoint just exactly what makes Paris the cultural phenomenon it continues to be tick. One thing they all have in common is a shared understanding of its patrons that collectiveness promotes creativity – and that must be held onto.
Cahier Central
Cahier Central is a testament to independent literature, acting as a refuge in the increasingly homogenized landscape of publishing. The shop has been curated to offer diverse, unexpected and prominent titles that reflect a progressive and nuanced mindset. Their shelves are littered with emerging writers, underground publications and abstract authors, making every trip a doorway into exploration. The power of the written word is not a topic soon forgotten here, nor is the tactile element of their offering, which very much aligns with the UNCLE’s values.
The part is plays in French culture should not be understated, Cahier Central is a cultural hub for likeminded people to congregate and connect whether that be through shared interests featured amongst the shops offering or over the dynamic visual layout and atmosphere of their surroundings. Having just moved locations, the shop now sits just above the La Marais district and is surrounded by up-and-coming street sides that offer a unique slice of Parisian life.
Baca
BACA have taken the concept of ink and skin and made it their own, colouring their little corner of Paris to great success. Co-founded by Thomas Louzoun – a prolific art director in his own right – and his partner Pauline Laponey, they say the studio “is both a workshop and a boutique where we develop our vision of tattooing and offer capsule collections with our eponymous brand”. Their image has been carefully curated with the use of a striking photography style that is grainy and mirrored, playing with light to enhance the images. Laponey and other visiting photographers lend their hand in developing a cohesive feel for both their online presence and in-store offerings.
Where this establishment set’s itself apart is not only the glowing aesthetics but also the work Louzoun has done to ensure BACA is a space where creatives can thrive. They draw in people from all over the world, waiting to be decorated with fine line details that are synonymous with the BACA name. Having been inspired by illustrations found on the covers of second handbooks in his father’s old shop, the tangibility of art runs deep through BACA’s veins. This establishment is a world worth dipping your toe into, where beauty and art rules the tides.
Fréquence
Fréquence is a true gem that seamlessly blends two beloved elements of Paris’ culture: great vinyl and exceptional cocktails. Founded by the friendship pair Matthieu Biron and Guillaume Quenza the duo brought with them an impressive knowledge and network of the beverage landscape which helped them form what is now a refuge point of music lovers to gather and enjoy.
The bar itself is adorned with a selection of records that stand prominently in eye view to emphasise the importance of vinyl culture to the establishment. The venue houses visiting DJs, hosts events and acts as a background to many a creative venture. With the breezy outside-in vibe of the layout encourages passersby to enter, making it feel distinctly part of the street it faces, adding to its importance and tie to the city.
