by the paris blog 

Break the piggy bank. Rick Owens, the Paris-based designer originally from Los Angeles, has quietly opened up a boutique at Palais Royal (130 Galerie de Valois). The space is both stark and cozy, with clothing hanging from simple metal racks, walls damaged with imperfections, and the flat carpet spotted and faded. Dark felt, one of the designer’s favorite materials, covers one wall, and pieces of chunky furniture he also designs fill out the store.

Owens is one of the best designers working today. His couture approach to goth and punk glamour is redolent of Joseph Bueys, Iggy Pop, death metal and Marlene Dietrich. Staples in his collections are bias-cut chiffon skirts with fishtails and nip-waisted sweaters and jackets. I have pieces from collections that are almost 10 years old that still look way ahead of current fashion. How different this new store is from that of Marc Jacobs, the other American on Palais Royal, selling flip-flops, T-shirts bearing his name and American-flag beach towels.