ARMAND H ADIDA

Having opened his rst concept store in Paris over 30 years ago, Armand Hadida is the risk-taking entrepreneur who discovers and showcases the world’s most cutting-edge designers.

You’re renowned for your ability to unearth new design talent in all corners of the globe. How would you describe L’Eclaireur? First and foremost, fashion’s objective should be to create a di erence. at’s why we are obsessed with nding new designers who bring fresh creations, who break the existing rules, who dare to re-invent and to re-write the musical score. Designers have to convince us with their own DNA, blueprint and signature in order to seduce our clients. Our customers are looking for innovative creations that make them look di erent, featuring shapes and styles that make them look amazing. We need to understand and anticipate the needs of our clients and to continue surprising them year after year, to stimulate and convince them with our new collections and expertise, and to create a unique shopping experience for them. ere are so many incredibly talented and creative designers who feed me with so much energy; they have been my fuel since the beginning! Especially creators such as Carol Christian Poell who is a genius, but also Junya Watanabe and Rei Kawakubo. My mission is to be their ambassador, or their megaphone. I would love to be their pen and to twirl when they sketch!

Which Parisian designer do you think would be a great ambassador for French fashion? I think that Azzedine Alaïa is one of the most emblematic couturiers in France, his brand has been an institution since the 1980s. He is unique, upright and timeless, even if his style still carries something from the 1990s. His talent and style sublimate the woman’s body.

What is your favourite area in Paris? My favourite area is without a doubt the Marais, I would never consider living anywhere else! We are so spoiled: we have many cultural places, museums, landmarks, such as Place des Vosges. I also love the diversity of the Marais’ Jewish and gay areas—you cross one street and it looks as though you’re in a completely di erent district. On Sundays, many of the streets become pedestrianised, and it’s fantastic to walk around, visit local art galleries, and discover little restaurants. It’s also a fashion district lled with many charming and trendy stores.

Which restaurants would you recommend in Paris? ere are so many in Paris! My taste goes from tiny local French bistros to l’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, which is an amazing restaurant. I also love Japanese food and have been going to Kinugawa for many years, I adore this restaurant and its new design. For Italian food, my two favourites are Cibus restaurant, close to Opera, and Sardegna a Tavola next to the Aligre market. Toni, the owner, is such a character! For drinks, I think that the hotel bars are a great option since they o er great cocktails.

Which Parisian personality impresses you the most? I would de nitely say Karl Lagerfeld, as he is a legend and Paris would not be the same without him! He has so many qualities to o er, in addition to his fascinating background. He is exceptional, I don’t know anyone else who can communicate and captivate an audience for ten hours in a row. His culture and knowledge have no limits!