I originally met Sally Perrin online after her daughter commented on one of my blog posts a few years ago. We met in person last year and Sally is glamorous, chic, and fun. She spends about 2/3 of her time in Los Angeles and the rest in Paris with her husband who is originally from Limoges and their two daughters. She recently started to design a line of sumptuous handbags and leather accessories and invited me to the atelier, where I went ga-ga over the gorgeous leather goods. Later that afternoon Sally kindly invited me to her apartment for tea and we chatted for hours about love, life, and of course, Paris.
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Born in Minnesota, grew up in Seattle and spent summers on the East Coast with my mother's family.
How and when did you meet Michel your French husband?
In Seattle, at a bar! I was in my early 20's. One twirl on the dance floor with the Frenchman and I was never the same...!
You lived in Paris for a number of years and then moved to Los Angeles and now split your time between them. Why the move to Los Angeles, which is dramatically different than Paris?
After more than a decade in Paris, we were ready for a new adventure. We always loved our visits to LA: the sunshine and open-minded attitudes prevalent among Angelenos. It's so outrageous that it keeps us laughing, everyday!
Where else have you lived?
Tokyo, Istanbul
A few years ago you launched a new luxury line of handbags and leather accessories, reviving a multi-generational family business of Michel’s. Can you tell us about the original company and how you modernized it with your new line?
The house of Perrin Paris was established in 1893 as a well known family-run glove making business, later expanded into tannery.
We opted to re-launch the brand by introducing a line of handbags to compliment the glove collection. I still believe in shoes matching a purse in color, or gloves and purse in the same color, and like presenting this option to our customers. We offer many models of fingerless gloves that are more an accessory than a necessity. Many of our handbags are structured and ladylike but we also have elegant satchels for the gal-on-the-go that form to the body, allowing a woman the freedom of movement (and free hands!) We also offer a collection of leather and crocodile sunglasses. We have brought the savoir faire and tradition of leather craftsmanship into the 21st century by offering a line for the modern woman who appreciates a timeless product.
You now are involved in the design and execution of the merchandise. Tell us about what influences you and inspires you and also about the bags and accessories you create.
My motto is keep it simple and chic. I like a unique shape, hand-crafted in the most beautiful of skins. I often create models that are an extension of the arm/hand. I am most complimented when people come into our boutiques for the first time and are delighted in discovering how original and elegant our designs are.
What are your bestselling items in your Los Angeles shop and in your Paris atelier?
As of late, the new Croisiere Tote and Capitale Clutch-these 2 models are getting alot of press! The Ball Bag is our iconic and most identifiable model.
Crosiere Tote
Capitale Clutch
Ball Bag
If you could design a handbag for anyone in the world living or dead, who would it be and what would you design?
For Edith Wharton: a beautiful pale blue ostrich leather reinforced case to carry her typewriter.
How do the way women from Los Angeles dress compare to way Parisian women dress?
What I find most amusing is how LA gals walk around in heels during the day! They are either very casual or overly-done up.
You recently moved into your dream Paris apartment, which is stunning. How did it you find it and please tell us about the design and who designed it.
We found a small 'bijoux' of an apartment on the Left Bank, by word of mouth. The French family had owned the apt. for over 75 years and the grandson, in charge of the sale, took a liking to us. I promised him many beautiful moments would be celebrated as a family in the apt. that his grandparents loved. We keep a beautiful coin of theirs, framed, in the library so that they are ever present.Our dear friend and talented designer Chahan Minassian worked his magic on the interiors.
What do you prefer about Paris?
Old stone, l'art de vivre, marrons glaces' , the inherent elegance of Parisians....
Paris Boutique:
35, rue des Petits Champs, 75001
Metro: Palais Royal
Open Monday to Saturday 11AM-6PM
Door code to enter on Saturday 16A32
Tel. +33 (0)1 42 97 40 26
Los Angeles Boutique
346 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, 90210
Open 10AM to 6PM, seven days
Tel. 310-786-9936
Click here to see photos from Harpers Bazaar of Sally's amazing apartment
Sally and her dashing husband Michel
In addition to my Eye Prefer Paris Tours, we now offer Eye Prefer New York Tours, 3-hour walking tours of New York's best neighborhoods including Soho, Meatpacking/West Village & Tribeca. Tours cost $195 for up to 3 people and $65 for each additional person.Come take a bit of the Big Apple on an Eye Prefer New York Tour!
Come experience my blog ìliveî with my Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I lead. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris. www.eyepreferparistours.com
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotteís professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
This was a lot of fun to read, being from Seattle myself and now living in Paris. Sally is a stunning woman, with grace and style - Id love to take her portrait along with her favorite accessories.
Posted by: Sarah T Skinner | August 29, 2011 at 04:45 PM