Pop-up: Innovation through Collaboration in Paris

Written By Genaro Ng

Image Credit: @Principeto

From business founders to tireless street performers, Paris truly offers a space for all creators. But what makes the city so captivating to those with entrepreneurial spirit? Is it the metropolitan nature, or something deeper? Is there some specific aspect of Parisian culture that charges these individuals’ stride? According to young business owners in the Marais, the key to success lies in the power of community. 

Image Credit: @Principeto / @Hugodacquet

Just a week after the conclusion of fashion week, Hugo Dacquet opened the doors to Principeto’s first pop-up location. His concept is centered around a variety of archive and vintage couture, jewelry, and shoewear pieces that have been carefully curated. Having first been introduced to the world of fashion in Paris through modeling in 2020, Hugo soon came to realize he had a certain affinity for style. Five years later, Hugo’s dream of sharing his visual signature with others actualized through the launch of Principeto which is broadly inspired by the aesthetics of the 6th arrondissement - or in Hugo’s words “preppy and chic”. 

Paris, like many cities, attracts countless artists and creatives, but committing to your craft can be intimidating in a buzzing city like ours. Luckily the fashion and art communities know where to plant their roots - amongst each other.

“Paris is the perfect city for young people merging together and creating community” 

Hugo attributes much of what he has accomplished to the network he’s built in Paris through social media, modeling, and beyond. He acknowledges that though competition is naturally fierce in a city filled with eager artists and creatives, community perseveres where it needs to, finding natural ways to emerge through collaborative efforts that produce much richer projects than those created by any individual. 

“Young talents really support each other”

Image Credit: @7om_studio on Instagram

Principeto is not the only pop-up lining the streets of the Marais, in fact just across rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, Too Much Concept was hosting a pop-up event for small businesses and local creators. One of them,  7om Studio, sells interactive accessories and clothing inspired by video games and nostalgic aesthetics. Its founder, Tom Gauzieux, travelled up from the south of France four years ago because he believes that Paris is the best place in Europe for creators like him. 

Just down the hall, Audrey Robin is selling her handcrafted jewelry for her brand Beau Garçonne. After years of experimenting with artforms, from painting to mosaic, she followed her passion for jewelry making and created a genderless jewelry brand aspiring to embody her colorful personality at an affordable price. Pop-up markets and other events that rely on a community of creators are how she gains visibility and engages directly with clients. 

Image Credit: @beau_garconne on Instagram

Turning a craft into a business is no easy deal, and Audrey is no stranger to the financial struggles that come with sustaining a small business. This past summer she contributed to a market along the coast in Arcachon where her sales boomed. Her colorful, floral designs don’t always resonate well in the city, she explained. Despite the challenge she faces, her community of creatives supports her. Audrey pointed to the seller to her left and shared that she had worked with her on two prior occasions. Every time she comes across familiar faces she makes an effort to support them where she can, knowing they’ll do the same for her. 

“If you meet the right people who will believe in you, it's very easy to build community” 

Considered a fashion capital and artist haven, Paris is filled with curious minds of all ages. Young founders aren’t only driving their concepts with their own creativity, but with the support of their peers. Having aligned themselves with likeminded creators, Hugo, Tom, and Audrey have been able to grow their art, passion and their business. With each individual link, their community evolved into a fortified chain that they can rely on. 

Have you been wanting to start a new project in Paris? Ask around, you never know where collaboration might lead you.