Exploring Paris with Maje founder Judith Milgrom
22 February, 2018
Paris has always been a fashion capital and Maje is a certifiably Parisian brand.
I love Paris; its architecture, its culture, its cafés… Paris is the city where I founded Maje and it’s always an inspiration in my design.
Judith Milgrom, founder and creative director of Maje.
Coming to Paris as a teenager, the Moroccan-born designer epitomises Parisian chic. Sister to Sandro founder, Evelyne Chétrite, the pair breathe a particular elegance into all they create. Engaging with Paris's charismatic nature, Milgrom maximises on the fashion capital's sartorial standards, reinventing classic items with a certain panache.
We flâneured about the city with Judith to take in some of her favourite spots.
Where do you go in Paris for inspiration?
I love sitting at a café and watching women move, walk, live, especially at Le Flore; so Parisian.
What are some lesser-known Parisian brands you like?
K-way, we did a collaboration together a few years ago. I also love Charlotte Chesnais for a delicate jewellery and Solange Azagury-Partridge for her necklaces and colourful rings.
Favourite restaurant?
There are many, depending on my appetite. Le Duc for fish, Takara for traditional Japanese, Cebus for pasta - it's the tiniest restaurant in Paris. Not forgetting Chez Nini for the best couscous and grills in town - it reminds me of my childhood in Morocco.
Best bar to wear your cocktail-hour separates to?
Bar de l'hôtel Costes and the Ritz.
The best place to treat yourself?
Where should we go for breakfast?
Claus. It's a mix between old fashion French and English breakfast. I love their madeleines.
For a blow-out dinner go to...
Caviar Kaspia. I also like the cosy ambience of Castel.
Best place for clubbing?
I used to go to Les Bains Douches and dance all night in the 90s. Now it's more for my son who'll turn 18 in the coming year.
Tell us a secret spot only locals know about…
Le Sentier, the neighbourhood where Maje started. It's the Paris fashion mecca for wholesalers and the neighbourhood has a lot of energy. When I started my business, we all knew each other and we also helped each other a lot. Today, it has changed but still exists.
The gallery we can't miss?
I like modern and contemporary art, so I'd opt for Palais de Tokyo and Centre George Pompidou. Le Jeu de Paume is also a good spot and I love discovering new artists at galerie Perrotin.
Most beautiful place to spend a Sunday?
Les Puces de Saint Ouen for antiques and vintage curios - it's like Ali Baba's cave.
And finally, what's in your SUITCASE?
I usually travel light. A little black dress, an M bag that you can carry from day to night, a pair of sneakers, a pair of heeled sandals, a cashmere sweater, high waisted straight trousers and a masculine blazer with an underlined waist.
