The area around the Bastille in Paris is a historical district of Paris, a symbol of the revolution and a chic area. Yet, up until a few years ago, not many people would have gone to the shops scattered around the area if they were looking after clothes and accessories by the trendiest or hippest designers from Europe or the rest of the world. Things, though, have radically changed and interesting boutiques, art galleries and cafes have recently opened between rue de Charonne and rue Keller. 
Re-christened in the Spring of 2007 “Charonne District”, the area was re-launched thanks to a website and a blog. The idea of emphasising that avant-garde spreading around in the area came to two photographers with a passion for travelling and fashion, Carole e Clarent, who also opened in rue de Charonne their own space, French Trotters, a two-level space that sells on the ground floor clothes and accessories by up-and-coming designers and on the first floor gallery showcases works by different artists. French Trotters also launched limited collections in collaboration with different designers such as Gaspard Yurkievich and Veja. But to know more about Charonne District and French Trotters you can read this brief interview I did with Clarent a while back. 
How was Charonne District born and what kind of shops are based around there?
Until the mid-‘90s, the area was very well-known for its interior design shops and galleries. Today it’s a mix between fashion designer shops, art galleries, bookstores but also vintage, music, tattoos and sneaker shops. We launched Charonne District in Spring 2007 with the website as we wanted to highlight the identity of the very unique and avant-garde Charonne neighbourhood: rue de Charonne between rue de Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, Avenue Ledru-Rollin, rue Keller, rue des Taillandiers and Passage Thierre. Charonne District is a guide, a magazine and a community at the same time and will grow up organising different projects and events. 
Why should people come and visit Charonne District: for the vibe, the people, the shops or the cafes?
For all these reasons. Charonne District is a cosmopolitan village, trendy but alternative, famous but underground.
What kind of people hang around Charonne District and what’s the hottest thing to wear when you’re around the area?
The variety of shops reflects the variety of people hanging around in the neighbourhood. That’s what makes the area so unique and fresh compared to other Paris districts that are all very stereotyped. Here Bobos meet fashionistas, artists meet B-boys, Goths meet bikers, there is simply no style hotter than another, what matter is to have a strong one.
Are there any artists/celebrities living around the area?
There are many artist and celebrities living in the neighbourhood, especially French actors like Romain Duris, Thierry Lermitte, Romane Boringer and Lou Doillon.
Do you think the vibes around Charonne District can be compared to the atmosphere you can find in other particular famous areas of London or New York or is Charonne District unique?
The vibes around Charonne District can be compared to a mix between Nolita and the Lower East Side in New York (Elizabeth Street and Orchard Street) and also to some trendy streets of Portobello in London but with a Paris touch that makes it unique. 
Can you tell us more about your backgrounds? How did you come up with the idea of opening a shop-cum-art gallery?
Carole and I are both photographers originally. We actually met in Paris while we were studying photography at university. The idea of opening a shop-cum-art concept store came from all our travels in major capitals such as New York, Tokyo or London. We wanted to create a space that would mix all our experiences and interests.
Can you also tell us more about your shop? When did you open it? How do you choose the items you stock in the shop?
We opened the French Trotters store in December 2005. It’s a place where we mix the best of fashion/art/lifestyle from Paris and all the major cities around the world that we visit such as New York, Tokyo, London, Copenhagen or Barcelona. We always have a lot of events going on: exhibitions, performances, collaborations with fashion designers and so on. The way we choose the items we stock is very simple: we stock everything we like!
In your opinion, which is the coolest designer at the moment and can you recommend us a shop to visit in Paris, London and New York?
Gaspard Yurkievich is the coolest! As for the shop recommendations: Opening Ceremony and Otte in New York, b Store and Dover Street Market in London and, for Paris, check out the Charonne District guide.
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