Brigitte Tanaka isn’t the adventurer of the latest action series. In fact, it’s a brand, and today it opens its doors to us. Found in the heart of Paris’ Eglise Saint-Roch this treasure chest boutique is the work of Mademoiselle Brigitte and Mademoiselle Tanaka, as they like to call themselves. Two sparkling friends who’s intuition lead them back to a place that was built on the very same day that Brigitte was born. Coincidence? We don’t think so. But in any case, they simply couldn’t have found a better spot. The location itself symbolises the marriage of two cultures – their own cultures from France and Japan – embodying two styles as well as two eras. At the meeting point of classic and contemporary, they navigate the two as if it were no effort at all. Here you’ll discover the treasures of artisans, which have been carefully selected by Brigitte, with her ‘fiery’ energy, and Tanaka, her ‘aquatic’ counterpart. Their universe is divided into three: the collaborations, the selection process, and the creation. Everyday objects from the 20th century: Almanac, cufflinks, and medallions are given a second life in front of your eyes as they’re embossed and personalised in the workshop. The circle is complete. We simply cannot get enough of the antiques, elegant fashion accessories, stationary and plants in the droguerie du bon goût that is Brigitte Tanaka.
Brigitte Tanaka, 18 rue Saint-Roch – 75001 Paris.
Brigitte, Tanaka, how would you describe each other’s styles?
Brigitte’s style is quite minimalist, vintage linen and cotton shirts, retro boy-cut trousers and shoes.
Tanaka has a sophisticated, feminine, researched style, with lace, long skirts, layers, and small vintage heels.
In your duo, who does what?
Brigitte is about ideas, creativity, effervescence. If she were an element she would be fire.
Tanaka is the water. She focuses on the brand image and follow-ups, and does so with a lot of patience!
How did you find this place attached to the Church Saint-Roch? Does it have a special meaning for you?
Intuition guided Brigitte to return here, a place she later discovered was built on her birthday. Destiny perhaps? The fact that it’s situated inside a church is of great significance since the brand itself is the marriage of two cultures, two styles, two eras.
Who inspires you most these day?
Mlle Tanaka!
Mlle Brigitte!
Do you have a favourite material to work in?
Most of all we like to mix and match, and sometimes in the most unexpected ways! But mainly quality materials: ceramics, paper, hand-embroidery and … plants. We also sell some of them in our shop.
What’s your colour of the moment?
Blue, as well as white and red. They are the emblematic colours of both France and Japan.
The object which you love the most, and which epitomises the spirit of your brand?
Each creation is made with love and passion, but the custom vintage plate with a dedicated inscription in 18K gold, which was later baked in the kiln of our underground ceramic workshop, means a lot to us.
What type of person does your boutique draw in?
Everyone and anyone who has a weakness for creative, artisanal and vintage pieces. Basically, all those who love items with a soul and a story.
Photography: Constance Gennari – Text: Caroline Balvay @thesocialitefamily
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