BehindUltramod’s green storefront, in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement, the biggest haute couture houses still come to stock up in secret. This shop, recognized as the capital’s oldest haberdashery, is a must-visit destination for milliners and designers seeking rare items.
Founded over 200 years ago, the store has survived several wars. It was already in business before the publication of Émile Zola’s famous novel, *Au Bonheur des Dames*. The store’s interior bears witness to this longevity with its tall solid-wood cabinets, where thousands of items are methodically arranged. In the aftermath of World War II, the store notably met a tremendous demand for a return to bright colors— an era still reflected in the mesmerizing rows of multicolored threads and ribbons.
Vintage haberdashery treasures
What setsUltramod apart is its exceptional inventory of vintage pieces, often impossible to find elsewhere because they are simply no longer manufactured. The drawers and display cases are brimming with intricately crafted trimmings, braids, antique veils, and tiebacks traditionally used for curtains. Customers will also discover an impressive collection of vintage ribbons, including a vast selection of velvet pieces.
The selection of buttons is equally staggering. The haberdashery carries styles from the 1960s by the Cardin and Courrèges fashion houses, as well as older pieces, such as fur buttons combining wood and mother-of-pearl. The shop attracts a diverse clientele, ranging from sewing experts to casual enthusiasts, with requests that are sometimes unexpected.
Preserving and displaying these materials that have endured through the centuries is now the mission of the shop’s team. Maintaining this meticulous inventory helps perpetuate the history of a precise craft, while continuing to provide a unique raw material to those who walk through the shop’s doors.