We discovered a boutique unlike any other under the majestic Viaduc des Arts in Paris’s 12th arrondissement. The Viaduc is a vibrant hub for arts and crafts and design, brimming with hidden gems that are still relatively unknown. Among them is the boutique Un jour dans le temps. Under the huge red brick arches of the viaduct, its light-filled window display catches the eye. At Paris Secret, we pushed open the doors of this timeless place, home to nearly 2, 000 period costumes, and met its main players, Stéphane and Emie, accompanied by their team. A place dedicated to costume rental and costumed photo portraits, which still hides many secrets… Eternally curious, today we share with you our love for this place, which took us on a journey through time in the most beautiful way…
Spotlight on this timeless historical costume shop
Along Rue Daumesnil, a shop window that stands out from the ordinary. Long dresses from another era, splendid framed portraits, hats, velvets, lace, and a sewing workshop overlooking the street… Yes, we are indeed in 2026. But the shop itself is a true timeless gem. Here, two worlds collide: the art of costume, with no fewer than 2,000 period outfits stored in the basement, dating from the 1800s to the 1900s. Sumptuous costumes are available for hire for theater or cinema , but also for private individuals. As Émilie, the costume designer whose mastery of different eras commands admiration, tells us, Un Jour dans le Temps dresses its clients for evenings at Versailles. From gallant parties in the Hall of Mirrors to the legendary Grand Masked Ball held at the Orangerie in the summer… for a moment, we are transformed into Marie Antoinette or the Sun King. More recently, Émilie tells us that she dressed several guests for the premiere of the new season of Bridgerton in Paris. All the more reason to be fascinated.
And the Un Jour dans le Temps experience is not limited to costume rental, far from it. Stéphane Casali, a passionate and fascinating photographer trained at the Louis Lumière school , works here. For customers who want to take a trip back in time, Stéphane gets behind the lens and takes portraits in period costumes chosen by you. So how does a session work? Today, we’re sharing our experience with you.
Our experience at Un jour dans le temps
For you, dear readers, we tested the entire photo experience. To begin with, we took the stairs leading to the basement, which resembled a kingdom with a thousand costumes. In this dressing room, there was a vast collection of historical costumes and jewelry, hats, and accessories, all incredibly beautiful. Emilie, the costume designer, talks to us enthusiastically about each era, and her knowledge is fascinating. As we wander from aisle to aisle, we discover different eras and their various finery. After choosing our era and our accessories from what seems like an endless variety of fabrics and outfits, we slip on a pristine slip for hygiene reasons.
Corsets, petticoats, necklaces, structured hoops worn under dresses to add volume… We have already left the 21st century behind. The transformation continues with the accessories. Feathers, lace parasols, Camet, pearl bracelets, and fans complete our character. Then, upstairs, we have our hair and makeup done by the on-site makeup artist. She touches up our noses and adjusts our hair, adding a few feathers and pins. We then take our places in front of a fabric-draped backdrop, while Stephane does a few lighting tests. With a straight and proud gaze, no smiles on our faces to remain faithful to the photographs of the period… Stephane guides us throughout the session and knows exactly what he wants to ensure the result is up to standard.
Photo credits © Paris Secret / © Un jours dans le temps
Ultra-immersive, exciting, regal… the Un Jour dans le Temps experience transports us. For three hours, time seems to stand still. We love it!
Practical information:
📍 Un Jour dans le Temps, 69 Av. Daumesnil, 75012 Paris
📅 Open all year round by reservation
⏰ Allow 2 to 3 hours on site for the full experience (dressing, styling, and photo shoot)