I arrived in Paris last January with "my list" clenched in my fist. I had researched several specialty shops in Paris Made By Hand, that I was dying to photograph. Alexandra Sojfer's parapluie shop was at the top of the list. After a very long first day in Paris, we finally arrived on the doorstep after dark. I walked in, greeted the gentleman at the counter and asked to take a few photographs. He apologetically told me that I could not take any photos inside the shop. With that, the designer herself breezed in from the back and made it very clear that there would be none, although I pulled the "I'm here from the U.S. to take photos" card. Sadly I was then forced to press my lens against the glass and get only passable photographs.
Since 1834, this family has handcrafted exquisite umbrellas. If you get caught in a Paris shower without your umbrella, expect pay the price for one of hers!
Alexandra Sojfer
218 Blvd. Saint Germain
75007Paris
Métro: Sèvres Babylone
