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Quoi de neuf - French shopping in January 2019
New products, designs and ideas from around France
Point your Pixter
From holiday selfies to foodie shots and architectural compositions of our favourite French scenes, we all love taking photos on our smartphones.
But to give an extra creative edge and a new dimension in the mobile photography experience, French company Pixter has developed a range of premium add-on lenses.
The company was founded in 2015 by Tristan Monod, Clément Chahmana and Alexis Pasquesoone, three passionate photographers and technology enthusiasts, who wanted to create simple to use and easy to transport photo lenses to boost creative photography.
There is a lens to suit every budget and level of photography expertise – with prices ranging from €29.90 for a starter lens (macro, fisheye and wide angle) to €159.90 for the Pro Pack for more experienced users (lenses include telephoto, polariser and super fisheye and macro pro).
Pixter lenses adapt to every smartphone model thanks to the universal mounting system and the company, which has had the ‘Made in Tech France’ label since 2015, also offers accessories such as tripods and Bluetooth remote control.
Biological path to beauty
Defying the ageing process – at least when it comes to skincare – is not an entirely lost cause thanks to French companies such as Phyt’s, an independent business based near Cahors, Lot.
The firm has been researching and developing natural, biological cosmetics – without gelling agents and stabilisers – since 1972, and takes careful measures to minimise the impact that its ‘chemistry’ has on the environment.
Panacée, one of its latest premium products, is an anti-ageing cream for mature skin types that ‘reduces wrinkles significantly’. RRP €90, see website for outlets.
Socking it to them
As sock production goes, the detailed, hands-on human endeavour that goes into making ‘Made in France’ Archiduchesse chaussettes (see the video on their website) is something to behold.
Especially considering the reasonable price of around €7 per pair.
Avoid lost-sock trauma with the Saint-Etienne firm’s fresh and fun ‘Semainiers’ Happy Colours packs – €45 for seven pairs.
Bringing art to life at home
We all have a favourite work of art. But what if you could have a painting transposed onto a cushion, headboard, lampshade or even curtains?
French company Muséo, founded in Paris twelve years ago, has a three-step approach to creating tailored artwork to adorn your home. First, their rights and design department searches for the work in their imagebank and prepares the item; next, the workshop looks after the printing process; and finally the finishing touches are made by its team of skilled craftsmen.
The company works with major hotels in France to craft in situ artworks and has also collaborated with Philippe Starck. Artwork shown Jeune Fille by Jean-Hippolyte Flandrin: lampshade from €180.