TRACKING DOWN - About GAOPÉ's selection work

The most beautiful pieces are rarely the easiest to find.

They elude familiar window displays and are rarely caught by algorithms. They live elsewhere: in a Corsican shop with Italian treasures, in a secret workshop, or a confidential showroom whose address circulates among insiders.

Swept up by the rhythm of daily life, we give in to ease: the department store, the universal platform, the omnipresent brand. But this simplicity sometimes comes at a high price: common pieces whose price sometimes reflects neither the material nor the origin of manufacture.

GAOPÉ takes the opposite path, for those who seek singularity and the pleasure of the "little gem." We travel across Europe, house by house, to find pieces that cannot be found elsewhere, then we gather them at a single address.

Our selection criteria are simple: first, a crush on the beautiful piece. Then, European roots.

Our first selection brings together contrasting universes: jackets made from upcycled materials, coats designed to accompany everyday life, hand-knitted items, shoes with soles made from recycled tires, sculpted bags, composed jewelry, scarves made through a meticulous process.

Other brands will follow, from Spain, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Germany or elsewhere. Not to tick off countries, but to continue the same work: to unearth beautiful, unique pieces from independent European designers who have chosen to produce their pieces in Europe.

These are small brands: many of their creations are made to order or in limited series. Sometimes, a little patience is required to receive your piece.