Rennes Unexpected Fashion Scene

When one thinks of fashion and France their mind automatically goes towards Paris. This makes sense, as Paris is home to many iconic fashion brands like Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Also, Paris streets are filled with boutiques, designer shops, and name-brand chains. But what about Rennes? What does this small city tucked in the northwestern part of France has to offer the fashion-forward students who reside here? How can I integrate European fashion into my closet? In this blog post, I will take a deep dive into the underrated fashion scene in Rennes. 

When you first arrive in Rennes the clothing stores won’t be what immediately catches your eye. Instead, the architecture, history, and culture hold your attention. But that doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade your wardrobe during your stay. If you are looking for name brands both familiar and new then three neighborhoods can help you out. First is Republique, upon exiting the metro station you’ll be greeted with an array of storefronts that take up the block. If you are looking for something familiar there is a Zara, Dr. Martins, Footlocker, and (x). But make sure to take the opportunity to peek inside Gallery Lafayette. Gallery Lafayette is a chain of malls throughout France and is known for carrying high-end quality brands, from France and other countries. (List Brands Here). 

But if Gallery Lafayette is out of your price range, don't worry about it, just walk over to the second neighborhood Saint Anne. Here you will find La Visitation, a one-story mall with European brands similar to the ones in the States that are nicer to your wallet. Check out Pull&Bear, Jules, and Bershka for a taste of the current trends in France. There is also an H&M if you are feeling homesick. 

Just a couple of metro stops away is the third and final neighborhood, Henry Freville, home to Rennes Alma an expansive shopping center with over 90 shops to choose from. Rennes Alma offers a wide array of fashion aesthetics to choose from. For men’s fashion, there is Devred and Jack & Jones, for women’s there is Stradivarius and Mando, for athleisure wear there is Adidas and Foot Korner. If you’re looking for jeans try Celios, Levis, or G Starr. 

If malls and popular trends aren’t your thing, that’s alright! Rennes is full of hidden gems to keep you interested. The streets of Rennes are ripe with second-hand boutiques known as “Fripperies”. If you are looking for vintage gems and unique statement pieces then Rennes is the city for you. These second-hand boutiques all offer a unique shopping experience. Vacarme in Saint Anne is one of my favorites, with an impressive selection of vintage clothing from fur coats to cowboy boots. They also have plants, pins, trinkets, and dishes for sale. Additionally, there is a fully functioning café and seating area, for a little break while shopping. Another good choice is the Kiloshop in Republique next to the Place de la Mairie. Kiloshop is surprisingly big on the inside, once you enter you’ll notice immediately the wide variety of aesthetics they offer. 

They have dress shirts, pants, and ties for the average working adult, vintage leather and jean jackets, maxi and miniskirts, and an impressive collection of accessories. The Kiloshop’s gimmick is that the clothes are priced based on weight. The different colored tags correspond to a different amount of euros per kilo. For example, a red tag is 20 euros for one kilo. The Kiloshop is also a chain so keep your eyes peeled when you're traveling around France you might see one. 

Rennes may not have the global fashion fame of Paris, but it offers a unique and vibrant scene for those willing to explore beyond the typical. From popular shopping centers like Galerie Lafayette and Rennes Alma to the hidden gems of second-hand boutiques and vintage shops like Vacarme and Kiloshop, there's something for every fashion lover. Whether you’re looking to stay on trend with affordable European brands or hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces, Rennes provides an exciting blend of modern and retro fashion options. So, next time you're in this charming city, don’t just admire its history and culture—dive into its eclectic fashion world and elevate your wardrobe.

Clark MOODY 

Drexel University 

CIEE-Rennes Liberal Arts FALL 2024