Paris, France — An in-store skate ramp, a secret spot for cocktails, a splendid skylight and sneakers, sneakers everywhere were all on the agenda at the opening of the new P448 boutique and space in Paris on the elegant Faubourg Saint-Honoré. It was probably one of the most fun openings in the French capital this year with people of all ages on hand mixing and mingling in the upstairs café and skateboarders doing their thing on the boutique’s skate ramp. Eye-catching art works by a range of international street artists including Paris’ Pakone, UK’s Gone and LA-based British Artist Spraying Bricks further lit up the atmosphere. The high-end sneakers brought out by P448 showcase the finest in Italian craftsmanship, keen aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail and the environment. From the selection of materials, to the cutting of the leather, to the hand-stitching of the soles, every step of the production process is executed with meticulous attention to detail by master Italina craftsmen.

The store offers up men’s and women’s footwear, apparel and accessories in a relaxing environment. The brand is also all about connecting people, face to face and not in a virtual world underscoring the ongoing importance of real life so to speak.
“For our P448 Paris store, we dreamed of a unique and interactive space, which could fully represent the P448 spirit, honoring Paris. As we near the 2024 Paris Olympics, we especially wish to honor the skateboarding community,» said Wayne Kulkin, the CEO of P448 and who was on hand for the opening party, « We are on an unwavering mission to connect to our customer in a physical space, to explore and reconnect an in-person connection, which is amplified through our e-comm and social presence. We are passionate about face-to-face connection vs the push to metaverse.”

A philosophy that is greatly appreciated here at The Gourmet Gazette and elsewhere. And on an environmental note the house uses recycled discarded scrap pieces leftover from traditional leather production for example in its first collection Renew. Meanwhile the Vegan collection was created using primarily BioVegan material. And upcoming is a collection made from invasive species skins starting with the lion fish which looks like a great way to create awareness about invasive species which lead to the extinction of native flora and fauna. The lion fish for example contributes to the reduction of essential ocean biodiverisy and the destruction of ocean habitats.
©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette
https://p448.com/
20 Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré