From Children's Toys to Fashion Accessories

When it comes to seeing his name and work pop up on our blog, instagram our Facebook page, Collin Garrity is no stranger. As our in-house woodworker, Collin is always coming up with some new and exciting project to contribute to the store, which makes it all the easier to talk about him. Collin's breadth of work has been expanding since day one, leaving his comfort zone of children's toys to explore new territory of lighting fixtures, furniture, Christmas ornaments and fashion accessories, which brings us to what we're most excited about at the moment. Recently contacted by one of France's leading fashion designers Christophe Lemaire, Collin created numerous handmade wooden toggles that act as clasps on Lemaire's current line of belts. As you can see from the photos below (courtesy of Elle France) Collin's toggles have now been featured in Vogue UK, Elle France and have been seen walking down the runway of Paris' Fashion Week! Our excitement is through the roof and Collin is living proof that you never know where things may take you and to live out one's passion in life is an absolute must.

From ChristopheLemaire.com :

Christophe Lemaire designs the clothes he would like to wear himself, and the result is possibly the most universal garde-robe. The ideal wardrobe is the perennial theme of his collections, timeless yet precise garments for each one to mix according to the mood and moment to create a very personal unform. He solves the equation of a garment that is completely wearable for a diverse range of individuals looking for pieces both quiet and singular.

In june 2010, Christophe Lemaire is named artistic director of Hermès women ready to wear and presented his first collection in march with cordial welcome. “The choice was made very naturally. Christophe Lemaire designs sport chic garments exactly in the spirit of the ones created by Hermès since the 1920’s says Pierre Alexis Dumas, artistic director of the house, seduced by his perennial approach to fashion.” 

For more information visit www.christophelemaire.com

Weekend Inspiration: Wood

From driftwood to petrified, reclaimed to new, we are obsessed with different types of wood. With such a versatile material it's hard not to find something to love! Our collection above only shows a fraction of what one can use wood for. We've selected pieces that we felt were beautiful, either naturally on their own or by what they've become. The colors and textures found within wood always make for such a calming mood within the house or shop and as always, bringing natural outdoor elements inside enhances any atmosphere. Whether it's kitchen utensils, children's toys or purely decorative elements, we can't help but constantly be inspired by the beauty and practicality of wooden objects. 

A Few of Our Favorite Things

We would like to welcome our newest team member, Collin! A recent graduate from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina, Collin earned his degree in Creative Writing with focus in Woodworking. Shortly after finishing his studies, Collin decided to move to Savannah, bringing his immense talent with him. When he's not working at the store, you can find Collin hard at work building instruments, making jewelry, creating children's toys, designing light fixtures or updating his blog and etsy. We couldn't be more excited to have Collin as part of The Paris Market team and for him to share all his talent with us. Check out what keeps Collin inspired and stop by the store to see some of his beautiful woodworking, including our favorite line of children's tops!

1. Squirrel Nut Zippers Candy | 2. Starter Tool Kit | 3. Single Shot Espresso from our Patisserie 

4. Wooden Airplane | 5. Absinthe Sugar Cubes | 6. Santa Rosa Church Candles | 7. Life Notebook 

 8. Retro Pen

Amazing Artisans: Pale Blue Atlas Club

Collin Garrity is a widdler, wood worker, and all around amazing artisan. 

His shop, Pale Blue Atlas Club, offers up an array of beautifully carved toys and functional art for the home from reclaimed natural and exotic woods. He chooses to stay away from stains and harsh wood treatments so that his creations celebrate the true beauty of the materials he uses. Collin currently lives outside Asheville NC, where he builds furniture and stringed instruments, studies English and History, climbs trees, and still loves to play with tops.

You can find Collin's beautiful carvings and creations within the walls of The Paris Market, as well as, his online shop. 
We can't wait to see what's in store for Pale Blue Atlas Club and what they craft up next!
Here's to Handmade Love and the Love of Handmade!