XXO

Since 1997, XXO has specialized in the rental of vintage design and furniture for events, trade shows and receptions in Paris and the rest of France. The facade of the building is somewhat industrial, with no real clues as to what lies behind the shutters. It is, however, easy to find, on the outskirts of downtown Paris, and there is plenty of parking right outside. XXO has built up a reputation for quality over the years, and when you take a look at the merchandise it is easy to see why.

The driving passion behind XXO is custom and creative interior design, followed closely by a love of all things vintage. There are three brains behind this endeavor, and the store began as an amalgamation of each of their own collections of vintage items and curiosities. It has grown organically over the past 20 years, with an increasing focus on design, restoration and creativity to complement the already honed skills of collecting! XXO regularly collaborates with major luxury houses such as Hermès, Givenchy and Stella Mc Cartney, as well as advertising companies such as BBDO and BETC.

Behind the front door of XXO is a "mountain of vintage furniture", as the owners themselves describe it. This does not seem to be an exaggeration, as every inch of space in the 4,000 square foot warehouse is used in some way to store items. From Paulin to Starck, Hermann Miller to Knoll, Eames, Panton or Le Corbusier, visitors can enjoy unique pieces born from the genius of the greatest designers of the 20th century.

There is not always a clear system to be found, and a visitor's eye may simply pass over the merchandise, struggling to focus on or find particular items of interest. You may be boarding a transatlantic liner, skiing in Aspen, or enjoying a cocktail in the same nightclub as in A Clockwork Orange. Shoppers should not be intimidated by this, however, but allow a little extra time to adjust to the chaos and find the treasures. As with the best flea markets, you have to dig a little and get your hands dirty to come up trumps.

Although XXO is almost exclusively dedicated to the rental of vintage and contemporary design furniture, lighting, and decorative objects, every December they host an extraordinary sale. This is an event not to be missed, as it is extremely rare and offers the opportunity to purchase certain pieces that are difficult to find elsewhere. In addition to its rental activities, XXO also offers a valuation service. They are happy to undertake research into unknown antiques and will reveal many a story behind valuable collectors' items.