Corto Moltedo

Corto Moltedo, the trendy new flagship store showcasing the luxury bag line launched by the young American-Italian designer Gabrielecorto Moltedo, has become the latest haven of Palais Royal hip. Moltedo, who describes his aesthetic as “pop-luxe” chic, combines the best of ancestral Italian craftsmanship (his parents were former owners of Bottega Veneta) with exotic skins, sumptuous leathers and vibrant colors. Moltedo’s “Susan”—a metal-box handbag complete with rigid handle, magnetic fastening and black satin lining—has already become something of an It bag. The Moltedo men’s line has also been a hit with stylish young business types, and Madonna recently signed up for the store’s custom service. If your budget doesn’t equal the Queen of Pop’s, more reasonably priced travel accessories include funky laptop cases shaped like giant cassette tapes.

Palais Royal, 146-148 Galerie de Valois, Paris 1st, 01.40.20.03.16. website

Originally published in the June 2010 issue of France Today