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‘April in Paris’ brings French flair to Bethlehem
April 27th, 2024 | In The News
Report by Blakely McHugh
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A local boutique owner is transporting the shops, sights and sounds of Paris to Bethlehem.
Marché Maison — a Parisian-inspired pop-up shop — will feature many items straight from the streets of France.
“I really look for things that speak to me, things that are unique, things that are special,” said Michelle Olson, owner of Marché Maison.
Olson has been traveling across the Atlantic Ocean for years, finding unique, one-of-kind pieces to bring to the Lehigh Valley.
“I tried to find items that are have markings, you know, this being from Paris,” Olson said, showing off a piece of silver with the word “Paris” engraved.
She gathers them from famous flea markets in France, but local yard sales in the Frenc country are her favorite.
“That is where you really find the good stuff,” said Olson.
Some of the pieces that will be for sale at the pop-up shop are dated back to 1836. It’s a marriage of history and decorative items at Marche Maison.
Olson is hosting her event at the Kemerer Museum in Bethlehem, calling it “April in Paris.” The event will feature shopping, a live accordionist, a fresh flower stem bar by Phoebes flowers, and a pop-up exhibition of Vintage Chanel Fashions.
“When you think of France and fashion, Coco Chanel is the first thing that comes to mind,” said Brett Peters, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites’ curator of collections & exhibitions.
Some of the vintage Chanel pieces — which date back to the 1960s — will be on display during Sunday’s event.
“This is the first time we’ve ever had a collection of Chanel pieces on display like this. And not only Chanel pieces, but such a high level of Chanel pieces.”
The collection showcases some of Chanel’s most iconic designs, like their tweed two-piece set, the pearl necklaces and floral details.
“It’ll be on view for, you know, really one day and one day only at April in Paris,” Peters said.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Her business has a permanent location in downtown Bethlehem, which is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except for Tuesdays.
Read the article and watch the accompanying videos on the WFMZ website.
