I've moved on...
...to a different domain. Why, what were you thinking? The truth is, I just woke up one day and decided it's time for a change—a metamorphosis, if you will; or, in layman's terms, if Britney can shave her head, then maybe so can I? Nevertheless, it's been a rather handsome 10 years of talking to you, and thank you for putting up with all my moodswings and terrible dad jokes. Fear not! The hormonal imbalance and jokes are more terrible on CUBICLE, see you there.

A few weeks ago I made this small day trip to Paris – some might’ve heard the racket outside your window, that was me twittering on my way to the airport in the morning, so early you’d have mistaken it for a night alley cat giggling. Vente Privee so kindly invited me for a tour of their headquarters in Paris, with the whole trip packaged like a secret mission which I was to fulfil as an agent. The small box I received at the briefing contained a miniature plane, so to the airport it was. Vente Privee, a brand probably most familiar to my French readers, is apparently the pioneer and leader of online sales events, first before everyone decided to open member-exclusive sales for discounted luxury brands for a limited time. Well, here’s a few snaps from my visit! (Feel free to skip this post if you’re not much for a scrolling marathon – again, here’s an exit link)

Atmosphere

Huge, correction: humongous HQ building with major contemporary art pieces (including the King Kong sculpture by David Mach and portraits of the Queen & Kate Moss [not of together, duh]) hogging every corner. Not uploading any for the sake of not getting sued over copyright blablas. Legals terms I know not. In the hallways there were hangers and hangers of product to be photographed, yet these weren’t just clothes – BBQ machines, school stationery and even Jacuzzi’s… apparently they even sold cars and apartments in the past. I’d like to say that to someone someday: I bought this flat at an online sale.

Sound Studios

Talk about DIY – Vente-Privee do all sound, motion, concept design for the products that go on sale in the site. Each sale is individually photographed – editorial and product pics; a 3 minute-long trailer is also made in-house to suit the sale. All sounds are created in the 6 studios managed by Jean-Reol Bonnerave.

Motion Design Team

3D, animation, cartoon, film editing, CG… everything motion, treated in the Motion Design studios. (Above: Marielle Devoyon, manager)

The Photoshoot Village

My favourite part, naturally. The photo department was in a whole other building – housing nearly 40 photo studios and one very sexy room full of big cameras and studio equipments – all the photoshoots for the products happen here. Everything that goes on the website is shot and edited in the premises, which I found was very clever as it does keep a solid consistency in quality. (Above: Keelin Tassy, manager)

Webdesign Team

The most familiar setting for me, the WebDesign studios. They deal with the aesthetics of the site, including the site’s ‘door’ theme that changes every month. Right now I believe they have polarbears in Central Park NY…? Always lighthearted and featuring an animal of some sort! (Above: Emilie Veillon, manager)

Jacket – Courtesy of H! by Henry Holland, Sweater – Topshop, Shirt as Dress – AA, Riding Pants – AA, Shoes – Zara, Bag, Belt – Jin Yoo 103684

Overall I must say I was immensely impressed by the work atmosphere and how so many talents are housed under one roof. It’s a bit like that one loft building in Shoreditch where all the artists, actors and designers supposedly live, flat next to another… a bit more purple lighting in this case. It really does make a huge difference seeing what happens behind the scenes in a company, makes you realize how much work is put in for the things we always take for granted.

Apologies for the long post – if you made it down here you deserve a pot roast, or a BIG TASTY carrot for the vegetarians. Thank you always for reading what I’m up to. xx

Thank you Vente Privee for having me over and Simona Saccà for taking me around the entire day!

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17 Comments

  1. Wow! It looks like an awsome place to work!!
    I really enjoyed this post!
    thanks shini!!

    from seoul,
    Nostalgic Senses

    http://nostalgicsenses.blogspot.com

  2. carrrooottt.

    i want a photoshoot village for christmuck.

  3. Oh holy crap, the only thing I took away from this (because I’m crazy) are all of that jumble of a mess that are cords, cords, cords. Computer cords, telephone cords, keyboard cords, fan cord and dear God I hope that yellow pillow doesn’t have a cord poking out of its zipper. :(

    I had to scroll back up to the top to that desk with the white chairs for an escape.

    Okay, crazy person signing out.

    Patricia Ann
    http://www.theshapesofthings.com

  4. Hahaa I didn’t even notice that, it’s almost too chaotic it becomes a pattern… it’s funny how we as humans learn to ignore some things, especially cables… because they are kinda everywhere :P
    Let’s visit them again and sort out their cables!

  5. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Degriffes.com, UK Fashion News. UK Fashion News said: Vente Privee http://dlvr.it/9cq1m […]

  6. I’ll take the carrot, thanks ;)

    And thanks again for this trip with Venteprivee, I’m french and I’ve known about this website for long, of course. The website doesn’t look as sexy and appealing than their headquarters, but, obviously, they’re doing a very good job regarding the sales.

  7. Anne-Sophie

    Worked there for 6 months, and it was a great experience.
    It’s not just the headquarters, and the cool atmosphere (hello huge couches, espresso in every corner, or fridges full of coke and water) and people that work there.

    They also throw twice a year the best parties I’ve ever seen.

    And last but not least, it was Xmas every week, I was leaving the office with tons of free stuff !!!

    Great blog by the way, you male me wanna start mine again…

    Cheers
    Anne-Sophie

  8. That sounds so cool, good people, well stocked fridge (free, I presume?) and good parties, now that’s a perfect workplace!
    Hope you do start your blog again x

  9. wow. it all looks so cool. i wonder if everything looks so cool in Paris. probably :)

  10. hi,
    i discovered today your blog!
    Nice post, I like your pictures to!

    Vente privé it’s really nice !

    Annalisa

  11. wow, brilliant photos, totally enjoyed this post

    http://elenavasilieva.blogspot.com/
    x

  12. OWh I’m still a tourist and I guess I should really concentrate on blogging if there’s nothing much else going on!
    So glad the post appealed to a few, I was getting worried it was too long or booorin! Pot roast, carrot and some cupcakes x

  13. Getting an inside look at companies is something I always want to do – I think that’s why I’m attempting to work in every industry ever……… a totally schizophrenic resume if you ask me haha. The ambient lighting they have says so much about “employee well-being” and also reminds me of Virgin America’s planes!

  14. What a gorgeous headquarters to work in! I love their whole concept.

  15. […] • I’d never heard of the Paris-based company Vente Privee before but wow, you must check out their headquarters! […]

  16. Hi Shini,

    So glad you were able to take my place in the end. Thought you would be great for it.

    Miggy.x

  17. Just what exactly seriously stimulated you to post
    “PARK & CUBE”? Itruly loved the blog post! Thank you ,
    Lyle