L'Appartement, a new boutique and e-commerce site founded by Rafaella Petrolacci, opened at 2581 West Broadway in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood, offering a curated selection of French and Italian womenswear, accessories, jewelry, and footwear. The store aims to merge the casual ease of the West Coast with the chic elegance of Parisian style.
Founder's Vision
Petrolacci, who moved from Paris to Vancouver in 2013, felt the city lacked a retail space that reflected her personal aesthetic. 'I created L’Appartement because I couldn’t find a place in Vancouver that felt like me,' she said. 'Living between Paris and Vancouver, I’ve always been drawn to pieces that work both for a no-nonsense, casual lifestyle, and that also bring a bit of joy — something to elevate the day and infuse it with style.'
Curated Brands and Unique Selection
The boutique stocks brands such as Des Petits Hauts, Le Mont St Michel, and A Punto B, many of which are exclusive to the store or have limited availability in Vancouver. Petrolacci emphasized her personal connection to each brand, noting, 'They were all chosen because I have a personal connection to them — have worn them for years, know the designer’s intentions, backgrounds, esthetics, practices, etc.'
Store Atmosphere
Designed to evoke a Parisian apartment rather than a traditional retail space, L'Appartement offers an intimate shopping experience. 'It’s a small boutique inspired by the feeling of a Parisian apartment and closet more than a traditional retail space,' Petrolacci explained. 'I wanted it to feel personal, intimate and a little bit like discovering beautiful things in someone’s home.'
Background
Thirteen years after her move to Kitsilano, Petrolacci realized her dream of opening a boutique that brings Parisian allure to B.C. The store reflects her dual-city lifestyle, offering pieces that are easy to live in yet bring personality, colour, and pleasure to dressing. For more information, visit lappartementvancouver.com.
