By: Rachel Pillow
“Our goal is to introduce French culture to the people of Suwanee…”
“Everything is an experience meant to be enjoyed,” said Isabelle Terriot, Owner of the newly opened French Touch Boutique in Suwanee. “And this store has been created on that idea,” she continued, in her beautiful, French accent. Such is the French way of life: slowing down to enjoy leisurely shopping, dining, walking and conversing with neighbors. When Isabelle and her family moved to the Atlanta area from France in July of 2013, they deliberately searched for a city that reminded them of home – which is how they ended up in Suwanee.
Suwanee Town Center (directly adjacent to the boutique) is “not your typical American style” explained Isabelle’s husband, Sebastien Terriot. Instead, everybody is walking around, taking their time and enjoying the shops, park, restaurants and each other’s company. French people tend to live very intentionally: noticing life’s daily pleasures and finding joy in the details.
“We take pleasure in dressing well, we take pleasure in meeting people. The same experience should be with shopping – we want you to take pleasure in it and take your time,” Sebastien said. With the addition of a “kids area” that includes a television, small couches, books and games – they have already made the shopping experience more enjoyable for moms who are toting young ones around.
Isabelle carefully hand-selects the beautiful clothes, shoes, jewelry, purses, lingerie, swimwear and accessories you will find in French Touch Boutique. But, customers also delight in their “gifts with purchase” and the uniquely French touches sprinkled throughout the shop. Delicate, handmade soaps, delicious jams, and the most amazing chocolate truffles on this side of the Atlantic, are among the specialty items you might find imported from France. “Our goal is to introduce French culture to the people of Suwanee – to share the experience, our lifestyle,” said Isabelle.
The Terriot’s recalled their surprise upon first visiting the US and noticing women in sweatpants or even printed pajama pants at the supermarket. French people grow up learning that the way you present yourself affects your attitude and affects how others tend to approach, they explained. But, their approach to fashion and beauty is done so with enviable effortlessness. There is an understated elegance and feminism that seems almost innate in French women, and Isabelle is no exception.
France is well known as a worldwide fashion icon – with Fashion Week in Paris as the icing on the cake each year. And, yes, Isabelle has been – many times. “Fashion has always been a passion of mine,” she said. A passion, borderline obsession, her husband affectionately joked. Joking aside, Sebastian moved the family across the globe for his career, but is now incredibly thankful and supportive of the opportunity it brought his wife as well. “The store, our employees and customers are part of our family now,” he said, “and I’m so happy that my wife is doing something she loves.”
Isabelle carefully hand-selects the beautiful clothes, shoes, jewelry, purses, lingerie, swimwear and accessories you will find in French Touch Boutique. But, customers also delight in their “gifts with purchase” and the uniquely French touches sprinkled throughout the shop. Delicate, handmade soaps, delicious jams, and the most amazing chocolate truffles on this side of the Atlantic, are among the specialty items you might find imported from France. “Our goal is to introduce French culture to the people of Suwanee – to share the experience, our lifestyle,” said Isabelle.
The Terriots recalled their surprise upon first visiting the US and noticing women in sweatpants or even printed pajama pants at the supermarket. French people grow up learning that the way you present yourself affects your attitude and affects how others tend to approach you, they explained. But, their approach to fashion and beauty is done so with enviable effortlessness.
There is an understated elegance and feminism that seems almost innate in French women, and Isabelle is no exception.
France is well known as a worldwide fashion icon – with Fashion Week in Paris as the icing on the cake each year. And, yes, Isabelle has been – many times. “Fashion has always been a passion of mine,” she said. “A passion, borderline obsession,” her husband affectionately joked. Joking aside, Sebastien moved the family across the globe for his career, but is now incredibly thankful and supportive of the opportunity it brought his wife as well. “The store, our employees and customers are part of our family now,” he said, “and I’m so happy that my wife is doing something she loves.”
