John Agee Paris on rue Jacob

I visited friend and Bonapart client John Agee on Friday evening. Suffice to say it was a satisfying experience to see him living his dream and not least because he has a secret cache of champagne in a minute fridge hidden behind his desk.

Texan (with a smidgen of French heritage) John Agee has touched down in Paris' most exclusive shopping area, rue Jacob in St Germain des Prés. His brand new (well 17th century structurally but brand new interior) jewelbox-like premises nestles alongside world-class antiques boutiques on this discreet street for those in the know.

John is a talented jewellery designer hailing from McAllen, Texas, although he could pass as an Edwardian englishman. Design and production in the US were going swimmingly but he'd felt the lure of Paris from an early age.

Cole Porter and Billie Holiday play on the stereo, he thinks the French do in-store décor well but can't abide the silence that greets the shopper. He proudly showed me the fabulous renovation, (handled by Marc Berri architects who also did Loulou de la Falaise's boutique - contact via Olivier des Clers SO2 design based NYC/Paris).

He also showed me his brand new residence permit, grinning like a Cheshire Cat. Not for the light-hearted - he and his partner Luis Fernandez sold their home in LA, moved half-way across the world, set up a French company to complement the US base and started a renovation project on a listed building. NB: The French reputation for bureaucracy is not conducive to these types of plans.

As well as his signature jewellery line he'll be showcasing talented handbag designers as well as local artists such as sculptor Thierry Breton who is nestling amongst the necklaces right now

It's at dream location at no.11, rue Jacob and they're still coming down to earth!

Comments

[Thomas Agee]

Hi, I'm John's cousin. I am living and going to college in his home town of Austin. His mother Liz and I have been staying in touch and told me about John's progress on his boutique. I want to say congratulations to him and was also wondering if you might send any other articles or information about his new business to me at the provided email. Thanks

[Jennifer Tesch]

I was one of John's friends out of high school and I could not be more delighted to read of John's success. My friend Brent and I were talking about John last night and wondering where he is, now we know! I would love to get more information on John's business and his progress. I miss him tons and am delighted for his success. Jen

[susie]

I seem to be the missing person's bureau in paris :) I have had numerous requests for further information on Dear John since I wrote a little piece about a year ago, it must be coming up on google and for other articles too I am often contacted by family friends trying to track down long lost relatives and buddies.

[Julie Crouch]

I am so happy to read about John's international success, and his happiness! I am lucky enough to have crossed paths with him while living in Texas and in California. He is so very talented, such a wonderful person truly a delight to all who know him! We sure miss him, but I know his star is shining bright in Paris! Please give him my best!
:)

[Kelly Benoit]

I am so glad to hear and see that John is living his dreams. Him and I were friends in high school and I have always wondered what happen to him. My girlfriend and I Jennifer were talking about him this weekend and she informed me of his success. CONGRATS you deserve it.