In 1980, Armand Hadida opens his first point of sale in the basement of a gallery on the Champs Elysées. For him a way to affirm his chosen path by proposing clothes of designers embodying the brightness in fashion for the upcoming decennia.

He becomes the first distributor of brands like Girbaud, Prada, Helmut Lang, John Galliano, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela in France. Since then, l’Eclaireur has opened four other shops established as true venues, meeting points for all the aficionados being terrified of only one word : «shopping».

The nineties bring about a new challenge, the opening of the boutique in ‘rue des Rosiers’, with a strong eclectic collection. Hadida introduces the «Antwerp 6» together with names as Sipek, Dubreuil, Starck, Comme des Garçons, Hussein Chalayan etc… An important step forward.

Pioneers in combining design and fashion, pioneers in breaking away with the traditional distribution system, Armand & Martine Hadida gave a new direction to the highly bana- lised profession of «retail selling». Extremely sharp-edged choices and a service dedicated to the needs of the specific client serve as the basic principles of the couple.

At L’Eclaireur the client is invited to take part in a story where creators appear to be actors. Still located in the Marais in 2000 a new L’Eclaireur solely concentrating on men’s fashion opens its doors in rue Malher.

A year later in 2001, the fearless couple endeavours a new challenge opening Hérold (place des Victoires ) without any windows, without a name and without any visibility in the street. «In this space we only wanted to put the exclusive character of the designers in the spotlights instead of focussing on a large marketing campaign…»

Intuition and their instinct how to create a difference mark the force of this visionary duo. At L’Eclaireur, first of all the client is welcomed as the host of the venue. Martine Hadida believes you can only grow by fascinating encounters and passing on the passion of presenting artistic creations rather than merely showing collections. «Blazing more nobility in our places.

Transpose the talent of those who launch new trends in the world of fashion. When we possess this magnificent seeds, we have to let them cultivate in an authentic composition» illuminates Armand Hadida.

In 2008, L’Eclaireur established rue Boissy d’Anglas, revisiting the spirit of Faubourg between Lanvin and Hermès. Refering to the magic of Fornasetti intensifies a luxury based on the art of surprising people. L’Eclaireur turns the cards and opens a restaurant in a decor based on the archives of this illusionist.