Paris‘s ‘It’ Spot: How Davé Became the Ultimate Celebrity Hotspot
PARIS – Before social media dictated celebrity haunts, there was Davé, a Parisian restaurant that quietly became the place to be seen for artists, musicians, actors, and fashion icons for over four decades. now, a new book, “A Night at Davé,” offers a rare glimpse into the intimate, Polaroid-captured world of this legendary establishment, revealing how a simple desire to create a welcoming atmosphere blossomed into an unparalleled cultural hub.
Davé, opened in 1980, wasn’t conceived as a celebrity magnet. Owner Davé, whose last name has become synonymous with the restaurant itself, simply wanted a space where engaging people could connect. However, word spread quickly about the restaurant’s unpretentious vibe and Davé’s personal touch – his habit of photographing patrons with a Polaroid camera. This created an immediate, tangible connection, and soon, a constellation of stars began frequenting the discreetly chic locale. The restaurant’s closure in 2017 left a void in the Parisian social scene,and the book serves as a vibrant,nostalgic reminder of an era defined by genuine connection and unfiltered moments.
The restaurant’s appeal stemmed from its egalitarian spirit. “They (the wider clientele) were very happy as they could see the result promptly. There’s no surprise with the Polaroid – you can’t take bad pictures of people without them knowing,” Davé explained. This playful interaction, combined with the restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere, attracted a diverse crowd including Keith haring, Mick Jagger, Aurore Clément, and countless others. Davé estimates he produced a few thousand Polaroids over the years, manny of which were displayed on the restaurant’s walls – copies were used to safeguard the originals.
The Polaroids themselves became a key element of the Davé experience, offering instant gratification and a unique memento of the evening.Davé recalls fondly photographing people using landline phones, a now-nostalgic detail captured in his archive. “I particularly love the photos I took of people on the phone, like Aurore Clément, keith Haring, and Mick Jagger. It’s rare to see them photographed like that,” he noted.
More than seven years after the restaurant closed, revisiting his archives for “A Night at Davé” proved unexpectedly uplifting for Davé. “I thought that Polaroids no longer had a place – that the phone has replaced them – but I loved diving back into my archives,” he said.”I didn’t feel sadness, nostalgia, or regret (putting the book together). I loved learning from people, diving into their worlds, their universes, so I was happy to see all the good moments I’d lived.” The book, published [publication date not provided in source], is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and a festivity of a bygone era of Parisian nightlife.
