The wonderful world of roller derby is attracting more and more players. If you haven’t yet considered a no-holds-barred circuit race on roller skates where pushing and shoving are actively encouraged, perhaps you haven’t lived in a city long enough to build up the appropriate levels of rage. Unsurprisingly, the trend has caught on fast in Paris, and this roller derby equipment store is just one more bit of proof.
The little boutique is run by Major Kusanakill of the Paris Roller Girls team. First up on the painted shelves: eight-wheeled roller skates (a pair of Jacksons start at €160), which make sure your feet stay on the floor. The catalogue continues with protective gear, ultra-light skate plates (Pilot Falcon Plus will set you back around €280) and the all-important face paint for striking terror into the hearts of your adversaries.
As much as a boutique, Passage des Étoiles (the name comes from a derby manoeuvre) is a sociable place for fans of the sport (or indeed newbies) to meet up and get advice. You can test out the gear, order stuff in, customise your helmet or skates, and watch a match on TV with a cup of coffee in the downstairs team room. Pay them a visit and you might be Paris's newest roller derby convert.
TRANSLATION: ELLEN HARDY