Dubbed the "trendiest store in the world" by Forbes, the iconic Parisian boutique, Colette, is set to close its doors on December 20 – but is presenting one final collaboration before it does.
Whether Colette should be seen as yet another victim of the decline of bricks and mortar stores, or whether it simply came to its natural end, one thing is certain, the closing of Colette marks the end of an era. When the news was announced in June, the statement read: "Colette Roussaux has reached the time when she would like to take her time, and Colette cannot exist without Colette."
Founded by Roussaux and her daughter Sarah Andelman, Colette opened its doors in Paris in March 1997. Covering three floors and 8,000 square feet of prime Rue Saint-Honoré real estate, it has always prided itself on offering things that no one else has. A perfectly curated concept store, filled with fashion, accessories, a bookstore and an exhibition space, here toys, music and magazines all jostle for space, while in the basement there is even a water bar, offering 73 different types of mineral water. It has long been a favourite with Paris's fashion set – even Karl Lagerfeld is rumoured to be a fan.
Colette has been a part of numerous collaborations over the course of its 20-year history, each offering something unique and interesting. Now, with its doors set to close for good, its last ever tie-up is, somewhat fittingly, with Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello. Both brands typify a certain Parisien “je ne sais quoi”, so this feels like a natural note for Colette to bow out on.
Called Saint Laurent x Colette, the collaboration will see Saint Laurent take over the whole of the first floor from tomorrow, while also presenting designs by other fashion houses.
The collection is almost entirely in black, and includes T-shirts and sweatshirts fronted with references to bands such as Depeche Mode or Patti Smith, while for the purists, there are YSL shoulder bags with stitched hearts, and matching coin purses.
For those looking for a more affordable memento, there is a range of lighters emblazoned with chic white YSL lettering, while tote bags have the words "c'est comme ca" across the front. A black-and-white calendar has been shot by British fashion photographer David Sims, and skateboards have been created by French design agency Arkaic Concept and Dutch photographer duo Inez and Vinoodh. There is even a customised vintage polaroid camera, a Vespa by Total Black, and matching helmets by Ruby, in black or fully crystallised.
For those with a sweet tooth, there are heart shaped chocolates by Pierre Marcolini and a compilation of vinyl tracks by rapper Travis Scott. Each and every piece is a collector’s item, and to mark the occasion, everything has been signed by Vaccarello.
The collection will be on sale until Colette closes on December 20, although we imagine these treasures will sell out long before then. So, if you find yourself in the Parisian capital in the next few weeks, you know exactly where to go.
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