Colette to close in December

By

Olivier Guyot

Translated by
Erin Floyd

Published
Jul 12, 2017

A thunderbolt out of a clear sky for the world of Parisian fashion. Colette, the landmark concept store of the French capital, has announced that it will close on December 20, 2017. The three-storey boutique, presided over by Sarah Andelman and founded by her mother Colette Rousseaux, had become an unmissable fashion monument on a global scale in only 20 years.

Amongst the dozen or so lines of its press release, the concept store explained, "Colette Rousseaux has arrived at an age where it is the time for her to take some time; and colette cannot exist without Colette." An expert in the art of events, Colette has once more adroitly mastered its exit, after celebrating its 20th anniversary with style and revelry.

The concept store, which excels in collaborations and the use of its window displays, put an end to its seasonal relationships with brands on its first floor, relaunching the space this season as Le Relais. A concept which allowed it to dedicate the floor to one sole label, or showroom, each month until the end of December. Currently allocated to a Balenciaga installation, the floor will be reassigned over the coming months to the labels of Lucien Pagès; Sacai; Thom Browne and Chanel. Saint Laurent will conclude the relay. It is indeed a transition which could finally see Saint Laurent move into the 600-metre-square area at 213 rue Saint Honoré.

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"We are in talks with Saint Laurent and would be proud to see such a prestigious label, with whom we have often collaborated over the years, take over our location," the release states. "We are delighted with the great interest that Saint Laurent has shown in this project, which could be a wonderful opportunity for our employees."

An independent space, a showcase for many labels and designers and a significant source of influence, 213 rue Saint Honoré could be making room for a fashion house heavyweight. An announcement which, mirroring the troubles of 10 Corso Como in Italy, is throwing into question the business model of major concept stores.