Saint Laurent Sets Up Residency at Colette

When Colette heralded its departure from the fashion retail scene, thousands of “Oh Mon Dieu” gasps were heard across the fashion world. 

For 20 years, this three-level, 700 square metres shop tucked in Paris’s glamorous Rue Saint-Honoré  has been one of the must-drop-by attractions among fashionistas, right after the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Why? Well, reason being, Colette is not your garden variety of mixed-brand retailer. 

Instead, it is a hallowed hunting ground for finely curated designer goods unavailable elsewhere. And to have your brand or products retailed by a prestigious retailer as Colette is what every fashion designer desires. That shows just how strong Colette's influence is to the international fashion community! 

Though the departure would be a sad one for Colette's loyal customers, its legacy will not be left to forgotten so easily. To celebrate its great contribution to the fashion world, a slew of notable fashion designers and fashion labels have worked hand-in-hand with the revered Parisian retailer to create capsule collections or products that carries the infectious spirit of Colette - an independent fashion visionary at the forefront of trends. 

In a way, the Colette exclusive collections too serve as a stylish, celebratory swansong that its ardent customers will cherish in their hearts, forever.     

On 27 November, Parisian maison Saint Laurent, is set to take up a unique residency at its first floor. The pop-up store will open up to the last day of Colette’s operation (20 December 2017).

Alluding to Colette's unique vision and vivacious spirit, Saint Laurent has created a range of co-signed products that are not only attuned to the retailer’s vision, but also brimming with references to the contemporary popular culture. 

Moreover, this mixed bag of rarities, all signed Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, will drive both Colette and Saint Laurent fans in drove to own one or all.

T-shirt and hoodie sweatshirts designed by Vaccarello featuring popular culture imagery as well as small leather goods such as a blind-stamped leather sling bag with heart-shaped leather embellishment and lariat keyfob and card case are among the main highlights of the capsule collection.  

Other curated items on sale also include a customised vintage Polaroid SX-70 camera with custom Polaroid 600 black frame black and white film, a red crystal heart by renowned crystal maker Baccarat, a Total Black Vespa, heart-shaped chocolates and dessert by Pierre Marcolini, skates by Arkaic Concept – one featuring a leopard print version and an Inez and Vinodh roller, make-up palettes by Yves Saint Laurent Beautè, and a calendar with #YSL12 pictures by renowned fashion photographer David Sims.

That said, if you happened to be in Paris or planning to jet off to the capital of Je Ne Sais Quoi and insouciance next week, do make it a point to visit Saint Laurent’s residency at Colette for a goodie-hunting spree. 

Clueless of what to get from the Saint Laurent's Colette residency? Here’s what I’ve handpicked for you:

*Photos courtesy of Saint Laurent

Colette – 213, Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris – France.