Voice of London

You might want to seriously consider a trip to Paris as it could be your last chance to experience shopping at one of the world’s most significant boutiques before it closes as soon as 20^th December this year.

As of today, you have until 25^th of November to enjoy Chanel’s exclusive designs, which took over the whole first floor of the Parisian boutique Colette. The famous brand and the unique boutique have prepared for you a variety of limited-edition items for Fall/Winter 2017, and T-shirts designed by Chanel’s creative director, Karl Lagerfeld himself. Next Monday to the variety of ready-to-wear pieces will be also added Chanel’s Cruise 2018 collection, providing you with one more reason to visit the store.

Colette hosting this pop-up with Chanel is the last collaboration before Saint Laurent takes over the first floor from 27^th Nov and then over the address permanently. And for this special occasion, they have also prepared an exciting program, which was released just tonight.

During the month of Chanel various tutorials, talks, exhibitions, and other events will be held at Colette. And the culmination is 21^st November when the long-awaited Chanel x Pharell x Addidas Hu NMD will be released.

20 years of success

In 1997 Colette Rouseaux started from scratch with no plan, no big expectations, nothing but an idea and, of course, passion. And for the next two decades, together with her daughter, she has been the heart of one of the world’s most influential fashion stores.

During the years the unique store has become a top shopping destination not just for fashion lovers but also for key people in the fashion industry. This huge success is due to Colette’s talent to be the first to spot and introduce the next big thing. What is more, spread around the three floors of the “trendiest store in the world” are many precisely selected items that could be found nowhere else. And there is a variety not only of pieces but also of prices.

“It’s the only shop where I go because they have things no one else has.”

– Karl Lagerfeld for Business of Fashion

Located in Paris, on Rue Saint Honore, the fashion boutique has reached and influenced not just all of France but the rest of the world as well. Just about a year after Colette opened its doors, the first collection, exclusive to the store was introduced and set the beginning of a long list with great collaborations. Within their 20-year-long history, Colette has worked with various brands such as Vans, New Balance, Nike, Balenciaga, Silly Thing, Louis Vittoun, Vespa, Apple, Sacai, Hermes, Ladurée, etc. Further, there may have always been only one permanent store but pop-ups have appeared in big cities, such as New York (2008) and Tokyo (2004).

However, now when Rouseaux is ready to retire, we are counting the last days of the Parisian boutique. After all, there is only one Colette in the world, there could also not be ruled by someone other than Colette herself. But one thing is sure – Colette played an essential role in the fashion world and will be missed.

Let’s be honest. Two hours on the train from London to Paris do not seem that long when you know that you will have the opportunity to be among the last visitors of one of the most admired boutiques. So we suggest that you book a ticket and treat yourself with a sip of Colette’s uniqueness… While you still can.

Words: Zornitsa Valkova