Paris is undeniably one of the supreme style capitals of the world. The men and women all have that certain aura of chic that floats about them like a fragrance. Being the historical center of haute couture with the great houses of Chanel and Dior certainly helps, but for the latest buzz in fashion the visitor to Paris should wander a bit further and visitColette, a cutting edge boutique located on the rue Saint-Honoré.
Many people associate the name Colette with the racy writer, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, who represented a new feminine sensibility in her novels. The owner of the boutique shares two things with this culture icon: her name and a daring sense of the new, an evolving idea of the eternal feminine.
Colette opened in 1997 and is owned and run by a true style visionary, who hand picks the fashions and objects of desire that grace her shelves and racks.
Featured Fashions at Colette
The fashions featured by Colette are ever changing, and represent designers that range from exclusive to mass-market brands. Her selections have included Alexander McQueen, Levi's, and Rodarte. She also has exclusive designs produced for her store.
Colette has featured a line of puffer jackets with intricate stitching details designed by Alessandra Facchinettiwho worked for Gucci in the past as well as remakes of classic shoe designs worn by Greta Garbo and the Duchess of Windsor made by Ferragamo.
Lifestyle Shopping in Paris
However, be prepared for an all encompassing aesthetic experience when you cross the threshold of Colette, because it is far more than just a fashion boutique. Within the cool minimalist atmosphere created by metal and stone, Colette has created a veritable style mecca.
Aside from fashion you can find an eclectic collection of the newest culture objects, music, books as well as exhibitions in the art gallery. For beauty fanatics, there are esoteric beauty products and rare perfumes, such as Lucienne, which was inspired by 1930s glamour and created by the Comtesse Lucienne von Doz.
Stylish Refreshments at Colette
If you don't want your Colette experience to end with browsing the racks of avant-garde designers, you can wander downstairs to the lower level, which hosts another brave new concept, the Water Bar. Have a light lunch, with menu items that range from tabouli to New York hot dogs alongside the other jet set fashionistas who haunt the place, and choose from over one hundred brands of water from around the world.
For fashion enthusiasts that cannot wait to travel to Paris, the Colette website has much to offer. There are podcasts and a blog available. You can also purchase a limited number of products on the website and sign up for their newsletter that has their latest finds.
Colette
- 213 rue Saint-Honoré
- 75001 Paris France
- Metro: Tuileries or Pyramides
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