Colette x Saint Laurent | The last dance of the Mecca of the concept store

Autor: Alegría Olmeda (@alegriaolmeda) | Although it is still hard to believe, the Mecca of the concept store, Colette, is slowly approaching its end (like all good things, isn’t it?).

During the 20 years of life of the iconic space where avant-garde and fashion have come together, among many other things, only the best designers and brands have managed to be present. Sneaking into one of its plants, it meant being in something like a hall of fame that positioned you in the newest, surprising and avant-garde freshness of the world fashion scene. Another level.

BBC Ice Cream, Citroen, Off-White, Balenciaga, Nike, Asics, Adidas, Dr. Martens or Polaroid (to name but a few) have been firms unable to resist Colette’s charms to make collaborations with her. For the last dance, they couldn’t let us down, no.

Saint Laurent has slipped into 213 Rue Saint Honoré to make us fall in love (for the umpteenth time) but, now it seems that with a declaration of intent. In July, in addition to Colette’s closure, the concept store announced that they were in negotiation with Saint Laurent to ‘take over‘ from the iconic place.

¿Qué podrás comprarte para despedir a la icónica concept store por todo lo alto? Pues absolutamente de todo: desde un mechero en el que reza ‘Smolking Forever’, haciendo referencia a Le Smoking Tuxedo que ideó Yves en los setenta, hasta una Vespa x Anthony Vaccarello (sí, sí, una Vespa). Por supuesto: camisetas, sudaderas con capucha, bolsos, un calendario con fotografías de David Sims… un sinfín de productos que, si no necesitabas, vas a empezar a hacerlo a partir de ahora.

What can you buy to bid farewell to the iconic concept store? Absolutely everything: from a lighter in which he says’ Smolking Forever’, referring to Le Smoking Tuxedo that Yves devised in the seventies, to a Vespa x Anthony Vaccarello (yes, yes, yes, a Vespa). Of course: T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, handbags, a calendar with photographs of David Sims… an endless number of products that, if you didn’t need them, you’re going to start doing it from now on.

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From November 27th to December 20th, the first floor will be occupied by the exclusive creations of Saint Laurent’s collaboration, all inspired by the style of the French capital.

Behind its doors, there will always be the memory of an exquisite endless variety of fashion, high tech, art, streetwear and cosmetics that will close for good on December 20th. We’ll miss you so much, Colette.