So I’m going to just have to go ahead and call bullshit on Colette, guys. I know it’s the grande dame of concept stores, but just because you were the first at something doesn’t mean you remain the best at something, and my visit yesterday made me feel as though I was making my way through a over-crowded super-fashion theme park.* It’s not like there isn’t fantastic stuff to look at, because there’s plenty, but it’s all crazy expensive, which doesn’t make it feel incredibly relevant to this moment in time, or all that imaginative. The collaborations they’re so famous for feel strained to me. I think we can all agree that the world already has more than enough Kaws t-shirts, no?
I love love loved Merci, however.** Isn’t it nice when a person, place or thing not only meets your expectations but exceeds them?
*Seriously: I had just come from the Louvre, and Colette was more jammed.
**More later, I promise.
Hi!
I have no comment about this entry, other then that the Louvre is awesome.
I read this article online and thought you would like it:http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-women-still-can-8217-t-have-it-all/9020/?single_page=true
Have fun in Paris!
Hooray for calling bullshit on Colette which has been sitting on its wilted laurels for far too long. Glad you’re enjoying Paris!
The decorative planter says it all!
Second hoorah for calling BS on Colette. Disagree with you about Merci, though — was there last summer and didn’t think it was anything special. Just another store full of American tourists thinking they “found” it. Do try the restaurant though – fab salads. Found a replacement for the NL shirt you wanted yet?
Oh — try the store Petrusse for their gorgeous fabulous shawls and scarves! It’s near Sevres-Babylone metro
I totally agree with your assessment. Been to both. I love the flower shop at Merci.
Try L’Eclaireur. Three locations:
8 rue Boissy d’Anglas
12 rue Malher
10 rue Hérold. Like the one in the Marais best.
And I agree: Colette is way overrated.
Colette is most definitely not the first concept store. (It was among the first in France, however.)
Merci was great when it opened, but their prices are exorbitant, often for merch that others are selling for less. Of course, you can say that it’s “going to charity”, but I’m not entirely sure about that… That said, their merchandising and display are wonderful.
That little red car is just the cutest thing ever. All cars should be adorable, like they used to be.
Sometimes boutiques try too damned hard. Been into “Vince” lately? Way too dark. And Tory Burch – OMG so busy with pattern on pattern. No wonder I never see anyone in either of those stores in an otherwise very busy upscale shopping mall – not in Paris, but Boca Raton!
Yep. Visited Paris last year and Colette was such a disappointment– certainly nothing like my experience in 2004.
Absolutely hate Colette! Filled with Japanese and American tourists. My cousin works 2 blocks away and would never go there. Absolutely overrated and with such an attitude.
Finally visited Merci last year for first time – interesting (much better than Colette), but considering all Paris has to offer, won’t make the trek there again.