Colette Paris

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In an increasingly globalised world, and with Singapore becoming one of the most ‘connected’ cities in the world, we Singaporeans find that we have access to many things which were previously out of reach (sometimes literally).

MacDonald’s used to be the only true MNC, with outlets practically everywhere. But its monopoly on the trans-national business is coming to an end, and we can see it most distinctly in the fashion industry.

With the same luxury labels and high-street chain stores, the shopping district of the world’s major cities are looking more and more similar. How many cities worth mentioning today do not have a Louis Vuitton or H&M (ok, we still do not have a H&M, but it is only a matter of time… I hope!).

The grass is always greener on the other side, and wants are infinite, so we often find ourselves lusting after yet other things, despite our ever-expanding fashion inventory. Somehow, even as we love high street for being affordable, we continue to chase the elusive cool, which is increasingly individualized, limited edition-fied.

Stephie and I have been in love with Colette ever since we’d visited it in Paris earlier in May. It is just such an exciting retail space to explore, with its concept centered around the tag line of ’styledesignartfood’.

And it is true – you can indeed find all four elements at the store, which has attend cult-status since first opening it doors in 1997.

(Photo courtesy of www.colette.fr)

(Photos: http://www.bkrw.com)

Logically speaking, it may be easy to miss the shop on 213 Rue Saint-Honore as its name is not written anywhere on the shop front (Colette is represented by two blue circles), but the huge window displays ensure that you’ll definitely stop to look.

On the ground floor, you’ll find a crazy, incongruent assortment of scented candles, limited edition books, cult CDs and DVDs, jewellery, gadgets and skincare products. It may take a good few hours to peruse everything properly – if one is not rapidly distracted by the next product in line.

(Photo: http://www.bkrw.com)

If you think that the ground floor is a candy feast for your sense, the first floor will make you swoon. Filled with dozens of dummies decked out in the yummiest of apparels (both up-and-coming and exclusive luxury). The brands carried by the store ranges from Allegri from Victor & Rolf and Comme des Garcons to Bottega Veneta and Dior to Junya Watanabe and Ksubi. What a mix!

(Photos: http://www.bkrw.com)

And what care to details – all outfits comes complete with shoes!

Then there’s still the ‘food’ portion to be taken care of. To do so, the shop also have a water bar providing culinary delights and 100+ water brands (for real!).

(Photo: http://www.bkrw.com)

Colette also boast an exhibition space that changes each month, including exhibits of graffiti, photography, graphic designs, video installations by a mix of young unknown artists and established masters of the art scene.

(Photo: http://www.bkrw.com)

Ah, such a long post!

But you know, we really do like this store very much. As consolation to us Singaporeans, they have an online store – everyone say yeah!

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Filed under Fashion, Feature, Homeware, Jewelry, Shops, Style Files: Europe

Tags: Art, Brands, Colette, Design, exhibition, Food, Paris, Rue Saint-Honore, style, Water Bar